New police rules for visiting Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve - closing time set

The Met Police have laid out a set of rules for merrymakers visiting Primrose Hill on New Year's Eve. Thousands flock to the famous hill every year to watch out over one of the best views of London while the firework display goes off.

Scotland Yard reminded visitors to not bring fireworks or paper lanterns to Primrose Hill and that the park is not an official viewing area for the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The Royal Parks, which manages Primrose Hill, is supporting the Metropolitan Police in ensuring that the park does not become a place for large groups to gather to hold their own firework event or party.

Organising large gatherings without permission and setting off fireworks or lanterns is in breach of Royal Parks regulations, which are enforceable by the Met Police, The Royal Park said. There won't be a firework display at the park and The Royal Parks encouraged those without tickets to see the Mayor's display should go to bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs, or watch it at home on TV.

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The Met Police will be present in the park on New Year’s Eve, supported by stewards, who will be reminding people that the park will close at 1am on New Year’s Day. The announcement comes after the fatal stabbing of Harry Pitman on Primrose Hill last New Year’s Eve. A retrial into his death is due to take place in 2025.

Nick Biddle, Park Manager for The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, said: “Primrose Hill is not suitable for hosting a display or for people to bring their own fireworks or paper lanterns. Fireworks and lanterns are not allowed in any of the Royal Parks, including Primrose Hill.

“We ask that people please respect the park and the surrounding area by not organising a large gathering on Primrose Hill or letting off their own fireworks or lanterns. Also, if the bins are full, please take litter home with you.”

A Royal Parks Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "I urge members of the public not to bring fireworks to Primrose Hill. This will allow my officers to focus their efforts on ensuring that park visitors remain safe, that the atmosphere remains good-natured and that any anti-social behaviour can be dealt with swiftly."

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