Firstly, thank you to everyone who has signed, shared, supported, and engaged with this campaign. Your support has helped keep the conversation around the future of Notting Hill Carnival alive as we approach its historic 60th Anniversary.
I would like to share an important update.
A recent attempt to bring the matter before Parliament was rejected again for the third time running. However, the reason given was not because Government opposes Notting Hill Carnival. Rather, Parliament advised that responsibility for funding and support primarily sits with local authorities and relevant stakeholders rather than central Government.
Whilst initially disappointing, this response has encouraged me to look deeper.
Over recent months, I have engaged with the Mayor's Office, media platforms, community members, and Windrush advocate Patrick Vernon OBE. I have also revisited my academic research into the history of Notting Hill Carnival.
What I found was something worth reflecting upon.
Throughout its 60-year history, Carnival has faced many challenges. Some came from outside pressures, including policing concerns, public perception, and funding difficulties. Others came from within, including leadership disputes, communication breakdowns, sponsorship struggles, governance issues, and questions around accountability.
This has led me to ask a different question.
Perhaps the conversation is not only about who should fund Carnival.
Perhaps the conversation is also about what lessons Carnival's first 60 years can teach us about its next 60 years.
Over the coming weeks and months, I will continue speaking with organisers, stakeholders, elders, cultural leaders, academics, and members of the community to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing Carnival today.
The campaign therefore continues, but with an expanded focus:
🎭 Protection
🎭 Recognition
🎭 Sustainability
🎭 Accountability
🎭 Legacy
Notting Hill Carnival remains one of the most significant cultural achievements in modern British history. The question now is not simply how we preserve it, but how we strengthen it for future generations.
I leave a picture of one of our legends that held our legacy intact until now - The Honourable Leslie Palmer
Thank you for continuing the journey with us.
— Kelyon Ross (Coach Kelz)
Campaign Founder