Carnival plans in jeopardy

As a resident I dearly hope they do cancel it. I normally enjoy the Carnival although we always have problems with people damaging our house, but this is a risk that cannot be taken. Even if there are no problems at the NHC, the huge police operation will take officers away from potential flashpoints.

carnival should be cancelled it will with out a doubt kick off. I been going for 20 years and each year we leave the area before the end as we are very weary of trouble. But this year it would be mayhem. there is no way i will be going any where near the event this year.

it would be nice if for a change our council actually thought about the council tax and business rates paying residents who pay their wages instead of the awful carnival that most people who live here don't even want in the first place

the only time they conducted a poll on what the residents wanted all they did was reverse the same route..same for the last 30 years - the same people having to put up with the same hassle

boarding up shops , people stuck inside over a bank holiday weekend , the litter , the noise , the smelly greasy food , the chaos the 'music' ..

so much for democracy..

'i predict a riot'

I can't bear the carnival. For local residents it's always a nightmare. Every year my basement flat is used as a public toilet, and I have to spend money to board up my own home. Last year there were running skirmishes with police and gangs of kids, years before that we've seen stabbings - it couldn't be anything further than a 'Carnival' atmosphere. Instead, there's a general sense of uneasiness throughout the weekend, and the area becomes one where youths can congregate to drink and smoke drugs without fear of arrest. Not exactly the kind of London that we should be promoting right now.

It is difficult for residents I understand but Carnival is not meant to be a burden but rather an event to bring people together with culture,costuming, theatre,dance,music and food in basic terms. It is not a Jamaican event but a rather an event FOR ALL PEOPLE led by Trinidadians and Tobagonians who happen to host one of the biggest Carnivals in the world (look it up).

I'm a steel pan player and play at the Carnival every year. All the steel bands practice 6-12 months ahead of the event. Why should we be punished for some idiots rioting and being bored??!! If the carnival is cancelled, the kids will get bored and will riot anyway, they'll find a way. The more we show it in media, the more joy they find in rioting. We need to show them that we aren't going to cancel everything just because of this. We might aswell not go to work or travel or simply live..?!

A message to person you call them selves 'You' - You bring shame on the British people. You are quite clearly a sad little racist.

I really hope Carnival goes ahead, I know it can be difficult but putting together. a celebration/huge event is always difficult, but always worth it. Life is for living, not hiding away! (Apart from maybe 'you' he/she/it should probably hide away..... forever.

I am a masquerader who participates in the NHC. I don't see why all my hard work and effort should get forgotten because of stupid youths on the road that have nothing better to do with their life. I will not blame the government and say it's because they have taken away so many things, these kids would not go to a youth centre and do things. I have a youth centre that is near by me and all they ever do is damage the equipment in there or they just wanna sit around and make trouble, these kids don't want to work or else they would not have been down at the riots. I am 21 years of age and have been out of a job for a very long time, i didn't go round mad at the world. Many others of my friends and family haven't got job, they arent apart of these riots or shall i say stupidness.

I can honestly say there are trouble makers at the carnival every year, police just need to work a bit harder to get these thugs off the streets. People who use houses as public toilets i do not agree with, but carnival has been happening for quite some time now and i'm sure you should know what will happen,if not always remember to look into the area you are moving into.

I don't see why me and all the other peoiple that make costumes, wear costumes, play steel pan, have their stalls should be scared of these stupid idiotic dumb ignorant youths. The police need to arrest them and keep them locked up for a long time, because i don't find this funny at all.

I don't know where this talk is about carnival being a Jamaican thing it is not, it just goes to show how ignorant you are and not looking into what carnival is about before saying anything.

It's a shame, but in light of what has happened, and with previous altercations, I believe the Carnival event should be cancelled. With no blame to the event itself, I have witnessed over the years as a former resident of NW that it has become more problematic with an increase in violent rhetorics and juveniles delinquency, and less about the Caribbean celebration. This year has the makings of disaster, spoiled by the idiocy of the less, and I hope this comes as a wake up call to the government, schools and all those parents who have only succeeded in misguiding their children. It's time to take away the toys.

