Londoners and visitors planning to welcome 2026 from the iconic slopes of Primrose Hill have been told to make other plans, as the park will be locked shut throughout New Year's Eve. The decision follows the controversial disbanding of the dedicated Royal Parks police unit earlier this year.
Gates Locked Amid Safety Concerns
The Royal Parks charity, which manages the site, confirmed that the gates to Primrose Hill will be secured from 8pm on Tuesday 30 December until 6am on Thursday 1 January 2026. This action directly prevents the large-scale, unofficial gatherings that have seen up to 30,000 people flock to the panoramic viewpoint in previous years to watch the Mayor of London's fireworks display.
The closure is partly attributed to significantly reduced capacity for crowd management. A key factor is the November disbandment of the Metropolitan Police's Royal Parks Operational Command Unit, a move made to address a £260 million funding gap within the force.
Legacy of Tragedy and Policing Changes
Safety fears for the site were heightened after the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old schoolboy Harry Pitman during the New Year's Eve celebrations at Primrose Hill in 2023. His killer, 18-year-old Areece Lloyd-Hall, was jailed for a minimum of 16 years in November 2025.
While the Met Police states it is "not accurate" to say the park's closure was solely due to the parks police being scrapped—noting the unit provided just 15 of over 145 officers deployed there last NYE—the Royal Parks charity has stated its operational capacity is now "severely diminished".
Official Warnings and Alternative Plans
Commander Nick John, leading the Met's New Year's Eve policing, strongly echoed the Royal Parks' warning. "Please make alternative plans. Anyone trying to access the park will find that it is not possible," he stated. The police are preparing for one of their busiest nights and urge the public only to call 999 in a genuine emergency.
Authorities also reminded the public that the official Mayor of London's fireworks event around the London Eye and Big Ben is ticketed and already sold out. With a cool, clear night forecast following widespread frosts, people are advised to plan travel carefully and attend organised events where possible.
