Thousands of police officers will be on duty this weekend as the Notting Hill Carnival returns to the streets of West London. The iconic event, one of the world’s largest street festivals, attracts around a million people each year, making it a fixture in the city’s cultural calendar. However, it also presents significant challenges for law enforcement due to the dense crowds and the potential for criminal activity.
Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for this year’s event, highlighted the dual nature of Carnival, reflecting on her connection to it. Having grown up not far from where Carnival takes place, I have many happy memories of the music, costumes, floats, and fantastic atmosphere,” she said. That is the experience I want everyone coming to Carnival this year to have, and we will work closely with the organisers and partners to make that a reality.
However, Commander Brenyah also acknowledged the darker side of the event, where a minority of individuals use Carnival as an opportunity to commit crimes. As a police officer on duty in previous years, I’ve seen both the joyous Carnival I experienced in my youth, and the more serious side later in the day, when floats and costumes give way to incidents of violence.
Over the past two years, Carnival has seen over 500 arrests, 15 stabbings, including one fatality, and more than 125 police officers assaulted. Given this history, Commander Brenyah emphasized the importance of a significant police presence: “We’re there to keep you safe—if you see us, say hello—but we’re also there to intervene decisively against those intent on violence.
Approximately 7,000 officers will be deployed throughout the weekend to ensure the safety of those attending the event. These officers will be drawn from local policing teams, as well as specialist units, and will be supported by colleagues from the City of London Police and British Transport Police. The operation follows months of detailed planning in collaboration with event organizers, local authorities, and other partners, all with the shared goal of delivering a safe Carnival.
Officers will maintain a vigilant presence, focusing on identifying and intervening against anyone planning to commit violence. The Met will also use its search powers when necessary to remove weapons from the streets. Despite recent disorder seen in London and other parts of the UK, there is currently no indication that those responsible plan to attend Carnival. However, police have reassured the public that they will respond swiftly and decisively if necessary.
A particular concern this year is the safety of women and girls, with dense crowds creating opportunities for offenders to engage in groping and other forms of sexual assault. Police are urging victims or witnesses of such offences to report them immediately. In addition, the charity Safer Spaces will set up zones across the event, offering a place of rest or refuge for women and girls. The Met is working closely with the charity to support its important work.
Crowd safety remains a key consideration for the Met, especially in light of last year’s introduction of a specialist Crowd Management Cell, which will once again monitor crowd density and flow. Commander Brenyah noted the challenges posed by hosting such a large event in a constrained residential area. “Any event of this size that takes place in a constrained residential area, particularly if un-ticketed, will present a potential safety challenge,” she said.
In the lead-up to Carnival, the Met will be issuing important guidance on actions attendees can take if they feel unsafe in a crowd. Additionally, the Met has partnered with Crimestoppers to provide the public with a specific route to report any concerns about individuals planning to disrupt the event. Those with information about criminality, disruptive protests, or other security threats are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or filling out an online form.
As Carnival returns, Londoners and visitors alike are urged to celebrate responsibly, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.