Carnival should not be cancelled if you want to bring race and nationalities into this conversations.
You should remember that it was black people that lived in the slums of Notting Hill until they were ran out and then house prices shoot up.. you decided to live there…..Carnival has been there for many years.. I'm sure you moved to the area long after Carnival started so next time do you research on the area before you decide to live there.
Carnival should go ahead... if it doesn't trust me you will see riots because that would be the excuse... Even I won't be able to discredit them...We spend so much money on Carnival and Pan for 3 days...
Let us have our 3 days out of the 365 days in the year... crime is everywhere at all times it's only published it’s a west Indian event

I don't think they should cancel it because I love carnival, all the bands that have put in hard work to make the costumes for nothing. I just think the police should have every road near the carnival secure and come down hard on the gang bangers so that it won't disrupt the carnival. Standard !

Carnival should not be cancelled if you want to bring race and nationalities into this conversations.
You should remember that it was black people that lived in the slums of Notting Hill until they were ran out and then house prices shoot up.. you decided to live there…..Carnival has been there for many years.. I'm sure you moved to the area long after Carnival started so next time do you research on the area before you decide to live there.
Carnival should go ahead... if it doesn't trust me you will see riots because that would be the excuse... Even I won't be able to discredit them...We spend so much money on Carnival and Pan for 3 days...
Let us have our 3 days out of the 365 days in the year... crime is everywhere at all times it's only published it’s a west Indian event

I agree that 'You' is clearly a racist and a bigot, and needs to get used to the fact that we are living in the 21st century.

I have been going to Carnival for 7 years and have never seen a whiff of trouble. People are happy celebrating the fact that this is a country in which people can appreciate cultural differences.

As a country, we don't have that many celebratory events that happen annually and bring people together; Carnival is one of a handful. It's a happy occasion, not a violent one.

I can understand that for residents it can be disruptive or inconvenient, but I suppose that is the price you pay when you choose to live in the areas affected - since Carnival has been going on there for years.

It's 20 days away, by which time I would guess that the riots would have long been over. It seems the people wanting it cancelled because of the "riots" are merely using it for an excuse. I see no reason why it should be cancelled, what has a carnival celebration got to do with riots... Oh wait there's large groups people, and it's in London! We better cancel every hip hop/reggae/R&B concert for the next month to be safe!

Anyway if it is cancelled for whatever reason best to wait till it's all died down or the negative vibe *could* fuel the fire for some, because the same reasons some want it cancelled, any excuse becomes a good excuse for some.

A reply to "YOU"! I cannot resist commenting on your terribly ignorant comment. Most organisers and participants of NHC are "ENGLISH". And carnival has nothing to do with Jamaica (it was born out of Trinidadian spirits mixed with London's diverse collectiveness) - it is a multi-cultural (that does not mean non-English) celebration of the passions and voices of the inhabitant of London. Despite fear of unrest at 2011 carnival - should the people who plan this amazing historic affair be crippled by this fear when once again our government look for excuses to axe carnival!

It's more likely that if you cancel carnival people will riot about that>

"Mas Player said:
It's more likely that if you cancel carnival people will riot about that>"

that sounds like a threat to me..

so much for the promotion of multi cultural diversity and cultural relations , eh ?

if you don't let us have a carnival , we'll throw our toys out of our pram

pathetic

It should be cancelled and if not a huge police presence should be there and mostly for the people who live on the rat runs to the carnival, ie from shepherds bush as it is they that get the brunt of the dispicable behaviour like vomiting and urinating on steps by people leaving the carnival. These roads should have police barricades to protect the property and safe-guarding residents who mostly couldn't care less about the carnival. It has a horrible atmosphere anyway.

What's wrong with theses idiots talking about carnival should be cancelled , no its shouldn't be people work bloody hard to organise carnival and now you lot want to say cancel it. I live right in front of the carnival and everyone where I live loves it. Its only the old white people who want to complain because us black are doing something for just two days of the year. Get a life and grow up. My goodness

I am a resident in the area and I can see even less reason for the Notting Hill Crimefest to proceed this year. Police resources are currently stretched to the limit and even if things calm down elsewhere in London, we cannot afford a known flashpoint (i.e. the Carnival) to divert such large Police resources when other parts of London are at such risk.

