At what was described as a “lively” meeting which took place last night, less than two weeks before Carnival Notting Hill’s mas bands discussed their concerns about last-minute changes to entry and exit times and locations.
Many band-leaders were worried about the practicalities of getting on to the route and feared there would be major congestion at the two security checkpoints originally proposed.
Commander Jane Connors of the Metropolitan Police attended the emergency meeting, which had been called at short notice by mas band organisation CAMF. Soca News understands that Commander Connors was able to give some assurances to the bands and indicated that up to four entry points will be available.
A source told SN: “Security checks will happen from 8am at these ‘marshalling points’ and the lorries will then proceed to their assembly points to be joined by the masqueraders before setting off at their designated times.”
Each band will receive an individual plan for Carnival. Once agreed, the plan will serve as a licence for that band’s right to participate in Carnival.
A meeting was due to take place later to resolve certain differences between some members of the Board and the new event management company, London Street Events (trading as Street Event Company).
Soca News will shortly be publishing an article about LSE/SEC and concerns over the way it was appointed.
