Overview
- Gates are locked from 8pm on December 30 until 6am on January 1, with temporary fencing and opaque hoarding installed to block entry.
- Royal Parks says its ability to manage large informal gatherings is severely diminished, pointing partly to the November disbanding of the Met’s Royal Parks unit.
- The Metropolitan Police says the closure is not due to the unit’s removal and notes those officers were 15 of more than 145 deployed there last year.
- Commander Nick John urges people to make alternative plans, warning access to Primrose Hill will not be possible and reminding non‑ticket holders to avoid central viewing areas.
- Primrose Hill drew about 30,000 people last year and has seen serious incidents, including the 2023 fatal stabbing of 16‑year‑old Harry Pitman and a 2025 vehicle collision, with locals divided over this year’s closure.