Notting Hill Carnival Faces Urgent Crowd Safety Review

London's Notting Hill Carnival, a major celebration of Caribbean culture, faces heightened scrutiny over crowd safety after police and officials warned of a potential mass-casualty event due to extreme crowd density. The Metropolitan Police reported intervening several times during the 2023 event to prevent crushes, emphasizing that crowd density now poses a greater risk than crime. The 2023 carnival was also marred by two tragic deaths, intensifying calls for improved safety. The London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee has urged Mayor Sadiq Khan to commission a comprehensive review of crowd management and stewarding, with an independent review already underway. Organizers have expressed support for these safety efforts, stressing the need to address risks while preserving the event’s cultural significance. Authorities insist that urgent action is essential to prevent a tragedy similar to past crowd disasters.