The decision to shut one of London's most popular free viewpoints for the Mayor's New Year's Eve fireworks display has triggered a wave of online mockery and criticism directed at authorities.
Public Backlash on Social Media
Primrose Hill in Camden, which attracted an estimated 30,000 people last year for its panoramic views of the capital's celebrations, will be sealed off this New Year's Eve. The Metropolitan Police announced the closure on X, stating the park would be secured with fencing, private security, and a police presence to prevent access, advising the public to make alternative plans.
The Met's post blocked replies, but it was quote-tweeted over 2,300 times, becoming a platform for public derision. Users created memes satirising the decision, with one adapting the old anti-piracy campaign to read: "You wouldn't watch fireworks from a hill."
Another compared the situation to Sydney Harbour, writing: "This view in Sydney has cost me £0. The UK is f*****." Others wryly noted the irony of spending resources to stop people watching a display funded by their taxes, with one comment stating: "We want to be capitalistic c**** and not allow people who can't afford to get tickets to watch fireworks."
Barrister Joanna Susskind-Hardy addressed the "Fun Police," while actress Frances Barber simply called the sight of the cordoned-off hill "depressing" on New Year's Eve.
Safety Concerns Behind the Closure
The move by The Royal Parks charity, which manages the site, follows significant safety concerns. These were heightened after the murder of 16-year-old Harry Pitman, who was stabbed on Primrose Hill during the 2023 New Year's Eve fireworks viewing. Areece Lloyd-Hall, 18, was jailed for a minimum of 16 years in November for the crime.
A Royal Parks spokesperson said the decision was not taken lightly. They emphasised that the gathering of around 30,000 people was not an organised event, leaving them with limited controls to ensure public safety. Consequently, the park will be locked from 8pm on December 30 until 6am on January 1.
The charity also cited that crowd management capacity would be "severely diminished" partly due to the closure of the Metropolitan Police's dedicated Royal Parks Operational Command Unit.
Contradictions and Future Plans
The Metropolitan Police, when contacted, reiterated that the closure was a Royal Parks decision. A force spokesman contested the suggestion it was solely due to the disbanding of the parks policing team, noting that officers from that unit made up just 15 of the more than 145 officers deployed to the hill last New Year's Eve.
No plans have been confirmed for future years, leaving open the question of whether the popular free viewing spot will be accessible for London's 2026 celebrations. The debate continues between the public's desire for accessible celebration and the authorities' mandate to ensure safety in the wake of past tragedy.
