The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026 to determine a new premises licence application for Hyde Park, Serpentine Road, London, W2 2UH. The committee granted the application, allowing for an increase in the maximum capacity for the British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park concerts to 69,999 attendees.

Hyde Park, Serpentine Road, London, W2 2UH

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Hyde Park, submitted by The Royal Parks Limited. The application sought to increase the maximum capacity for the BST Hyde Park concerts from 64,999 to 69,999. This would allow for nine concerts at the increased capacity, with a reduction in the terminal hour on Sundays to 22:00. The existing controls and operational methods would largely remain the same, with amendments to conditions 11 and 28 of the current licence to reflect the increased capacity and the number and scheduling of major events. The new licence would be conditional upon the surrender of the existing licence.

The application was supported by The Royal Parks Limited, who highlighted the financial necessity of increasing income to support the upkeep of London's parks, and the need to remain competitive in attracting international artists. They presented evidence suggesting that the increased capacity could be managed safely within the existing site footprint, with minimal impact on off-site noise and dispersal times. Numerous business and community groups, including the Baker Street Quarter Partnership, Heart of London Business Alliance, Marble Arch BID, The Hyde Park Estate Association, Friends of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the Mayor's Fund for London, and AEG Presents, submitted representations in support of the application, citing the economic benefits and cultural significance of the events.

However, representations were also received from the Metropolitan Police Service and the Environmental Health Service, as well as from several interested parties, including residents and the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum. Objections primarily focused on concerns regarding public nuisance, particularly noise and dispersal, public safety, the cumulative impact of repeated events, and the duration of park closures. Residents expressed worries about increased noise, litter, and anti-social behaviour, with some stating that enough is enough and that current impacts were already at an unacceptable level. The Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum specifically requested strengthened conditions related to noise monitoring, air quality, dispersal, and transport safeguards, advocating for a phased or trial approach to any capacity increase.

The committee heard extensive submissions from all parties. The Environmental Health Service confirmed that while the application fell within core hours, they had proposed amendments to noise conditions to address ambiguities and ensure robust monitoring. They stated that the proposed conditions, along with the existing robust framework, were considered sufficient to promote the licensing objectives. The Metropolitan Police Service indicated they had no meaningful objection to the proposal, noting that policing resources were drawn from across the Metropolitan Police Service to minimise abstraction from local teams.

After careful consideration of all submissions, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the new premises licence. They were reassured by the expert advice from the Environmental Health Service regarding noise nuisance and the Metropolitan Police Service regarding crime and disorder. The committee concluded that the proposal would be tightly controlled by a robust package of conditions, and that the Licensing Objectives would not be unacceptably undermined. The decision was made after taking into account the individual circumstances of the case and the promotion of the four licensing objectives.

The granted licence includes specific conditions relating to the licensed activities and hours, mandatory conditions, and conditions attached after the hearing. These include the increased capacity of 69,999, revised hours for regulated entertainment and alcohol sales, and detailed conditions for major events covering noise management, crowd control, safety, and waste management. The committee also noted several observations for future consideration, including the need for wider noise monitoring, investigation into a third monitoring location, and further investigation into anti-social behaviour and its link to the venue. They also expected improvements in signage and management of e-bikes.

The full decision and conditions can be found in the Printed minutes 04th-Jun-2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee 3.pdf.