Reading carnival could be cancelled this year due to police concern about “violence, stabbings and assaults”.

Thames Valley Police have asked for the party’s licence to be reviewed after violent incidents at last year’s event in May.

A teenager was stabbed at last year’s event and the police also raised concern about “large scale disorders” in the main carnival site in Prospect Park.

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The event, officially called Reading Community Carnival, is organised by the Reading Caribbean Culture Group (RCCG), with the procession starting at Great Knollys Street.

A spokesman for RCCG said in a post on Facebook: “At this point in time, we cannot confirm whether Carnival will take place this year and ask for your patience, we will update you as soon as we can.”

“This is the outcome of the bad and disrespectful behaviour of some people last year who have no regard for the event, its history or relevance to the community.”

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The organisers announced plans last month to ban glass bottles at the main carnival site in Prospect Park this year and charge an entrance fee for the first time in response to the stabbing and other violent incidents last year.

They said adults would be charged £2, under 18s would have to pay £1 and under 12s would go free.

Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) licensing applications committee will decide what action to take in the coming weeks.

This could include revoking the licence or adding new conditions to the licence in attempt reduce the risk of violence.

If you want to have your say on whether the carnival should go ahead this May, you have until next Thursday (February 27) to email licensing@reading.gov.uk.

Representations must relate to at least one of the four licensing objectives and include a full name and address.

The four licensing objections are:

  • Prevention of crime and disorder
  • Public safety
  • Prevention of public nuisance
  • Protection of children from harm