Mayor of London New Year Fireworks Display 2024: Primrose Hill will stay open but there are strict rules

As New Year’s Eve fast approaches, London’s Royal Parks have issued a statement reminding people that Primrose Hill is not an ‘official viewing spot’ for the Mayor of London’s annual fireworks display.

Officials for The Royal Parks and Met Police are working in tandem to stop visitors from setting off fireworks and lanterns on Primrose Hill, which has previously been a popular viewing spot among locals.

A statement issued by The Royal Parks reminds visitors that Primrose Hill is not an official viewing area for the famous display and large groups will not be tolerated, adding the best place to watch it for free is ‘at home on the BBC’.

Stay up to date with the latest headlines from across LDN by signing up for our free newsletter.

Last year, on December 31st, 2023, 16-year-old Harry Pitman, was stabbed to death, while watching the display from Primrose Hill. The prosecutor said, “Revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye.”

The Royal Parks is supporting the Metropolitan Police to ensure the park does not become a place for large groups to congregate on New Year’s Eve. There will be police and stewards patrolling the park.

Primrose Hill will close at 1am on NYE

A statement from Royal Parks said: “There is no firework display or any kind of event in the park and the park is not an official viewing area for the Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks. Those without a ticket to the London fireworks are advised to welcome in 2025 in the capital’s bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs, or watch at home – the best view without a ticket will be watching it on TV, with the display being broadcast live on the BBC at midnight.”

The Metropolitan 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.

Don’t set off fireworks and take your litter home

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."

*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.