A leaked letter has revealed the UK’s biggest street festival may not go ahead in future without emergency financial support. Organisers are urging authorities to recognise the cultural importance of the event and secure its future amid rising operational costs and security demands.

The letter, reportedly written by organisers from Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, outlines a stark warning about the future of the event, citing financial pressures and a lack of long-term support. It claims the Carnival has been kept afloat through community effort and short-term resources, but that this is no longer sustainable.

“We are now at a critical point where the future of the Carnival is genuinely under threat,” the letter states.
“Without immediate investment, we may not be able to guarantee the event going forward.”

Notting Hill Carnival, which attracts around 2 million people each August, is the largest street party in Europe. Rooted in the celebration of Caribbean culture and born from the struggle of Black British communities in the 1960s, it has become a staple of London’s cultural calendar. However, the scale of the event now brings major financial challenges, including rising security costs, infrastructure needs, and pressures from local authorities.

Organisers are calling for core funding to safeguard the future of the Carnival. They also stress the need for a more structured partnership with public bodies, including the Mayor’s Office, the Metropolitan Police, and Kensington and Chelsea Council.

The leaked correspondence reportedly warns that unless a “sustainable funding model” is established, this year’s Carnival could be among the last.

In response, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London said City Hall recognises the cultural and economic importance of Notting Hill Carnival, and discussions are ongoing to explore how support can be strengthened.

The Mayor;

“This isn’t just a party — it’s a political and cultural act,” said a Carnival contributor who asked to remain anonymous. “To risk losing it would be to erase decades of history and community resilience.”

With time ticking and preparations for 2025’s event already underway, campaigners and community leaders are urging swift action. Whether authorities will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but the message from Carnival’s custodians is clear: this celebration of culture cannot survive on goodwill alone.