'Notting Hill Carnival is a celebration of our history in London - it's not dangerous like people say it is'

Party-goers at Notting Hill Carnival have hit back at claims that the festival is dangerous and vow to keep celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture in London.

A 32-year-old mum remains in critical condition after being stabbed in front of her young child at the carnival yesterday (Sunday, August 25). Two other stabbings took place yesterday, report the Metropolitan Police.

Although Carnival-goers accept the tragedy of these incidents, many believe a false narrative has been stirred up about the safety of the celebrations. Maugan Dixon, 30, whose been to Notting Hill Carnival every year since the age of six, claims it's a symptom of violence being portrayed as part of Black Caribbean culture.

READ MORE: Woman, 32, fights for her life after being stabbed at Notting Hill Carnival

"I've never had an issue here," she told MyLondon. "There's always a reason for people to frame Carnival in a bad way - whether it's knife crime or how we're damaging the area - this has been the way since it started."

As riots saw backlash against immigration and multiculturalism boil up earlier this month, many see Carnival as a chance to demonstrate how different backgrounds have helped shape London.

Maugan, who has Guyanese heritage, added. "The history of Carnival is a protest. It's more important to come to Carnival when different cultures are under threat. We've always been coming here to enjoy it regardless of what people think.

"When my mum first moved from Guyana people used to throw eggs at her because they didn't want her in their area. We formed these Caribbean communities because we weren't welcome elsewhere. Carnival is a celebration of that and our history in London, that's why I come here to have a good time."

This belief is supported by Diane Carr, who runs Tiger's Jerk Pick food stand in Golborne Road. She has also seen no trouble throughout decades of attending and working at Carnival, adding the event is purely about promoting a sense of togetherness.

"Some of my friends say they'll never come to Carnival, but I've never had any trouble here," she told MyLondon. "Stabbings have been happening across London recently...it's more of a problem the city has in general.

"Therefore it doesn't really marr the reputation at all. If bad people come and cause trouble it has nothing to do with the great things in the rest of carnival."

Jacques Nanga, who travelled from France to attend carnival, added the festival shows the success of multiculturalism in London.

He said: "Carnival shows culture is more open in Britain than it is in France. It's great to see white and black people mix like this. There's a positive atmosphere as people don't judge others much. This is why I want to move to London next year."

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