Perhaps in the future it could be allowed to take place in Hyde Park (a great suggestion of former Mayor Red Ken), and the many Reggae lovers such as me can enjoy a safer, more easily policed, Carnival.

I think carnival should be stopped! each year its just getting worse, If they don't want trouble they would do the sensible thing and just cancel it! way too many scumbags in London that would just ruin it for people.

Carnival should be canceled. Each year its just getting worse.. way too many scumbags ruin it for people. Its a waste of money and a waste of time. Be done with it!

The Notting Hill Carnival was born in Notting Hill as a reaction to the race riots that occurred here in the late 1950's. Since the early 1960s, for the most part, they have been very peaceful and without major incident. Millions of people (and their families) of all races, creeds, colours and nationalities have visited the area to see the floats, enjoy the music, eat some food and have a good time. Many other cities in the UK also have carnivals on the same day. I am not excusing the problems with minor crime, rubbish, food (and other waste), bottles, etc that litter the streets after each day and for weeks afterwards. This kind of celebration should be seen in context with all the summer music festivals and even regular football matches which have caused way more disruption to the areas they are held in, resulted in more violence (and unfortunately deaths) and use more police resources. This festival was born in Notting Hill and should stay here. It is also a positive example of 'multiculturalism'

oh "resident" shame on you! what a pathetic very useless comment to make towards "mas player"! you clearly do not have the intelligence to see the point here!

As a local resident who increasingly finds the NHC intimidating with large crowds of people having no respect for one's property-one has to judge whether the enormous policing resources which will be sustainable at a time when other parts of London are exposed and overstetched by inadequate police response. The threat of a riot would be counterproductive-as it may result in the demise of the Carnival.
Anon

@resident
""Mas Player said:
It's more likely that if you cancel carnival people will riot about that>"

that sounds like a threat to me..

so much for the promotion of multi cultural diversity and cultural relations , eh ?

if you don't let us have a carnival , we'll throw our toys out of our pram

pathetic"

Since when did the word "likely" constitute as a threat? It neither means 'certain' nor would it make the person who said it the instigator.

I already said "Anyway if it is cancelled for whatever reason best to wait till it's all died down or the negative vibe *could* fuel the fire for some, because the same reasons some want it cancelled, any excuse becomes a good excuse for some." You seem to fall into that group of any excuse being a good one. Oh and the other "Me" is not me btw, I was the first "Me" to post and that was my only post until now.

Carnival really should not be canceled. You have to remember that there are millions of people who have visited this event over the years. You are always going to get small pockets of trouble (as you would at some football matches, music festivals etc), but the percentage is actually very low. I've been coming over from Ireland to this event for the last 7 years, I find it a positive and joyous multi-cultural experience and I believe it will be again this year - regardless of what has happened this week). A massive amount of work and preparation goes into carnival. It is actually very important that it goes ahead...

Carnival is already inappropriate as it has long outgrown the streets of the neighbourhood - this is not a Festival field or a stadium, but a residential area. Residents incur real costs: boarding up; alternative accommodation; damage to property from public defecation; noise vibration shatters windows; graffiti; rubbish; garden damage -- all need to be sorted after the chaos. Most years there is a stabbing. Add the risk of a riot and it is clear RBK&C Council must finally show some leadership and cancel the event.

the carnival has outgrown the streets , it should be somewhere like hyde park ..
..
it should be - but nobody wants the damn thing , it's a time bomb waiting to go off ( maybe this will be the year it finally goes kaput ? )

so much for it's contribution to the area and attractiveness to a sponsor

the only thing it contributes is a big mess and lots of noise - oh and at least one murder every year

happy carnage-val !

