One of London's most popular and traditional spots for watching the capital's New Year's Eve fireworks display will be sealed off to the public this year, following a series of tragic incidents and major changes to policing.
An 'Iron Curtain' for Safety
Primrose Hill in north London will be surrounded by steel barricades from 8pm on December 31, 2025, until 6am on January 1, 2026. The move effectively bans the thousands of revellers who traditionally flock to the green space for its commanding, panoramic views over the Thames and the city's iconic fireworks show.
The drastic decision by The Royal Parks charity, which manages the site, comes after two serious incidents in recent years. In 2023, 16-year-old Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed on the hill while watching the celebrations with friends. Areece Lloyd-Hall, 18, was later jailed for a minimum of 16 years for the murder.
Then, in the early hours of January 1, 2025, a car ploughed into crowds on Primrose Hill Road as thousands headed home, injuring two pedestrians. A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Local Reaction: Anger and Relief
The outright closure has sparked a mixed response from the local community. Some residents have branded the measure as 'heavy handed', arguing it destroys a long-held tradition and hurts local businesses.
Malcolm Stiles, 61, told reporters: 'I appreciate that there has been crime associated with the event, but I think this is heavy handed. We must police these big events but ensure they can go ahead.'
Helen Sachman, 45, lamented the loss of an informal, global gathering: 'New Year on Primrose Hill is a tradition... Tourists from around the world come and enjoy the way everyone just comes together.' A worker at Primrose Corner convenience store also expressed disappointment, noting the night is usually a significant boost for trade.
However, other locals welcome the ban. Steven Parry, who lives near the hill's summit, described previous New Year's Eves as a 'nightmare', with horrendous noise, anti-social behaviour, and blocked streets. 'The murder was the tip of the iceberg. Enough is enough,' he stated.
Policing Changes a Key Factor
A critical factor behind the closure is the disbanding of the Metropolitan Police's dedicated Royal Parks policing team. The Royal Parks stated that its capability to manage the large-scale event would now be 'severely diminished', and policing open parkland poses unique security challenges.
The Metropolitan Police, however, clarified that while the closure was necessary, it was not a direct result of the parks unit's disbandment. They noted that officers from that team constituted just 15 of the over 145 officers deployed to the hill last New Year's Eve.
Commander Nick John, in charge of the Met's New Year's Eve policing, strongly echoed The Royal Parks' call for the public to stay away: 'Please make alternative plans. Anyone trying to access the park will find that it is not possible.'
The decision marks the end of a decades-long tradition for more than 30,000 people, balancing public safety against communal celebration in a changed London landscape.
