According to press spokesman Andrew Hillier, the route and timetable for Notting Hill Carnival are likely to remain unaltered this year.
That means the Calypso Monarch Finals will take place at the Tabernacle on Thursday 24 August, Panorama from 7pm to 10pm on Saturday 26 August at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, Jouvert between 6am and 9am on Sunday followed by Children’s Carnival from 10am, and Adults’ Carnival from 10am on Bank Holiday Monday, 28 August.
The World Music Stage will once again be found at Powis Square on Carnival Sunday and Monday. Once it has been finalised, the full World Music Stage programme will be available on the official NHC website, www.nottinghillcarnivalguide.com.
Once again, the judging point will be located on Great Western Road, but the closing time for judging is under review. Hillier told Soca News: “We want every band to reach the judging point in time for judging.”
Some safety-related changes will be announced in the coming weeks, Hillier revealed. There will also be logistical changes, but these are “behind the scenes and shouldn’t be obvious on the road”. He acknowledged the severe overcrowding that occurs on Ladbroke Grove after the static sound systems are turned off and their audiences try to leave the Carnival area.
In the light of the current security situation, SEC, in consultation with the Metropolitan Police and the emergency services, will keep all aspects of public safety under review.