i'm concerned like all who live in notting hill area about the event this year - i have to say it's been an overwhelmingly safe and fantastic event for the last 10 years or so , the organisers have worked incredibly hard to weed out the rot of gangs ruining a celebratory weekend for all. but in the small streets of the area when flooded with millions it would be too easy for those idiots to cause panic - or worst of all if people fought back , what would happen then.
i'm a true lover,liver of carnival and would be sad to see it cancelled but there seems to be no control on this right now. good luck to all , stay safe .
one love

it is not racist to abhor the carnival, previous events have ended in double murder, police under hails of bricks and bottles, theft, drug dealing, violence, thats not a culture i want to celebrate black or white. it is possible to have big parties that dont end in violence, glastonbury, gay pride...but carnival isnt it. it doent matter if carnival has been existence long before many residents moved in, local people have the right to walk the streets without the fear of being menaced or threatened, as i was at carnival. and if it is such a fun day why is it always preceded by a massive police operation and multiple arrests

As Notting Hill residents for the last 30 years, we have seen the NHC grow and grow, and become a successful & enjoyable event for many. However, as residents, it is a terrible time- roads being blocked off for days, the noise all day and then which goes on into the nights, the boarding up of shops & homes, gardens being destroyed or used as toilets, graffiti, litter, damage (not so minor as some have commented). It is an organisational nightmare, and the cost of policing and clearing up after is a burden on the local council.

THE NHC has outgrown the residential streets and should be moved e.g. to Hyde Park, where it can be safely organised and policed (just like other festivals and large events). It can still be enjoyed and be a safe event for the many tourists and Londoners alike. RBKC - please consider this and if in doubt, ask your residents!!

The Carnival is just an excuse for an anti-social street party with excessive drinking, noise, and public disturbances. As a resident, it is a blight on our lives each and every summer. CANCEL FOREVER.

There is now a FB page for 'Cancel the Notting Hill Carnival 2011'. Please join.

I agree with 'Notting Hill Resident'. RBKC - are you listening to your residents?

I just want to say people put sooo much effort, time and money into carnival. Weeks after carnival finished last year people were planning this years carnival so why should what these people have done in these last few days ruin and effect nearly a years worth of work.

The Carnival has to be canceled. Nothing to celebrate. No need to feast in time of plague.

please cancel it! i spent 8 years in westbourne park and the riot violence reminds of the terrible gang violence that used to arise on the those carnival nights... every year was the the same story... joyful dancing in the daytime and violence almost as soon as the sound stages were switched off... the carnival was the reason i moved out of that area... a gang member broken into my home trying to escape other members from opposing members on the monday evening! please cancel! please! please!

The horrible dark truth of the Notting Hill Carnival is that it is a burden and a hindrance for our local community. It is totally unacceptable that locals must barracade themselve within their homes, endure vibrations from speakers and see their streets littered and looking like a warzone. An elderly woman, aged 75, who is ill and has a heart condition, uses sleeping pills to sleep the day away to not experience the Carnival. What if she never wakes up? And why should she have to leave her HOME on abank holiday? And why does she have to do this? so people can get trashed. So much for being a community! Party but not at the expense of others.

@ 'London'- I agree that people's hard work organising the Carnival should not go to waste- therefore organise the Carnival in a proper place, with proper facilities e.g. sufficient toilets, licensed food and drink stalls & proper areas to eat, with proper sponsorship, rather than the residential areas of Notting Hill which are boarded up and unsightly to sponsors. Easier clean-up, easier for the Police to keep everybody safe, less violence and petty theft, and less inconvience to the residents. That is a how an internationally renowned festival is organised!

It is a bit rich for the police to say that they " have the manpower to cope with the carnival." They did not cope very well for several nights in Tottenham, Hackney, Peckham, and Ealing with large numbers of yobs committing serious crimes: arson, robbery, criminal damage,and grevious bodily harm. The probability of the same scumbags attending the Carnival, with their mobile phones, iphones and Blackberries, hell bent on criminal acts for personal gain is considerable.

I feel sorry for those who enjoy the event and have done nothing wrong.

well said @Near by resident...Well said!

I have been drumming at the NHC for 4 years now and prior to that, visited the carnival yearly. In all thses years, I have never really felt unsafe because of the significant police presence at the carnival which has been highly commendable. What we have all failed to understand is the significant investment that this carnival brings to the Borough and London.

