Primrose Hill, a popular park in north London, will be closed over the Bonfire Night period and on New Year's Eve due to public safety fears. The park has seen two fatal stabbings in the past three years.
Closure dates and times
The Royal Parks, the charity that manages the park, confirmed it will close nightly for 11 days during the fireworks period, from October 30 to November 9, between 10pm and 6am. It will also close on December 30 at 8pm, before reopening on January 1 at 6am.
History of incidents
The beauty spot has been closed to the public each year on New Year's Eve since the death of 16-year-old Harry Pitman in 2023. The teenager was stabbed and killed during a fight after joining crowds to watch the fireworks from the top of the hill.
Film student Finbar Sullivan, 21, was also fatally stabbed at the beauty spot in April.
Official response
A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said: "The safety of all park visitors is our priority. Closing the park over the Bonfire Night period and on New Year's Eve is not a decision we take lightly."
"We know that in the past large numbers have gathered in the park to celebrate these occasions. These are not organised events, they are gatherings in open parkland and we have limited controls that we can deploy to ensure public safety. Closing Primrose Hill overnight is the only responsible course of action."
Royal Parks also reminded visitors that organising large gatherings without permission and setting off fireworks or lanterns is in breach of regulations, which are enforced by the Metropolitan Police.
