Ambulance crews faced 73% rise in alcohol incidents on bank holiday Monday
London Ambulance Service attended 467 alcohol-related incidents over the August bank holiday weekend, with a significant surge on the final day.
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Trust 74: figures and quotes come directly from London Ambulance Service and named Gold Commander Alison Blakely.
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Critic 80: clear facts, specific data, quotes, and next steps, but essentially a press release.
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London Ambulance Service crews responded to 467 alcohol-related incidents over the August bank holiday weekend of August 23-25, 2025. This figure represents a 37.4 percent increase compared to the 340 incidents recorded the previous weekend. The busiest day was Monday, August 25, when crews attended 161 alcohol-related incidents, a 73.1 percent rise from the 93 incidents on the preceding Monday.
Carnival crowds and increased demand
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The surge in incidents occurred during the Notting Hill Carnival, which was celebrating its 60th anniversary and was expected to attract up to two million visitors to west London. Alison Blakely, Gold Commander and Deputy Chief Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, stated that the rise in alcohol-related incidents over the bank holiday weekend was avoidable. She noted that these incidents divert ambulance crews from assisting others who may require urgent medical attention.
Ms Blakely urged attendees to plan ahead, stay hydrated, drink responsibly, and look after friends and family. She advised calling 999 for life-threatening situations and considering NHS 111, a GP, or a local pharmacy for less urgent concerns. The service will have additional staff on duty during the carnival, including frontline clinicians on foot or bicycle, critical care teams, and specialist support staff.
Treatment centres established
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Emergency services responded to the incident on 26 August 2026, leading to traffic diversions.
To manage the expected demand, London Ambulance Service will operate several treatment centres across West London. These facilities will be jointly staffed with St John Ambulance. One such centre is located at St Thomas Church Hall, 222 Kensal Road, W10 5BN. Other sites include Blue Pitch, Golborne Gardens, W10 5DZ; St Charles Place @ St Charles Square, W19 6EF; St Marks Place, London, W11 1NT; St Peters Church, Kensington Park Road, W11 2PN; Westbourne Park Bus Garage, Great Western Road, W9 3NW; and St Stephen’s Gardens, W2 6QU.
Questions this report answers
+How many alcohol-related incidents did the London Ambulance Service attend over the August bank holiday weekend?
The London Ambulance Service attended 467 alcohol-related incidents between Saturday, August 23, and Monday, August 25, 2025. This was an increase of nearly 40 percent compared to the 340 incidents recorded the previous weekend.
+What was the increase in alcohol-related incidents on the bank holiday Monday?
On Monday, August 25, 2025, there was a 73 percent increase in alcohol-related incidents compared to the previous Monday. Crews responded to 161 incidents on the bank holiday Monday, up from 93 the week before.
+Where will treatment centres be located during the Notting Hill Carnival?
Treatment centres will be established at St Thomas Church Hall, 222 Kensal Road, W10 5BN, and six other sites in West London. These include locations in Golborne Gardens, St Charles Square, St Marks Place, St Peters Church, Westbourne Park Bus Garage, and St Stephen’s Gardens.
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