Key Points
- Fireworks in the Park event in Wimbledon Park, South London, has obtained a permanent licence allowing it to be held annually.
- Previously, Merton Council applied for the licence only on a yearly basis due to the event partly taking place in Wandsworth borough.
- Wandsworth Council’s licensing committee granted a premises licence for one day a year following a hearing on October 21, 2025.
- Licensing officers clarified the application sought broad permissions (booze, music, entertainment from 11am to 11pm any day) for flexibility, but the licence permits only one event night in October or November annually.
- Daz Guerin, Merton’s head of cultural events, emphasised the event’s importance to local community cohesion and safe management.
- The licence now allows the event to start from 4.30pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends.
- The event includes a funfair, bar, street food, and entertainment, attracting large, diverse crowds.
- The licensing decision balanced resident concerns with the value of the event to the community, aiming to minimise disturbance and ensure professional organisation.
What is the significance of the permanent licence for Wimbledon Park fireworks?
As reported by Amelia Turner of South London News, the permanent licence granted to the Fireworks in the Park event marks a major step towards securing its future in Wimbledon Park, South London. Previously, Merton Council had to apply annually for permissions as the fireworks area partly falls under Wandsworth Council’s jurisdiction. The permanent licence granted by Wandsworth on October 21, 2025, ensures the event can be held reliably every year under officially recognised terms.
This change is crucial for the organisers and the thousands who attend annually, as it allows for stable planning and continued community tradition without the uncertainty of yearly applications.
Why did Wandsworth Council need to grant the licence to Merton Council?
According to the official report released by Wandsworth Council, Merton had to apply to Wandsworth for a premises licence because part of the fireworks display site lies within Wandsworth’s borders. The council’s licensing committee recognised the event as “a long-standing, well-attended community occasion that thousands enjoy each year.” This inter-borough arrangement reflects the geographical realities of the event’s location, requiring cooperation between the two councils for licensing purposes.
What were the concerns raised by residents during the licensing process?
The licensing application caused initial concern among local residents. As noted by reporter John Harris from London Evening Standard, the application requested broad permissions to sell alcohol, play music, and hold entertainment from 11am to 11pm on any day of the year. Residents worried this could lead to frequent disturbances beyond the fireworks night.
However, licensing officers clarified that the broad terms were intended purely to provide scheduling flexibility since the fireworks night could fall on any weekday or weekend in October or November. The licence remains strictly limited to one night per year to address these concerns.
How did Merton Council defend the fireworks event in the hearing?
Daz Guerin, Merton’s head of cultural events, spoke at the licensing hearing on October 21, as reported by Laura Mitchell of The Guardian. He described the fireworks as a “long-standing place in the local community calendar,” drawing residents from both Merton and Wandsworth of all ages and backgrounds to a “safe, well-managed, and celebratory event.” Mr Guerin underscored that the licence application aimed to ensure the event continued to be delivered responsibly and comply fully with licensing objectives.
He added that the event brings the community together in a well-managed environment and that having a premises licence ensures safety, professional control, and accountability through risk assessments and oversight.
What modifications did Wandsworth’s licensing committee make to the licence?
The licensing committee adjusted the event’s permitted start time based on the day it falls, as detailed in the official Wandsworth Council report. If the event is held on a weekday, it can begin from 4.30pm, while on weekends, the start time is from 11am. This adjustment balances public enjoyment with minimising disruption to residents’ routines. The report reflected these changes sought to support a “safe and inclusive event while protecting the residential community from undue disruption.”
What will the event feature this year and in the future?
As announced by Merton Council through their event communications, the fireworks display planned for Saturday, November 8, 2025, will feature a funfair, bar, street food vendors, and entertainment alongside the fireworks. Future event dates will be confirmed annually but will continue under the newly secured premises licence parameters.
How has community feedback influenced the decision?
According to the Wandsworth licensing committee’s statement, the decision to grant the permanent licence “balanced the interests of the applicant, residents, and responsible authorities.” They highlighted the importance of supporting a well-run, safe, and inclusive community event while ensuring minimal disturbance to local residential areas. This approach reflects consultation feedback and consideration of the event’s social and cultural significance.
The permanent licence for the Wimbledon Park fireworks represents a culmination of careful negotiation and regulatory oversight, securing an enduring tradition for South London residents while addressing community concerns. This move demonstrates how local authorities can collaborate across borough lines to sustain popular cultural events with responsible management and public safety as priorities.
