Speak up to keep Carnival safe

The famous Notting Hill Carnival returns this August Bank Holiday weekend, from Sunday August 24 to Monday August 25. 

It’s one of the most anticipated events of the summer, where you can expect to see steel bands, flamboyant carnival costumes and experience great food and entertainment.

Carnival is a celebration of culture, music, and life - but safety is key to keeping the positive energy flowing. That’s why Crimestoppers is launching a campaign with a simple message: if you know or hear that someone might be planning to bring a knife or weapon to Carnival, speak up. 

Carnival is for joy, not violence. Let’s keep it that way.

You can contact us 100% anonymously - no names, no details, just what you know. Your voice could help prevent harm and protect thousands of people enjoying the day.

Call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our quick & easy online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

Tips if you're visiting Europe’s biggest carnival

We’re also sharing tips on how to look out for yourself, help protect your family and friends and make sure everyone gets home safely.

Make sure YOUR carnival experience is as positive as it can be with our 9 safety tips:

1. Night tube? Taxi? Bus? Plan your route home before you set off
   
   Public transport will be busier than normal during Carnival. To stay safe, try not to be tempted to take an unlicenced taxi or to walk home via an unfamiliar route.
   
   This web page has the latest information on the Tube, Overground and bus services, and you can plan your journey on the Transport for London journey planner website page, as well as follow their updates on X, at @TfL.
2. Don’t get separated. Set a meeting point – and stay safe with children
   
   Carnival’s all about dancing and having fun! But with all that energy and excitement, it’s easy to get lost in a crowd and feel overwhelmed. Try to stick together with family or friends if you can. Before the fun begins, agree on a meeting point so that if you get separated, you’ll know exactly where to meet back up.
   
   Sunday is Family Day at Carnival, and is the best day to visit with children. Just in case you do get separated from your children, take a photo of them as you leave the house so that you can show stewards and police what they look like and what they’re wearing.  
3. Feeling unwell or unsafe? Medical help required? Speak to a steward
   
   Stewards and staff from the emergency services are all over the carnival site and are all in contact with each other. They’ll be recognisable by their hi-visibility jackets or their uniforms. There are dedicated areas throughout the carnival site for First Aid, lost people and people that feel vulnerable.  
4. Crowded streets? Hang back and stay safe
   
   Carnival gets busy - roads can be packed and pavements crowded. If you find yourself in a busy space, hang back and wait for the crowd to ease up. It’s safer, and it helps protect you from pickpockets who take advantage of congestion.
5. Leave the bling at home
   
   Just bring the essentials - some cash, your keys, sunscreen, and an old mobile if you’ve got one. Elaborate jewellery and flashy tech can attract the wrong kind of attention. Best to leave them at home and enjoy the day stress-free.
6. Be drink smart – watch your cup
   
   Drinks - alcoholic or otherwise - are the most common way to spike someone, so don’t leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know.  Spiking is real, and it’s not worth the risk.
   
   Carnival punch might taste sweet, but the alcohol levels can be strong and unpredictable. If you or anyone else starts to feel unwell, help them get medical attention. If your group is travelling home by car, make sure there is a designated driver who hasn’t been drinking.
7. Carnival’s for joy, not risky choices
   
   Carnival’s about good energy, music, and community - not taking risks that could ruin your day. You never really know what’s in a pill or powder and mixing substances (especially with alcohol) can be dangerous. Look out for your people, and if anyone feels unwell, get help straight away.
8. Hands off unless consent
   
   You don’t have to tolerate sexual harassment. If someone is harassing you, call it out and/or remove yourself from the situation. If you feel able to, tell a police officer or steward
9. Know your Carnival details
   
   Keeping safe is much easier if you know which facilities are in the area and where you can go to take a breather or get some help.
   
   This web page gives details of the schedules for each day, as well as maps and lots of other useful information.

Finally – we hope you have fun!