Brighton's Kemp Town Carnival Cancelled - Again

Tuesday, 6 June 2023 16:28

Barulho playing at Kemp Town Carnival, 2019

The Kemp Town Carnival, due to be held in Brighton this Saturday (June 10) has been cancelled yet again, just days before its 100th anniversary celebrations.

The oldest carnival in the UK hasn't been held since 2019, with the event cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic and 2022 also cancelled due to organisational issues.

Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism & Economic Development Committee, said:

“Sadly, we have needed to withdraw permission for Brighton Carnival to go ahead this weekend. Alongside partners, including the police and fire service, we work with organisers to ensure the safety of everyone attending all events that take place in the city.

“Unfortunately, after working with Brighton Carnival, public safety could not be assured. We know that people will be disappointed, but public safety has to be paramount for the council when approving plans for all events to be held on council land.

“On this occasion, despite council attempts in the months leading up to the event to help the carnival organiser prepare, the papers just submitted were not of the standard required to ensure public safety.

“After careful consideration and discussion with partners, we felt we had no choice but to withdraw landlord’s consent for the carnival.

“We will continue working with the event organisers and hope to be able to welcome Brighton Carnival back as a safe event next year.”

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