Harborne Carnival has been cancelled for 2025 following a security review that found new safety requirements too difficult to meet in time. The event, usually one of Birmingham’s largest street festivals, is now being rethought for 2026.
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00:00It's usually a day of parades, music and packed out streets, but this summer, Harbour and Carnival will fall silent.
00:08The decision to cancel was taken after security officials raised concerns over how exposed the event was to a potential incident.
00:16While there's no specific threat, national threat levels remain high and outdoor gatherings like this have come under scrutiny.
00:23A recent tragedy in Vancouver where a vehicle was driven into a crowd has prompted many councils to review how they manage public risk.
00:32Harbour was no exception.
00:34The route's open layout with multiple side streets and limited control points was flagged as a key vulnerability.
00:41Birmingham's Safety Advisory Group, along with West Midlands Police and the Home Office, told organisers they'd need more stewards, heavy duty barriers and a new emergency access route.
00:52Not next year, this year.
00:55Faced with rising costs and a tight turnaround, organisers said it simply wasn't possible.
01:01The 22nd of June date was dropped. Refunds will go out to storeholders, but the real loss is cultural.
01:08For nearly three decades, this has been one of the UK's biggest community-led carnivals.
01:13It's not just a party, it's a platform for local traders, musicians and charities.
01:18The focus turns to 2026, where fresh plans are being drawn up.
01:23Organisers are exploring new locations, controlled layouts and tighter formats.
01:27The aim is to retain the community feel, but bring it up to code.
01:31Whether it's Harbourn High Street or somewhere else, the teams say they are not giving up.
01:36Still, some will be asking, is this a one-off or a sign of things to come for street life in Birmingham?
01:43The first one is to leave the camp under the camp.
01:46Or do it at home?
01:47Do it at home.
01:48It's worth raising.
01:50The track takes a week to do...
01:52The time is to be a contact with the handker the group.
01:53You've got to break a week and you've got to reach.
01:56There's a couple of programs that have been a few months ago,
01:58But we need to give up a couple of days.
01:59So, we'll get to the team that we've got at home from the house.