All the years I've attended the carnival, people have come in from far and wide to partake in this event. My band for instance, draws players from as far a field as Washington D.C and Brazil as well as all over Europe. These people as well as the other NHC goers have parted with huge amounts of funds to make it to this event, and I am sure the government and organisers are aware of this fact and will not want to lose this steady source of income, especially during this harsh economic climate.

To the residents of NHC, please take heart in the fact that it is a scheduled event that happens only once a year.

Regards

Ajay

Dear people that think the carnival should go ahead, you all live in a fantasy land, this is the perfect opportunity for rioters to cause trouble, and a resident I think that this year this event should be called off, to avoid young, adult, businesses to get into trouble, I agree that life is for the living thing but the last thing I would like to see are upset residents because of actions taken by irresponsible and immature youngsters who have nothing to do all day.

To the person who mentioned the link to FB - stop being idiotic!!! Just because of some riots, we aren't going to give up.
This amazing tradition started by a very few brave men in early 60s in West London has nothing to do with idiots who want to use this time to thief, fight and burglar homes. People who live in the area, yes, it must be scary and annoying time for you all but it's only 2 days; and even then, the Carnival was going on way before most of you were born. Moving it to another location wont be the Carnival anymore, it's about a parade not some gig in Hyde Park!
I play in a steel band and I work very hard throughout the year (as many others), spending a lot of my free time practising for the Carnival. If people in Brazil can deal with the biggest Carnival in the world, so should we. On one hand we are proudly saying how great London is and how cool, funky and multicultured we all are but on the other hand these are just empty words as we can't even get on with it for a couple of days. People will always find something to complain about, next thing will be the Olympics, do you want that to be cancelled just cos of some idiotic youths too??
They clearly have nothing better to do and their parents don't even care what their kids are up to! This is down to us and the way we treat each other..anger and hatred is causing all this. So put those feelings aside and just enjoy yourselves and be happy. Surely we can all put up with it for a couple of days!
We wouldn't even be having this discussion if it wasn't for the riots - easy to start giving up and cancelling everything. You might all just stay at home and barricade yourselves, "what a great life that would be?!"

the carnival must be cancelled, take this party out of the calendar - why should these looters and rioters even get the chance to have a good time. They have ruined it for all of us.

I don't care what organisation has already taken place, it will turn into a mass brawl/riot/looting spree if it goes ahead. I won't be going - it won't be a safe place.

Do so at your own risk

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has a duty to protect the law abiding residents of Notting Hill and it must put its foot down and stop the Carnival.

The recent riots may have died out. Let us not for get they were sparked off in Tottenham when a large number of the criminal classes joined a legitimate protest. Many of these people are unlikely to have been apprehended by the time the carnival is held and they will be able to attend the event. These individuals will equate not being caught with getting away with serious offences and they will be looking for the main chance at the Carnival; this is what criminals do. We cannot go on taking a softly, softly approach to this issue, are we expected to be wise after the event if individuals are injured, properties destroyed and businesses ruined.

to katrina i totally agree with you

i play mas every year and been in carnival for 15 years. why should we suffer for these stupid kids. carnival is a place of all different cultures coming together and celebrating the life we live in london.

to all you ignorant people start facebook pages about cancelling it get a life cause cancelling carnival is not going to stop the problems with have in society today with the youngsters. plus carnival is not put on just for youngster its all ages.

once again i say it will not be and should not be cancelled cause if we are going to do that make sure you cancel 2012 olympics cause if cant police carnival london wont be able to police that!!!!

I believe this years carnival festivities need to be cancelled. people may use this as an invitation to incite more violence. We as residents are living in fear as its is . Give us a chance to heal and get some faith back into the sytem. although our borough wasnt targeted too severly compared to others this would be their perfect avenue. we plead with you to postpone. We are sorry for the organisers for all your hard work going to waste if it is cancelled but we rather have peace of mind.God has given us the wisdom to be wise and to protect ourselves.We have t live here all year round and carnival happens 2 days out of 365 days in the year. so think of the residents and its possible impct!!

