Chiswick Park To Review Crowd Managment At Fireworks Extravaganza

Increased popularity of free event led to complaints of overcrowding

Chiswick Park has said it will review its crowd management strategy following complaints from local residents after this year's free Fireworks Extravaganza.

The event has become increasingly popular since it started with many describing it as the best fireworks display in west London.

Some of the complaints included claims that there was a lack of proper security with people clambering through hedges, pushing and shoving, and with buggies crowded everywhere

Others that the main overcrowding was at the end of the event as people tried to leave.

There were comments on our forum that there should be more crowd control and that restrictions in numbers should be put in place for future events.

Some suggested the organisers should consider charging people next time, or at least introduce a ticketing policy for local people. Other suggestions were that a kids zone be put in place for safety so small children can run around.

One said, "I saw some very angry confrontations and frightened children. It was far more crowded than last year and the greeters/safety staff at the entrance were just chatting to each other. I’ll give it a miss next year. It was a unpleasant experience for 15 minutes of fireworks."

Another comment was; "I had a lovely time and thought the fireworks and music were perfect. I did try and leave straight after but it wasn't possible and also don't think it could evacuate in an emergency. I waited 10 minutes and got out easily. People just congregate around the outside which they tried to discourage. Fireworks are in the sky so you don't need a vantage point. This is one of my favourite and free events of the year and long may it continue."

Another commented: "It was a squeeze but seemed to be well managed with lots of yellow jackets around to help. I think the biggest issue is the integration of people and traffic at the end of the event. Thousands leaving at the same time with no police presence at all to help manage the crossing to Gunnersbury station or the High Road. Floods of people ignoring the ‘green man’ and j walking between cars.

" Maybe a couple of police managing the crossing for ten minutes, like they do at Twickenham rugby. I think it would be a good idea to pedestrianise the bus lane for ten minutes too. That way the huge numbers of people can slowly filter back onto the pavement after 100m rather than cause a huge 5 minute bottle neck.

"I still think it’s an excellent community event and big thanks go to enjoywork especially from my ten year old son who said it was the best fireworks he had ever seen."

Picture: Christian Harper

We brought the comments to the attention of the organisers and asked for a response.

Operations Director Glen Kitching said: "Our Fireworks Extravaganza is our most anticipated event of the year. It is a great event where our Guests at Chiswick Park and the local community come together.

"The event gets bigger every year so we work with the police to plan the right crowd management strategy well in advance. The police are present on the night to support our own security team, trained to deal with large crowds, anti-social behaviour and dangerous situations.

"Yesterday’s event was very well attended. No incidents were reported.

"We will now review our crowd management strategy and implement the relevant measures to ensure that we continue to hold the best events possible in the future.’

November 9, 2019