Carnival Notting Hill 2026- Met Police reveal security plans for event

More than 7,000 officers will be deployed to west London over the August Bank Holiday weekend as the Met prepares to police Notting Hill Carnival <i>(Image: PA Wire)</i>
More than 7,000 officers will be deployed to west London over the August Bank Holiday weekend as the Met prepares to police Notting Hill Carnival (Image: PA Wire)
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More than 7,000 police officers will be deployed in west London over the August bank holiday weekend as the Metropolitan Police prepares to police the 60th Notting Hill Carnival.

The event, one of London’s largest cultural celebrations, is expected to draw millions of visitors.

Commander Claire Smart, gold commander for this year’s carnival, said: "This year marks an important milestone as Notting Hill Carnival celebrates its 60th anniversary.

"It remains one of London’s most significant cultural events and something that means a great deal to many of the communities we serve.

"The vast majority of people who attend Carnival come to celebrate, enjoy themselves and be part of something unique.

"Our job is to help make sure they can do that safely."

The Met has been working closely with organisers and partners for several months to improve stewarding and crowd management.

The force will use intelligence-led tactics, including stop and search and live facial recognition cameras, to identify offenders and prevent harm.

Last year, live facial recognition led to 61 arrests and the identification of 30 registered sex offenders.

The Met has also imposed bail conditions on more than 330 individuals, banning them from attending the event.

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Weapons seized in the lead-up to the carnival include 66 zombie knives in north-east London and 10 zombie knives, 30 flick knives, and a machete in east London.

The British Transport Police (BTP) will also be supporting the operation.

Chief Superintendent Dominique Ioannou of BTP said: "We’re proud to be working alongside our policing and transport partners once again to help keep people safe as they travel to and from Notting Hill Carnival, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.

"We know London’s transport network will be exceptionally busy throughout the weekend, and we have a comprehensive policing plan in place, including specialist resources and highly visible patrols."

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