Police Officers have been banned from dancing with the public at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival.
Beginning today with the Children’s Day parade before its busier and more adult-centric climax on Monday, the annual event attracts over a million visitors every year as the biggest outdoor street event in Europe and over 12,000 police officers will be dispelled at the event to help manage crowds and disperse any trouble.
Every year videos of police officers dancing and enjoying the event go viral but this year, Elisabeth Chapple the Met Police spokesperson for the event said, “There are always going to be different views on dancing and with the music being so fantastic it’s so hard not to dance sometimes. But we have asked officers to remember what they are there for – to keep carnival-goers safe and be vigilant. That probably means they won’t be dancing. Our officers are there to keep people safe. If they are dancing and getting involved then they are less able to keep an eye on what’s going on”.
The superintendent also promised more weapon detector arches and increased stop and search orders in an effort to keep arrest numbers down and prevent any unrest.
Stay safe this carnival weekend and for new music to get you in the mood for the festivities, click here.