I don't care for the history or the preparations that have taken place already. All of that is irrelivant considering recent events.

Having thousands of police at the carnival leaving all surrounding areas under resurced is not a wise idea just 2 weeks after mass rioting in London. That is a fact no matter how you look at it.

Also throwing a massive street celbration which the looters and rioters are welcomed to attend is not justifyable. The carnival should be cancelled, they have ruined the fun for everyone.

I wont be going this year as I fear it will turn very violent, it is bad enough anyway.

I also sympathise for residents who will live in fear for the duration of the carnival.

Pull the plug I say, if it goes ahead there is just too much potential for riots and crime.

I don't want to say 'I told you so'....

Dear Joe,
Don't be so lose with such an important word as "racist" . It belittles and weakens the word. Further it is patently evident that the Carnival does adversely affect local residents - it should be held in Hyde Park. I speak as someone who has been attending NH Carnival for 30 odd yrs.
Lalu Hanuman,
Barbados.

Yep i agree with neesh i have been going to carnival since i was a baby and i have never missed a year i am now 17 and the only thing i have been doing for the past few weeks is getting ready to play mas not going out lootin. I think it is so unfair to just cancel it with less than a months notice people spend over a £100 to buy a costume and its just gone at the click of a finger.

@London: your £100 costume might be gone at the click of a finger, but if the carnival happens you're inviting peoples homes, property and potentially their lives to be taken at the click of finger, just as we've seen all over the country in the last week.

I don't care if you've been for 17 years running, your selfish attitude is badly timed. Have a party of your own in your front room... and wear your costume

I am a resident of Clapham Junction and I work for and in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Myself and my family suffered at the hands of the looters and rioters however to throw Notting Hill Carnival to the wolves due to the actions of opportunistic degenerates is outrageous!! For the people who say it is because the police are overstretched I ask you this; How are they going to police the 2012 olympics?? For those bigots and racists who say "why should we let THEM have any fun?" That is suggesting that only rioters will be at Notting Hill Carnival. I for one did not take part or condone the rioting but I planned my working year to be able to attend at least one day. For example you wouldn't cancel St Paddy's Day because Britain as a whole have a problem with binge drinking or the "National sport" FOOTBALL due the OPEN following of hooliganism! We didn't cancel the Royal Wedding celebration (which left Central London in a TIP!! that's for the people who complain about the litter!) due to the threat of terrorism so why would you do the same for Notting Hill Carnival? I have been to Glastonbury and saw drug dealing and use (for the people who complain about that) as unsavoury as that is it is going to happen regardless of Notting Hill Carnival taken place. What I would suggest is to get rid of those side street sound lab (where 65% if not more of the violence and drug use takes place) and leave Notting Hill Carnival to the Main organizers who follow the main designated route and you would see how much easier it would flow.

On one hand after all what has gone on in London and outside of London I do think it might be a good idea to cancel the NHC this year. On the other hand though it would be such a shame for the organisers and people who take part that all their efforts have gone to waste all because some stupid ignorant people took it upon themselves to run riot on the streets and loot shops. I stopped going carnival from long time as it was much better when I was younger, plus I will be on holiday when it happens so not bothered either way.

I love carnival, But trust me I won't be going or allowing any of my loved ones anywhere near the place this year, anyone with half a brain in they head would feel the same way, I can guarantee if it goes ahead this year trouble will happen, which will ruin all the hard work for future carnival.. CANCEL IT FOR EVERYONE SAKE.SIMPLE AS
Always next year.Martin

The fact that it is going ahead proves the council are spineless cowards , along with the govt and the police.

I predict utter chaos and if any of my property us damaged I shall sue them into oblivion.

That's all they care about after all. Money.

Oh , PLEASE PLEASE cancel it! Let us residents on the route have a year off!

I was born and bred in Ladbroke Grove,went to the local school and had a great childhood living in the area.I have attended countless Carnivals and obviously enjoy the occasion,but hey,lets be sensible,despite the Police stating they have contigency plans to deal with the event,it would be wise for all to just cancel it this year as tensions are still high.There will just be too many mindless thugs in a too confined area and it will be a cauldron of trouble.I used to be Met Police Officer and still have many friends in the Service and they all intimated that trouble is expected.

