Blackheath’s famous fireworks display will take place across two days from 2027 and future years following council approval.
Slammin’ Events, the organisers behind the annual event on the Heath, had submitted a new premises licence application so future events could take place across two days.
For this year, the event will take place on Saturday, November 7 from 5pm to 10pm. Around 40,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event – which is 10,000 more than last year.
Lewisham Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee approved the application during a meeting on Tuesday evening (September 9).
Under the approved plans, a capacity of up to 40,000 people are expected to attend the event at any one time. This means across a two-day event, attendance could reach up to 80,000 people.
The two-day event will take place on either a Friday and Saturday or a Saturday and Sunday, between the last week of October and the second week of November.
Paul Rooney, event director at Slammin’ Events, said they were experienced event organisers that has run a series of events and recurring annual events, including the Alexandra Palace fireworks display since 2013.
To address potential overcrowding issues, there will be three main entrances – Blackheath Gate, Lewisham Gate and Greenwich Gate – which will allow for an even distribution of people on the night.
The number of food catering units has also increased from 32 to 50 after last year’s event saw large queues of people roughly 25 metres long.
On managing potential noise impacts from the event, acoustic consultant, Simon Joynes said there will be technical equipment on-site that allows the stages to monitor levels to ensure they don’t produce excessive noise or beyond what is required for the audience.
The Sub-Committee also heard from several residents who were objecting to the plans.
One objector said: “We are very concerned about the plans to issue a licence for Blackheath Fireworks, which is proposed for one day this year and two consecutive days next year and in each year afterwards.
“And for an increased number of 40,000 ticket holders per day, this will impact us as local residents currently in extremely close proximity to the proposed site.”
They went on to say: “While we do not object to the fireworks themselves, we feel there should be a greater degree of protection to the safety and wellbeing of residents so close to the proposed site.
“The fireworks are being promoted as a family friendly event, however the plans show a number of beer tents which suggests the application is being primarily aimed at drinking age adults, this is a matter of public nuisance, public safety and crime and disorder, and will have a direct impact of those of us living in such close proximity.”
John Heath, another objector, said: “Last year’s licence granted an approval for up to 30,000 attendees for a one-day event centred around a 30-minute firework event.
“It is now being sought for up to 40,000 attendees per day and a two-day event for next year and future years – the reasoning behind the proposed increased in numbers and the move from one to two days is not at all clear.”
He added: “However, the prospect of up to 40,000 attendees at this year’s event and up to 80,000 attendees attending a two-day event on the Heath in November in future years adds a very different complexion to the nature and impact of any licence that might be granted.”
In summing up, Mr Rooney clarified information regarding the site plan and entrance locations to the event, stating the production entrance was not off Talbot Place but off of Prince Charles Road.
He also said there had been a consultation with residents earlier this summer, which led to the fence line being moved further away from Talbot Place residents.
Mr Rooney said: “Slammin’ Events takes feedback for shows seriously and where possible, will address concerns or suggestions from residents and stakeholders.
“Again, the fact that the new premise license has been applied for in a new location is a testament to this. We feel the new premises application [is] now an enhanced version of 2025, with three entries, and 50 food venues as opposed to 32.”
He added: “With over 80 per cent of the sales last year sold to people that lived within five kilometres of the Heath, this really is an event for local people.
“I’d finally say, given that no responsible authority has raised concerns about this application, [it] should give significant comfort to the Licensing Sub-Committee.”
The Committee ultimately decided to grant the application, meaning the event will take place across two days from next year and future years.
Ticket prices
Last year, the event returned for the first time in six years. It was also the first time visitors were charged an admission fee of £16 a head for adults.
For this year, prices start from £5 for under-10s, £10 for 11 to 15-year-olds and £16 for adults, with family ticket options available, including for single-parent families.
A number of tickets are also being reserved for local families on low incomes, the council has said more details about this will follow soon.
Slammin’ Events has urged people to get their tickets early, as last year’s event sold out “within weeks”.
Entertainment
Last year’s musical line-up included music from the Heavy Beat Brass Band and BBC Radio 2’s DJ Spoony as well as live games, light shows, singalongs and stand up comedy.
Food and drink stalls at the event included SpudBros, Tasty Turk, BEYRoots Lebanese and The Duck Shed.
This year’s event will feature music from DJ Luck & MC Neat and Brandon Block, while Massaoke will be returning for another year. The Big Belly Comedy Club will be hosting performances from leading comedians.
The event will also feature a People’s Stage which will celebrate the borough’s local talent and will act as a precursor to the council’s People’s Day Festival held in the summer.
Tickets are available to buy here.
