Analyse how the impacts of the Notting Hill Carnival could be measured. What methods could have been used to measure the impacts of similar events and what are the issues surrounding those methods?
In 2003, a London Development Agency (LDA 2003) report into the Notting Hill Carnival found that ‘it brought in an estimated income of £93 million into London in 2002, supporting in the region of 3000 full time equivalent jobs. The study and review of other aspects of the carnival lead to increased attention from the Mayor of London and other stakeholders (1) which lead to the Notting Hill Carnival ‘Strategic Review’ in 2004. The report states that ‘the true value of the Notting Hill Carnival, in social, economic and cultural terms, has received little recognition in the past’. (2) But how can the Notting Hill Carnival be more accurately measured?

Economic: The review highlights a number of economic impacts of the Carnival, with various statistics available. However, these stats focus heavily on the immediate economic impact, and do consider the costs for the negative impact of the event; policing, traffic, pollution. As highlighted by Getz 2012, the economic impacts should include a ‘comprehensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of the event’. (3)
Environmental: Environment impacts have been measured in the past through the amount of waste generated. (4) Future environmental impact studies could include the measurement and tracking of the reduction of the carbon footprint from the floats used, implantation and measurement of recyclable materials used within the parade, positive implementation of a recycling strategy and collection bins along route.
Social and Cultural Impact: The 2004 report highlights that ‘There is no doubt that the social and educational value of the Notting Hill Carnival, through its promotion of the carnival art forms has been significant’, however their seems to be very little evidence based research to support this impact. The report speculates that this is due to the multiply agencies involved in delivery the event, and recommends the following studies, each study could be set up to be measured to produce social and cultural impact findings:
(a) a mapping of past and present carnival arts and education initiatives;
(b) researching areas of good practice in the development of carnival and carnival arts in schools; and
(c) an evidence-based approach to the contribution of the carnival arts and carnival education to the development of communication and life skills.
(5)

(1) Bowdin, G.A.J., Allen, J., O’Toole, W., Harris, R., and McDonnell, I. (2008) Event Management.2nd ed. Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann. The Impact of Events p55
(2) Notting Hill Carnival A Strategic Review, Executive Summary p 11
(3) Getz (2012), Event Studies: Theory, Research and Policy for Planned Events. 2nd Ed. Routledge. Economics, Management, Political Science p 114
(4) Notting Hill Carnival A Strategic Review, Executive Summary p 20
(5) Notting Hill Carnival A Strategic Review, Executive Summary p25