I understand the fear of the rioting happening again during Carnival. However, what about the tourist who have already booked hotels, vacations to London specifically for the Carnival? Also, why let a bunch of hoodlums destroy the holiday celebration for others. If people give in to cancelling every event each time because of the rioting, they practically will be running your lives and that is not right!!!!

I agree with London so much work has gone into this and as carnivalqueen said why should we let them run our lives. Sensible dave is also right but the only thing i'll be going to carnival for is to support and cheer on all those people who walk round in thier lovely costumes for hours. Movinfg carnvail to a park would be safer but what about the floats the go around the streets.

By cancelling carnival you will be showing that the ‘Extremely misguided’ won and defeated not only the Police but society itself. Carnival is an annual event taking place since 1964, 2011 the 47th celebration of what our country stands for… impressing equality and a multi-cultural society, almost 50 years so why break tradition for the rest of society that goes to celebrate for the right reasons. I understand the concerns that there is a possibility trouble will start but there is a possibility that it could happen anywhere. Cancelling Carnival will have a knock on effect and most likely cause more commotion in society than having it. The Majority of society do nothing but celebrate at carnival it’s the minority of adolescent immature tyrants who have many lessons to learn and I for one will not stand to be bullied. First bulling the police for one police officers possible mistake… You cannot punish all for the mistake of one or minority because the consequences of the immoral action will inevitably be disastrous.

Everyone who has moved to Notting hill within the last 40 odd years has no right to moan about the disturbances as they should have researched the area and been aware that carnival happens 2days out of 365/366 days in a year.
Seriously the pessimists are the ones who are destroying this country, having no faith in society and destroying it for all of us optimistic people who want to celebrate what carnival stands for.
Yes the riots shouldn't of happened but they did and as a result you cannot honestly believe cancelling carnival will not cause a bigger commotion.
The people who take part in carnival already out way the pessimistic view as the time and effort they put in is remarkable, the events the preparation, the music, the food etc...
After all of the effort that has been put in already i personally believe it will break down our communities and our trust in the justice system.
By cancelling you are saying you are scared of the SCUM who took the riots to a whole new level defeating the original objective. Which scream out your lack of faith in the police being able to do their job and keep you safe, does it not?
Think about it....

the mother of all london riots will be appon us the great meeting of north east south and west london in one place westfield to the left westend to the right all those nice posh houses in the middle.
be smart people cancel cancel cancel carnival can wait another year.

I seriously think that if carnival was cancelled it will cause bigger problems.

I can't see it being cancelled as at least the police can plan around the carnival, rather than possibly facing the unknown....

Multiculturalism in Britain, embraces all diverse and disparate races and creeds yet suppresses, sneers and goads entirely Christianity and British heritage.

The Notting Hill Carnival used to be a wonderful expression of unity and culture, now it's a testament that there are elements that the black community do not want to consider seriously and this will end up with the inevitable closure of the NHC for good, unless community leaders and carnival organisers take control.

Each year the carnival gets progressively violent, my Italian cousin attended last year to be pushed off a wall by a group of angry young men, whose entire purpose was to go through the crowds robbing and stabbing.

This is not an isolated event, I've been going since the early 80's and the past 10 years have seen an ugly shift toward the typical inner city 'grime scene' kids propensity for violence.

Yes it is a wonderful opportunity for a cultural event, but sadly it now is a horrible reflection of how culture in this country in general is non-existent, no respect for another, a loss of deep rooted Christian ideals, this sadly is a reflection of the society we have become.

Multiculturalism in Britain, embraces all diverse and disparate races and creeds yet suppresses, sneers and goads entirely Christianity and British heritage.

The Notting Hill Carnival used to be a wonderful expression of unity and culture, now it's a testament that there are elements that the black community do not want to consider seriously and this will end up with the inevitable closure of the NHC for good, unless community leaders and carnival organisers take control.

