Relocate Notting Hill Carnival Sound Systems to Preserve Parade Safety and Culture

The Carnival Community, the Band leaders, the masqueraders and everyone involved in the parade are tired and frustrated with how the experience of playing mas is being sacrificed for the “Sound System”. There are hundreds if not thousands of people that work throughout the year to produce costume's and practice routines in order to put on a show and make the two days of carnival a joyous expression of freedom.

However each year this becomes harder and harder with the Sound Systems which are placed in the centre of the parade route. This means that persons not interested in seeing the parade come to the area and have to cross the route to reach their destination.

This create a problem because there is no barrier to separate the masqueraders on the parade route from these “passers by” who have no interest in the parade, leaving the bands unable to enjoy the fruits of their labour and the masqueraders who pay large sums of money, some travelling from across the globe feeling crowded, unsafe and dissatisfied with their experience. 

The music that is played at the sound systems is not allowed to be played by the bands participating in the parade and is punished by sanctions like fines and even bans from participation. Yet the sound systems play genres that attract people who have no interest or understanding of the cultural significance of the parade. 

When those individuals leave the sound systems they cross the parade route and cause issues of crowding and violence.

We think that it is time to move the Sound Systems away from the route, especially those that play music that is prohibited by parade participants, place them in an area away from the route creating a safer, more controlled, carnival parade that can be enjoyed to its full potential. 

If we want to save this culturally significant event that dates back to the 1950s that is about love, unity and the sharing of Caribbean culture ACTION MUST BE TAKEN.

One suggestion is moving the Sound Systems out of Notting Hill/Ladbroke Grove to a Hyde Park (or another open space) this wouldn’t be the preferred option.

A second suggestion is to create 2 separate zones one for Sound Systems the other for the parade .

A third suggestion is putting them on the out side of the route with a smaller route and assembly point in the centre for the bands

The main goal is “To create a safe space for both elements of the event”

if you agree please sign and share this petition so we can present it to the Notting Hill Carnival Trust and prevent further damage to the community, the parade and the culture.

Thank you