Notting Hill Carnival safety update

A safer carnival this year, aided by live facial recognition and targeted policing, contrasts with recent years

Notting Hill Carnival records far fewer violent incidents this year

This year’s Notting Hill Carnival saw far fewer incidents of serious violence, according to the Metropolitan Police. They reported 423 arrests over the two main days, including 46 for possession of an offensive weapon, with two stabbings that did not result in life‑threatening injuries. Temperatures reached 26C as thousands lined the route, and facial recognition cameras were placed on routes into and out of the carnival to spot suspects before crowds grew.

As of 7.45pm on Monday, police counted 223 arrests for the day, with 177 inside the carnival and 46 at the approaches. Last year’s final day saw at least 230 arrests. Scotland Yard said 52 of this year’s total arrests were linked to identifications using live facial recognition. Critics have warned that LFR can be less accurate for women and people of color in some settings, raising civil liberties concerns. Police credited a joint effort with organizers and outreach efforts for a safer event, while noting the effort remains ongoing and vigilance continues.

The police narrative emphasizes prevention and deterrence through visible policing and technology. This reflects a broader trend of using live facial recognition at large public events, aiming to prevent violence before it happens. Yet the approach sits at a tense crossroads between safety and civil liberties, especially when accuracy varies by demographic group. Last year’s deadly incidents at Notting Hill cast a long shadow, making authorities feel the pressure to show results while critics push for safeguards and oversight. The real test will be whether the public accepts ongoing surveillance as a normal feature of street celebrations or pushes for tighter limits and transparency.

Looking ahead, the story raises questions about budget and scalability of such tools for year after year events. If not managed with clear rules and independent review, the safety gains could be offset by eroding trust among communities most affected by policing tactics.

Highlights

The carnival will continue to evolve as safety and rights debates unfold.