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GLA/2004/441

Thursday, 25 November 2004 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2005 Carnival route to be extended to increase public safety & ensure growth of Europe’s premier Carnival

At a meeting today of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), a motion was agreed to back proposals by London Notting Hill Carnival Limited (LNHCL) the main organisers of the Notting Hill Carnival, to extend the route in the interests of public safety and to ensure the growth, and economic development of the event as Europe’s premiere Carnival.

The extension would include the use of Hyde Park as the starting point of the event, where the costume bands will be judged, and ending in Notting Hill, the spiritual home of the Carnival. Three possible routes from Hyde Park to Notting Hill are being considered to form part of an expanded route for Carnival 2005.

Prof Chris Mullard, Chair, LNHCL said: “Carnival, for both participants and spectators, has clearly outgrown its present site. To make the event more enjoyable and safer for all requires, amongst other things, an urgent review of the present route.
“Over the past months London Notting HIll Carnival Ltd, in collaboration with its partners, has been carrying out such a review and we are taking steps to initiate a route extension for Carnival 2005. This will be the first of many changes and developments which are aimed at making the Carnival the leading artistic and celebratory street festival in Europe, reflecting the true diversity of this great city.”

These recommendations represent the conclusion of a four-year consultation process with Carnival stakeholders, residents and statutory agencies, which began in September 2000.

Lee Jasper, Chair of the Mayor's Carnival Review Group, said: “Independent public safety and risk assessments clearly show that Notting Hill Carnival has outgrown its current area. The extension to the Carnival route is to be welcomed as it will not only improve public safety, but will also allow Carnival to fulfil its economic, artistic and cultural potential as a ‘World Carnival ’ without losing its historical links to Notting Hill. “

Residents and tenant’s associations representing a total of over 6000 households took part in the consultation process. Key messages emerging from residents included the widely held view that Carnival had now outgrown its allocated area and now needed to be spread out over wider vicinity.

Graham Hitchen, Head of Creative Sectors for the London Development Agency said: “Carnival is one of Europe’s most spectacular tourist attractions and brings both visitors and businesses to London as well as contributing up to £93m each year to the capital’s economy. The LDA recognises the wider economic benefits that the Carnival brings to London in terms of support to local businesses, creating businesses and employment opportunities.”

The final report of the Mayor’s Carnival Review Group was released in May 2004 and contains 27 recommendations, which set out the broad strategic framework for the development of a safe, sustainable and enjoyable Notting Hill Carnival. (LNHCL) have now articulated their vision for Carnival 2005, which is underpinned by the aspiration for Carnival to realise its full cultural, artistic and economic potential, they feel the extension of the Carnival route is central to this ambition.

Increased investment and strengthening of the Carnival industry in London will be discussed at the London Carnival Industry Seminar this Friday, 26th November, 3pm – 8pm, at City Hall, Queen’s Walk, SE1. Keynote speakers will include Lee Jasper and Professor Chris Mullard. Public safety will be high on the agenda, including proposals for the development of a multi-agency Carnival Community Safety Strategy. ends

Notes to Editors

1. For further information on the London Carnival Industry Seminar contact 0200 8539 7913 or email info@3ci.co.uk.

2. The Mayor's Carnival Review Group commissioned the Intelligent Space Partnership, an independent consultancy, to undertake a computer modelling study of crowd flows at Notting Hill Carnival. The aim was to provide guidance on improving crowd safety and an evaluation of the merits and risks of alternative routes. The Intelligent Space study was given an award for innovation by the Association for Geographic Information. For more information about the report contact Dr Jake Desyllas on 020 7739 9729, or visit: http://www.intelligentspace.com/.

3. The aim of the review process was to protect Carnival's long-term future. It brought together the police, carnival participants, community organisations, local authorities, residents and other stakeholders to thoroughly investigate a range of issues including public safety, management, funding and the route. Specific investigations included the award-winning Intelligent Space study into crowd safety at the event and the London Development Agency report, which showed that Carnival is worth around £93 million to the economy.

4. The London Development Agency, the Mayor's agency for business and jobs, published a report, entitled ‘The economic impact of the Notting Hill Carnival’, in August 2003. For more information visit http://www.lda.gov.uk/.

The LDA prepares the Mayor's business plan for London and mobilises the support and resources of hundreds of partner organisations to help build a thriving economy for London's people, businesses and communities. The LDA is dedicated to improving sustainability, health and equality of opportunity for Londoners.