New proposals could mean Notting Hill Carnival is ticketed in 2016

Having been free since starting in 1966, Notting Hill Carnival may be turned into a paid-for event next year if proposals under review come into effect.

A number of planned changes have been tabled after the traditionally free fiesta, that takes place in West London on the August bank holiday, suffered a 10 per cent spike in crime this year.

Thousands of local residents are being surveyed on the tabled suggestions, which also includes swapping the Monday ending in favour of Saturday and Sunday street parties.

Kensington's Conservative MP, Victoria Borwick, is conducting the research, with the results set to inform a discussion between police, the council and the Carnival organisers on how best to run it in 2016.

Lady Borwick said: "We're trying to open negotiations with the organisers. We know that the police are talking to the council but we also need to get the Carnival community on board.

"They don't really want to see any changes but we've got to be realistic, this is not the Carnival we had ten or even five years ago.

"We want it to be a fun family occasion, celebrating the music and the culture, not somewhere people tell terrible stories about crime."

Results of the survey are expected in February, but let's hope everyone sees sense to keep it as a freebie.

[Via: FACT and Evening Standard]