Primrose Hill closed nightly amid safety fears after two fatal stabbings

Primrose Hill will be closed to the public overnight for 11 nights around Bonfire Night and for an extended period over New Year's Eve. The Royal Parks, the charity managing the north London green space, announced the closures citing public safety concerns following unorganised gatherings.

Nightly closures during fireworks period

From October 30 to November 9, the park will be locked nightly between 10pm and 6am. This period covers Bonfire Night, a time when large, unorganised crowds have previously gathered on the hill.

New Year's Eve shutdown

Additionally, Primrose Hill will be closed from 8pm on December 30 and will not reopen until 6am on January 1. This extended closure encompasses New Year's Eve.

Safety concerns following fatal incidents

The decision to close the park follows two fatal stabbings that have occurred there in the past three years. In 2023, 16-year-old Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed during a fight while watching fireworks. In April of this year, 21-year-old film student Finbar Sullivan was also killed in the park.

A spokesperson for The Royal Parks stated that visitor safety is their priority. They explained that while they know large numbers gather for occasions like Bonfire Night and New Year's Eve, these are unorganised events in open parkland. The charity indicated they have limited controls to ensure public safety in such circumstances, making overnight closures the only responsible course of action.

The Royal Parks reminded the public that organising large gatherings without permission and setting off fireworks or lanterns is against regulations, with enforcement carried out by the Metropolitan Police.