'City Hall should run Notting Hill Carnival'

Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group at City Hall, proposed that the Greater London Authority should officially manage the Notting Hill Carnival due to escalating safety concerns. The event draws approximately two million visitors each August Bank Holiday weekend, prompting fears of a "mass casualty" incident, reminiscent of the Hillsborough disaster. Past mayors, including Sadiq Khan, have previously expressed similar worries about crowd safety. Carnival organizers maintain that the event should remain community-driven, emphasizing their collaboration with local authorities and police. The report suggests that future management may require alternative funding strategies, as this year's event incurred costs nearing £15.

3 million, largely for policing. Hall also recommended linking tickets to billing addresses to help manage crowd size. If safety cannot be guaranteed in Notting Hill, the report proposed relocating the Carnival to Hyde Park. Despite these discussions, community voices will still play a role in the Carnival's future through a newly proposed advisory board.