We love Notting Hill Carnival...
So it's just under a week until London’s, 51st Notting Hill Carnival.
The final touches to the costumes are taking place, the chefs are getting the jerk chicken and fried plantain prepared and the big trucks are being wired up to the sound systems.
Everyone that I know and you know that went last year had a really good time but did anyone see any kind of crime? Honestly?...(WhatsApp or call a friend and ask...I can wait)
The answer was no, right?
Then why is the 1st, longest running and biggest carnival in Europe (2nd largest in the world only to Brazil) is always judged on it’s success by the crime statistics?
Now, I'm not saying that there won't be a couple of trouble making arseholes that turn up and want to cause a disturbance, no… that would be naive of me. Last year sadly 8 officers were admitted to hospital (out of 7000 who were on duty) 454 arrests and 16 stabbings is not even insignificant to the 2 million people who turn up to 'tun up'.
I can assure you that there will be no mention of the creative geniuses behind the scenes by the mainstream media. They started planning this year's extravaganza literally weeks after the last Notting Hill Carnival has finished.
So when other festivals are not only broadcasted on TV channels such as BBC 3, BBC Music, Channel 5, MTV UK and SKY Arts (yep and if you don't believe me Google it), they are riddled with crime that is NEVER publicised, unlike the Notting Hill Carnival.
Now when the stats are analysed in further detail the number of incidents at Notting Hill Carnival, you will see that they are less than 0.00022% in relation to the 99.999% of law abiding citizens.
Other festivals such as 'T in the Park' has been suggested it's one of the most crime-ridden festivals in the UK according to the Herald Scotland http://bit.ly/29xyEdr
Reading Festival
Glastonbury
In general
The number of sexual assaults, thefts and drug dealing is rife in other festivals. However somehow the general media always seems to get it back to front in broadcasting that the Notting Hill Carnival is a ‘crime festival' and the other 2m people who turn up to just linger in the background.
The truth of the matter is this, the same advocates of the rampant gentrification who claim they are now 'frightened' are now lobbying to have the same W10 attraction, which drew them to the area in the first place, to have it relocated to Hyde Park (Some how Hyde Park Carnival doesn't have the same kudos, does it?!?)
They’ve already begun by first attempting to make Grenfel Tower the main reason to relocate, which was swiftly rebuked by London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
They have however are making this the last year of ‘Dutty Mas’ on Carnival Sunday, a tradition of getting covered in paint, chocolate, oil, powder, mud etc and wining to soca music, often called J’ouvert (pronounced Joo-Vay).
This according to the London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprise Trust (LNHCET) is having a negative impact on the Children’s Mas Bands.
The jury is still out on that one.
But what are the benefits of Notting Hill Carnival? Well, now that Brexit is here that means the weak pound is encouraging tourists to visit the capital. It generates over £90m for the London economy and continues the community spirit and the celebration of Caribbean cultures.
So finally, let's say a massive thank you to all the stewards, the organisers, the general public, Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and the universe!
Happy 51st Birthday, Notting Hill Carnival!
To find out where your local DJ is playing your favourite music, sign up now at GoodMuse.app
