Primrose Hill Locked Down: Londoners Outraged as Famous NYE Fireworks Spot Shuts
Primrose Hill Sealed Off Over New Year’s Eve
London party animals are fuming after Primrose Hill, the iconic spot to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks, was shut tight with fences and hoardings. Last year, 30,000 revellers packed the park, but this NYE, gates slam shut at 8pm on December 30 and won’t reopen until January 1.
Locals say the lockdown is “grotesque” and “completely unprecedented.” Amy McKeown, a volunteer with Primrose Hill Keepers, blasted the move:
“This is a public park where people should be able to come to watch the fireworks. This is exactly what we should be encouraging people to do.”
Police Deny Budget Cuts Behind Closure
Rumours swirling that this shutdown ties back to police cutbacks after the Royal Parks policing unit was axed amid a £260 million shortfall. But the Met insists it’s the Royal Parks charity’s call.
“It is not accurate to suggest the decision was necessary as a result of the disbanding of the Royal Parks policing team,” a police spokesperson said.
Last NYE, 145 officers patrolled Primrose Hill, with only 15 from the Royal Parks unit – showing plenty of policing presence despite budget woes.
Tragedy Sparks Tough New Measures
The closure follows a grim 2023 when a 16-year-old was fatally stabbed during the fireworks. His attacker was jailed for at least 16 years. The Royal Parks charity warned crowd control would seriously suffer without dedicated police.
“We have therefore decided that Primrose Hill will be closed and locked from 8pm on December 30 until January 1,” the charity confirmed.
Locals Fear Social and Economic Fallout
Neighbourhood activist Usiskin says the park’s post-pandemic popularity makes policing tougher but fears the lockdown will hit local pubs and eateries hard. Many locals are expected to flout the ban and climb fences, risking safety.
McKeown slammed the barricades as “festival barriers,” turning a once open celebration into a “huge amount of resources being used to keep people out.”
London’s beloved Primrose Hill will be a no-go zone this New Year’s – but the crowds might not care.