Each year the carnival gets progressively violent, my visiting friend attended last year to be pushed off a wall by a group of angry young men, whose entire purpose was to go through the crowds robbing and stabbing. Her injuries were so severe she stayed in hospital for 4 days and still today can't eat normally.

This is not an isolated event, I've been going since the early 80's and the past 10 years have seen an ugly shift toward the typical inner city 'grime scene' kids propensity for violence.

Yes it is a wonderful opportunity for a cultural event, but sadly it now is a horrible reflection of how culture in this country in general is non-existent, no respect for another, a loss of deep rooted Christian ideals, this sadly is a reflection of the society we have become.

Multiculturalism in Britain, embraces all diverse and disparate races and creeds yet suppresses, sneers and goads entirely Christianity and British heritage.

The Notting Hill Carnival used to be a wonderful expression of unity and culture, now it's a testament that there are elements that the black community do not want to consider seriously and this will end up with the inevitable closure of the NHC for good, unless community leaders and carnival organisers take control.

Each year the carnival gets progressively violent, my visiting friend attended last year to be pushed off a wall by a group of angry young men, whose entire purpose was to go through the crowds robbing and knifing kids. Her injuries were so severe she stayed in hospital for 4 days and still today can't eat normally.

This is not an isolated event, I've been going since the early 80's and the past 10 years have seen an ugly shift toward the typical inner city 'grime scene' kids propensity for violence.

Yes it is a wonderful opportunity for a cultural event, but sadly it now is a horrible reflection of how culture in this country in general is non-existent, no respect for another, a loss of deep rooted Christian ideals, this sadly is a reflection of the society we have become.

Time to put a stop to the nonsense. Ithas changed - everybody just face it - I stopped going years ago - could not bear the sight of young males who descend on the area like sewer rats with their trousers down to their ankles, sporting dangerous animals like handbags and unattractive females dressed like hoochie mamas with all their wares on display. It has now come to represent everything that is negatively associated with so called black culture.

i think the festival should happen this year. people who come to the carnival are the people who come to enjoy the carnival no to cause riots. the riots have made london look bad and making this festival happening it would get london a better face.

taking extra security measures and having more police personnel i reckon things can go nice and calm.

considering the above comments from local residence saying that stabbings and vandalism happen on thins carnival, they forget that stabbings and vandalism happen all the time all over london not just during the carnival. its a common thing that happens every where cause by some little gangsta wannbes.

i go to the festival every year and i really wanna go this year too.
the world have seen the worse part of london and the carnival will show the better side of london to the world

Good to see that racism isn't still only just alive and kicking in New York. "You" guys must be thanking your stars that the riots took place, what a great excuse to use as a reason to stop the parade!!! After all, THREE whole days may bring London to it's knees. To hell with the revenue the carnival may be in.

Carnival should go ahead, however all the side street stands and music should be stop as this is there all the thugs and low life’s get together and start there nonsense. This is where the problems start every year and why Carnival has been given a bad name.

I for one love Carnival, but every year (not just this one) more planning needs to go into the local area and keeping the locals safe in there own homes. I live on Ladbroke grove and think it is a disgraces how only the private roads gets barricaded off while the rest of us has to fend for ourselves.

I think it should be moved after this year, I have enjoyed Carnival in the past but every year, the atmosphere seems more and more aggressive.
I came home 2 years ago and wasn't allowed near my home as it was a crime scene.
I have watched gangs of young men steam through pubs going through coats, handbags the lot.
It's all smiles in the day but angry violence by night. Move it to Hyde Park and yes I appreciate why Carnival was created but the same people that preach this should also be open to moving carnival and repecting all people it affects.
Everyone that is going this weekend have fun and be safe.

I think it should be moved after this year, I have enjoyed Carnival in the past but every year, the atmosphere seems more and more aggressive.
I came home 2 years ago and wasn't allowed near my home as it was a crime scene.
I have watched gangs of young men steam through pubs going through coats, handbags the lot.
It's all smiles in the day but angry violence by night. Move it to Hyde Park and yes I appreciate why Carnival was created but the same people that preach this should also be open to moving carnival and repecting all people it affects.
Everyone that is going this weekend have fun and be safe.