Residents in Kensington have raised concerns over a proposed Christmas light installation in Holland Park, fearing the display could be too bright and disrupt the area's tranquillity. The event, Glow at Christmas, has applied for permission to run a curated outdoor light art exhibition aimed at families.
If granted, the installation will operate for up to 35 days during the festive period, with the first year running for up to 30 days between November 15 and December 24. However, local resident groups and individuals have voiced objections, including worries about excessive brightness and the protection of the park's Kyoto garden.
Residents voice 'vehement' opposition
Two local residents wrote a joint letter to the council stating they would "vehemently" oppose the licensing application. One of them said, "The description of the nature of activities being proposed, if the licence is granted, is enough to raise alarm bells for the residents, who have lived here long and enjoyed the tranquillity, serenity and natural surroundings."
The letter continued, "Given the nature of the activities subject to grant of the licence, we have severe concerns and would vehemently oppose this. Needless to say that, if granted, the licence would set a severely objectionable precedent in this predominantly a quiet residential area which the residents have always taken for granted."
They added, "Furthermore, this would undoubtedly encourage and can easily spill over to unsocial activities, crime and disorder, public safety, noise pollution and a grave nuisance for the residents. We would, hence, urge the council to give this a serious consideration before authorisation of the licence application."
Event details and safety measures
Glow at Christmas would be a family-focused ticketed event, featuring a curated Christmas light show. The event could include film screenings, live music, recorded music, dance performances, and the on-and-off sale of alcohol. The applicant stated, "Glow at Christmas is a curated outdoor light art exhibition for families and a general audience. It is not a concert, festival, nightclub or alcohol-led event."
Entry would be by timed ticket, which controls visitor numbers and circulation across the site throughout the evening. The event would also have a trained stewarding and security team, a duty management structure, and a control room to oversee operations.
Park group raises light pollution concerns
The Friends of Holland Park raised concerns about light pollution but said they would not formally object if the applicant addressed all issues. A spokesperson for the group wrote, "We understand there may be a Light Art installation on the sports ground. This would be visible to ticket-holders walking up Earls Court Walk, but there should be no visitor access to the sports field after the park is closed to the public."
They added, "This light installation should not be so bright that it impacts negatively on residences next to the park." The Kensington Society and two more local residents also wrote to the council to raise concerns.
Council review and decision pending
Matthew Evans, the Council's Principal Planning Enforcement Officer, reviewed the park's history and raised "no objections" to the application. Kensington and Chelsea will issue a decision following a licensing hearing on Thursday, August 13.
