Sadiq Khan Voices Crowd Crush Fears at Notting Hill Carnival, Backs Urgent Funding Plea for Safety Measures

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has admitted that the risk of a crowd crush at Notting Hill Carnival left him “frightened.” Speaking during Mayor’s Question Time, he raised concerns over public safety at the event, which now draws nearly two million attendees over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

“Victim of Its Own Success”

Describing the carnival as a “victim of its own success,” Khan emphasized the urgent need for additional government funding to support enhanced public safety measures.

He expressed his support for the call made by the carnival’s organisers requesting financial assistance. In response, a government spokesperson said they would address the request “in due course.”

Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group at City Hall, labelled the event a “disaster waiting to happen.” She remarked, “I think there comes a time when it isn’t down to money. It’s down to the situation.”

Future of Carnival in Doubt Without Funding

In a letter sent to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, leaked to the BBC, Carnival chair Ian Comfort warned that the future of Notting Hill Carnival could be at risk without urgent financial backing to improve crowd management.

An independent public safety review commissioned by the organisers had highlighted critical concerns, and implementing its recommendations had opened up a “funding gap,” according to Khan.

“The carnival has been going since 1966, organised by the community, the second biggest street festival in the world,” he told the London Assembly.

“At City Hall, we’ve been supporting the carnival in my last nine years as mayor in terms of funding for safety and security. We fund the carnival safety and security, to the tune of about £1,000,000.”

Khan added that while City Hall, along with Kensington and Chelsea Council and Westminster Council, contributes significant funding, they have reached their financial limit. “We would need the government to step in,” he said.

Public Safety Worries Prompt Comparisons to Hillsborough

Sir Sadiq referenced the findings of the public safety review and drew comparisons to the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, where 97 people died due to a crowd crush during a football match.

“I’ve seen images of some of the crowds at some parts of the day and watching that made me frightened,” Khan said.

“God forbid [that] we now know there is a concern around crushing and actions weren’t taken to do whatever we could to minimise the possibility of that happening.”

As a lifelong Liverpool supporter, the Hillsborough tragedy holds particular significance for the mayor. He stressed the importance of using the UK’s expertise in crowd management to prevent a similar tragedy at Notting Hill Carnival.

Calls for Government Support

Rachel Alexander, a regular performer at the carnival since 2008, also backed the appeal for government funding.

“If the government truly values the cultural and economic impact of Carnival then they should invest in its foundation,” she told BBC Newsbeat.

She noted that crowd control can vary depending on whether a band can afford adequate security. “Overall, the event needs better infrastructure to crowd control,” she said, adding that last year was among her best in terms of crowd management.

BBC London also reported that a review of the 2024 carnival identified “critical public safety concerns,” which led Ian Comfort to write to the Culture Secretary for emergency support.

Controversy Over Government Involvement

Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh told LBC Radio that the decision rests with the mayor, though she acknowledged the event’s cultural importance. “It’s an iconic part of our culture and our tradition in London,” she said.

“It brings different parts of our communities together in this amazing, colourful celebration of everything that is the beauty of multi-cultural London and the huge diversity that we have in our community.”

Despite its popularity and cultural significance, the event has seen violence in past years.

At the 2024 carnival, Cher Maximen was fatally stabbed in front of her young daughter, and chef Mussie Imnetu was also murdered near the event route. Hall questioned whether it was appropriate for the government to fund an event where two people were killed.

Met Police Concerns

The Metropolitan Police have said that crowd control efforts at the carnival limit their ability to focus on preventing crime. Sir Sadiq acknowledged these concerns and stressed that all necessary steps must be taken to ensure public safety.

With millions attending the carnival annually, organisers and officials are urging swift action to secure its future and safeguard its attendees.