Notting Hill Carnival would be safer and more enjoyable if an external company helped to manage the event, a report has claimed.

The 2016 carnival was one of the most violent in recent years, with reports of violence and a teen disemboweled.

A high ranking Kensington and Chelsea Council officer claimed carnival organisers require outside help to take responsibility for the planning and management of the event.

The report said the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust (LNHCET), which puts on the annual celebration of Caribbean culture on the August Bank Holiday, is in favour of the move, and is also keen to build a better relationship with residents and the community in the area.

Police at the carnival in 2016

The report, put together by Sue Harris, the executive director for environment leisure and resident services, also looks at reducing the burden on police and reliance on the support of public agencies, increasing stewarding, and participation of appropriate performance units and artists.

The move to an event manager would lead to decreased reliance on the support of public agencies at the two-day event, reducing the amount of policing needed and increase potential business partnerships, said Ms Harris.

Should Carnival be relocated?

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In the report, she says the trust agrees the event requires the support of an event management company, which would allow it to have:

  • A clear event organiser who takes responsibility for the planning and management of the event.
  • Improved event planning, allowing greater responsibility and liability for the event to be managed by the company.
  • Better internal and external communication systems that can deal with the current negative narrative attached to Carnival.
  • Better management of contractors, allowing for effective use of resources and a more efficient operation throughout the course of the weekend.
  • More effective influence over performance units and artists taking part in the event, ensuring that the nature of their participation is appropriate for the event nature and venue.
  • A reduction in the amount of policing needed to manage the event and closer and more effective liaison with law enforcement agencies to influence reductions in crime and disorder.
  • Funds available to fulfil its role of improving and developing the artistic experience of Carnival.

However, an event management company would come at a “significant cost” which LNHCET cannot meet, according to the report.

The Strategic Partners Officers Group, which is made up of the a group which includes the trust and Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Councils, TfL, Metropolitan Police, Arts Council England, Greater London Authority and the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) ,will now look at how the position will be funded.

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The report ends praising LNHCET, saying its “future plans very much highlight the pitfalls of the current structure and offer a way forward”.

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