The team behind the annual Acton Carnival are seeking to raise £15,000 to make sure this year’s event can go ahead as planned.
Community arts group ARTification has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser which it says is needed due to a financial shortfall that threatens the future of the popular Ealing borough event.
To support the fundraiser, click here.
EALING.NEWS caught up with Dr Mufarrah Sikandar from ARTification to find out more.
Why is there a funding shortfall this year compared to previous years?
“This year, we are facing a significant funding shortfall because we have not yet secured any confirmed funding. While we have successfully delivered the Carnival in previous 20 years with support from a mix of funders and partners, the current funding landscape has become increasingly competitive. Several key funders have shifted priorities or reduced available budgets, and multi-year funding partnership with council have ended.
“Despite this, we remain committed to delivering the Carnival and have submitted multiple funding applications, including Art council. In the meantime, we are relying on community goodwill, in-kind support, and voluntary contributions while continuing to seek financial backing to ensure the Carnival’s full potential can be realised.”
How many people take part in the carnival each year and how many people visit it?
“On average, over 200 participants are directly involved in the carnival each year, including artists, performers, volunteers, and community groups. The event attracts an estimated 3000–5000 visitors annually, making it one of the most vibrant and well-attended cultural events in the borough, with a diverse audience from across the local community and beyond.”
Is there a theme this year for the carnival?
“Yes, the 2025 Acton Carnival will celebrate the theme “Y/OUR Story” — a creative exploration of the collective narratives, lived experiences, and vibrant heritage of Ealing’s diverse communities. Rooted in the idea that Carnival is both personal and communal, this year’s theme invites participants to express their own stories while connecting with others through music, dance, costume, and culture.
” ‘Y/OUR Story’ highlights unity through creativity — whether it’s the intergenerational knowledge passed down in our Mas Camps, the bold self-expression through street fashion and costume, or the shared joy of performance. It’s about recognising our differences while celebrating the arts that bind us. This theme will be co-shaped by the community through public visioning sessions, creative workshops, and performances — truly making it a Carnival of, by, and for the people.”
