Residents of Kensington have expressed fears that a planned festive light exhibition in Holland Park could disrupt their Christmas celebrations. The event, proposed by Glow at Christmas, would run for up to 30 days between November 15 and December 24, featuring a curated outdoor light art exhibition.
At a Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday, August 13, local residents raised concerns about the event's impact on their festive period. Amanda Frame, Chair of the Kensington Society, emphasized the unique nature of the park: “This park isn't like Hyde Park, it's a park in the middle of a residential area. It completely surrounds any residences so what happens in the park needs to reflect what their lives are like - their lives at Christmas, their lives in the midst of having families and Christmas and what that's going to be and whether that’s going to be disturbed or not.”
Safety Concerns Over Bridge and Crowds
Christian Harris, Parks Project Manager, told the Committee he had “full confidence” the applicant would protect park amenities, including the Kyoto Garden. He mentioned discussions about moving Koi fish from the garden's pond to a storage tank during the event. However, Sophia Lambert, a trustee of the Kensington Society, raised safety concerns about the “extremely precarious” bridge over the gardens. “I’m delighted the carp are being well looked after but I’m concerned the humans are not being well looked after,” she said, highlighting risks of people crossing while drinking and the potential danger to mothers with children. She added: “On your heads be it if there’s a very nasty accident.”
Matthew Phipps, representing the applicant, assured the Committee that measures would be in place to ensure smooth operation, including SIA security staff, CCTV, searches, and a contact number for residents. He acknowledged that amplified music would be localised but necessary for the event, stating: “There will be some impact by its very nature. We cannot pretend that we can put this event on and no one will know it's there.”
Event Details and Licensing Proposal
The event could include film screenings, live and recorded music, dance performances, and the sale of alcohol. It would operate from 3pm to 10.45pm, with the park remaining open to the public until the event's start time, despite its usual 4pm winter closing. From the start of 2027, the licence would allow the event to run for up to 35 days per calendar year during winter.
In a written statement, the applicant described Glow at Christmas as “a curated outdoor light art exhibition for families and a general audience. It is not a concert, festival, nightclub or alcohol-led event. Entry is by timed ticket, which controls visitor numbers and circulation across the site throughout the evening.”
Concerns from Friends of Holland Park
The Friends of Holland Park, who did not formally object, raised concerns about potential damage to the sports field from foot traffic. Chairman Jennie Kettlewell also worried about drinking outside concession areas. However, Mr. Phipps argued that barring drinking could lead to residents consuming drinks more quickly before entering, potentially worsening issues.
A decision on the application is expected within five working days of the hearing.
