WHAT’S HAPPENING TO NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL?

Notting Hill Carnival is one of London’s most famous events, with people from across the country coming to our city to take part. But it has become a victim of its own success, and the sheer number of people coupled with the narrow streets in the area mean that there is an increasing danger of crowd-surging. City Hall has financially supported Notting Hill Carnival for some time now, in order to help provide safety and security. But this year, even more money is required to alleviate the pressure at various pinch points, putting the festival at risk. Susan Hall asks – should the Government contribute to an event at which two people died last year, or is it time to start looking at safer alternative arrangements?