Should you protect, or board up your property for Notting Hill Carnival?

The iconic Notting Hill Carnival returns for another year, bringing its lively atmosphere and cultural extravaganza to the streets of West London. As Europe’s largest street festival, this annual event has continued to captivate both London locals and visitors since its inception over 50 years ago. However, for those residing or operating businesses in the areas directly affected by the carnival, it is essential to be aware of the potential challenges and take necessary precautions.

Key details about the Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival takes place from Saturday 26th to Monday 28th August 2023, encompassing the vibrant neighbourhoods of W10, W11, and W14. Key areas to note include Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park, and Kensal Road. The Transport for London website provides a comprehensive overview of the streets that will be affected by closures and the additional public transport arrangements to accommodate carnival-goers.

Beyond the main carnival procession, the festival offers a wide range of attractions and events throughout West London. Here is a brief schedule of notable happenings during the carnival:

• Saturday 26th August: Outdoor themed events at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park, Bosworth Road W10.
• Sunday 27th August (Family Day): Festivities at Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park, Bosworth Road W10, Powis Square, W11, and Canal Way, Ladbroke Grove W14.
• Monday 28th August (Grand Finale Parade): The parade engulfs the W10 and W11 areas mentioned above, uniting the community in a colourful celebration.

Problems of public partying

Although the festival’s organisers go to great lengths to try to ensure risks are minimised and behaviour is good, it’s always going to be difficult to manage the behaviour of the public turning up in large crowds – especially for an event as popular and well attended as the Notting Hill Carnival (second in the world only to Rio de Janeiro’s famous festival).

Although local businesses and local residents may enjoy the benefits of the Notting Hill events themselves, they can also be affected negatively, commonly by issues such as:

• Gardens being used as impromptu toilets – both urination, and defecation.

• Drunken behaviour – including drinking in private gardens, refusing to move on and drunken ‘pranks’.

• Disorderly behaviour – damage to property and gardens, antisocial acts and even threatening behaviour.

• Burglary and theft of property – busy events provide noisy distractions to the behaviour of burglars and opportunist thieves.

 

Address potential challenges

While the organizers take significant measures to minimize risks and encourage responsible behaviour, managing large crowds can present challenges. Residents and businesses should be aware of potential issues, which may include:

Public behaviour concerns: The festival’s popularity can lead to occasional instances of unruly behaviour, such as public intoxication, trespassing, or damage to property and gardens.

Security and safety: With the carnival attracting a vast number of visitors, it is essential to remain vigilant against theft, burglaries, and potential distractions that could compromise property security.

Take protective measures

Once you’ve identified if your property, premises or even person could be vulnerable, or if you have decided to act preventatively in any case, then it’s worth looking at your options for security:

To protect properties and premises during the Notting Hill Carnival, several proactive steps can be taken:

• Securing access points: Consider temporary security fencing to safeguard entry points, gates, and stairways for both residential and business properties. This solution minimizes property damage, prevents unwanted trespassing, and reduces the risk of litter and debris accumulation.
• Boarding up windows: For businesses susceptible to potential damage, such as shops, bars, and restaurants, boarding up windows can offer proactive prevention. Although it may entail temporary closure, this measure is often more cost-effective than repairs, insurance claims, and potential public liability issues.
• Seeking local guidance: Consult the Notting Hill Carnival website, local authorities, and community organizations for up-to-date information on event schedules, safety measures, and advice specific to residents and businesses in the area. Neighbours who have previously experienced the carnival’s impact can also provide valuable insights.

Consult the experts

The Notting Hill Carnival remains an unmissable cultural event in 2023, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of London’s communities. While it brings joy and excitement to the streets of West London, it is essential for local residents and businesses to be prepared and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. By being aware of the carnival’s schedule, addressing potential challenges, and implementing proactive security measures, individuals can protect their properties. If you think the implementing protective measures is something that you’d find useful contact our team. We will be happy to advise on solutions to secure your peace of mind, as well as your property, during the Notting Hill Carnival.