Carnival called off over public safety concerns

An annual carnival has had to be called off after a security review revealed more safety measures were needed.

The Harborne Carnival had been due to take place on 22 June, but "elevated national threat levels" and "stringent new security requirements" mean it cannot go ahead, a spokesperson said.

While no specific threat had been identified, recent incidents, including the Vancouver car attack, had demonstrated street festivals worldwide had become "increasingly vulnerable".

Paul Burgess MBE, the carnival's chair, said the event was a highlight for the community, but public safety was a "top priority".

The decision to cancel was made after organisers were asked in a consultation with with Birmingham City Council's Safety Advisory Group (SAG), West Midlands Police, and Home Office officials, how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident.

The number of open side streets along the carnival route were identified as a concern and it was recommended that enhanced security barriers, increased stewarding, and additional access routes for emergency services were added.

The event's spokesperson said: "After careful evaluation, carnival organisers concluded that it was impractical, both logistically and financially, to implement the necessary safety measures in time for this year's event."

Earlier in the year the city's St Patrick's Parade was also cancelled.

Mr Burgess said the decision had not been taken lightly.

"We fully understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year," he said.

But he said that safety was not an area it was "willing to compromise on".

It had not been possible to implement the changes in time for this year's carnival, but attention had now turned to the 2026 event, Mr Burgess said.

"We're actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest safety guidance, while preserving the community spirit that makes the Harborne Carnival so special," he added.

The carnival's spokesperson said all stallholders and participants who had already paid fees would be promptly refunded.

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