Families were subject to stricter searches after police received a report that acid may be brought to Nottingham Carnival.
Event organisers chose to introduce further safety precautions minutes before the Nottingham Caribbean Carnival began on Sunday (August 20) at the Victoria Embankment.
Extensive bag searches and a complete ban on all outside food and drink were introduced to reduce any risk of harm to the public.
The event information originally stated ‘you can take a picnic and soft drinks in but no alcohol – you may be searched’.
Helen Overton, the Carnival’s event manager, said: “Police received a report of males coming to throw acid at the event and we were only given that information just before the event opened.
“Our first and main priority was to prevent anyone attending the carnival from being potentially injured based on the information given by police.
“We adopted the protocol to prevent acid attacks which is done throughout the whole country where there is a risk.
“We did absolutely everything possible to keep people calm.”
She also stated that water was available for free which is part of the Carnival’s licensing agreement.
Can't take water into the Nottingham Carnival… even if it's not been opened… is this some sort of joke! #NottinghamCarnival
— Alex PMG Rose (@Alexrose90) August 20, 2017
Eye witnesses said they were prevented from taking any food or drink into the carnival including unopened water bottles and baby’s milk formula.
Carnival goers took to Twitter to voice their opinions on the policies.
#nottinghamCarnival @nottspolice Seeing mums having to empty their baby milk out cos of the last minute rule change… Disgusting tbh!
— Stephen Llewellyn (@SSPanther2) August 20, 2017
Apparently @nottspolice have told #nottinghamcarnival not to allow water through security. #notimpressed
— Tristan Day (@trisday) August 20, 2017
A spokesperson for Notts Police said: “Nottinghamshire Police received information from an anonymous source about the Caribbean Carnival.
“The information was uncorroborated, extremely vague and did not relate to the event’s location – as such it was not considered an immediate threat to the event.
“As a precaution, the event organisers were made aware of the information and they took the decision to stop people taking liquids into the event.
“Officers working during the event were also briefed to be vigilant to any suspicious activity.
“The event went ahead without any incident of this nature occurring.
“The Caribbean Carnival is an important event in Nottingham’s multi-cultural calendar and the police have worked very hard providing advice to the event organisers to ensure that the carnival is safe for all to attend.
“Officers had a very enjoyable time at the event interacting with the carnival-goers and supporting the security on site.”
The annual event celebrating Caribbean culture turned 18 this year and featured a wide variety of music, cuisine, and colourful costume.
