Major Birmingham carnival for 2025 cancelled over security threat
The Harborne Carnival set for June 22, 2025, is cancelled due to security concerns, with organisers facing challenges in meeting stringent safety requirements.
The Harborne Carnival has been cancelled for 2025 due to security concerns, following a detailed safety review.
Organisers said that while no specific threat has been identified, high national threat levels and stricter security demands made it unfeasible to proceed with the Birmingham event, which was set for June 22.
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To meet new safety requirements, the carnival would have needed upgraded barriers, more stewards, and extra access routes for emergency services—measures that can’t be implemented in time.
Street festivals are increasingly seen as potential targets, with organisers citing incidents like the Vancouver car ramming attack, which killed 11 people at a Filipino heritage celebration.
The decision came after discussions with Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG), West Midlands Police, the Home Office, and the carnival committee. SAG had asked organisers to demonstrate how they would mitigate the risk of a major incident, particularly given the number of open side streets along the route.
Paul Burgess MBE, Chair of Harborne Carnival, said the move was not taken lightly: “The Harborne Family Carnival is a highlight for our community, and with preparations already underway, this decision was not taken lightly. We understand the disappointment this brings to families, traders, and partners who make the carnival a success each year.
“Our safety record over the last 27 years has always been strong, and that’s something we’re not willing to compromise on. Recent global incidents have resulted in new security requirements, including better protection of the many side streets feeding into the main carnival area.
“These changes bring significant logistical and financial challenges that we simply can’t overcome in time for this year. Public safety is our top priority.”
He added that attention is now turning to 2026, with the team actively exploring new locations and formats that can meet the latest security guidance without losing the community feel of the event.
Stallholders and participants will be refunded, and organisers say they’re “exploring” new options for next year.