Key Points
- Proposed New Use: The organisers behind the fireworks show at Blackheath have filed a new application to hold future shows in a two-day format.
- Organisers: This proposal is being made by Slammin’ Events, the same organisation which organises the fireworks show at Alexandra Palace.
- Timetable: According to the proposal, the show will be held once in a year over a weekend period, which would fall somewhere between late October and early November.
- Increased Capacity: The capacity limit of people attending the show will increase by 10,000, going up from 29,999 to 39,999.
- Background Information: Last year’s edition was the comeback show of the display which was not taking place since six years ago.
- Objections by Local Residents: Plans to organise the firework show have faced objections from 17 local residents due to reasons like environmental damage, continuous restrictions to access the Heath and impact on the playgrounds of a nearby school.
- Date of Decision: Lewisham Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee will hear the case in next month’s session, i.e. on September 8.
London (The Londoner News) September 4, 2026 — Plans to significantly expand one of South London’s most prominent public celebrations have been put forward, drawing both anticipation from event organisers and sharp criticism from local residents concerned about environmental degradation. Under a newly submitted premises licence application, the historic fireworks display held in Blackheath could stretch across an entire weekend starting next year, alongside a substantial increase in crowd capacity.
The proposal has been brought forward by Slammin’ Events, an experienced commercial promotion company that also oversees operations for the major fireworks spectacles held at Alexandra Palace. As detailed by Ruby Gregory, Senior Local Democracy Reporter for MyLondon, the ambitious scheduling shift would see future iterations of the Blackheath celebration transition into a regular two-day weekend fixture held annually within the window between the final week of October and the second week of November.
Why are the organisers expanding the Blackheath display?
According to the official filings submitted to local authorities, the events company is looking to build on the momentum generated by last year’s successful comeback event. As reported by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon, last year’s iteration marked a major milestone for the community, returning to the calendar after a lengthy six-year absence. It was also notable for introducing an admission fee for the first time, charging adults £16 a head to enter the secured viewing zones.
The 2025 event featured a diverse entertainment roster designed to attract families and community members alike. As highlighted by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon, the previous programme included performances by the Heavy Beat Brass Band and BBC Radio 2’s DJ Spoony, complemented by interactive live games, light installations, communal singalongs, and stand-up comedy routines. Furthermore, the grounds hosted more than 30 dedicated food and drink vendor stalls, featuring popular culinary brands such as SpudBros, Tasty Turk, BEYRoots Lebanese, and The Duck Shed.
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What are the exact details of the proposed schedule changes?
Should the local council grant approval, the structural framework of the gathering will undergo a permanent transformation. As noted by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon, Slammin’ Events intends to run a transitional one-day event this year on Saturday, November 7. However, from next year onward, the format would permanently pivot to a multi-day model.
The proposed two-day weekend celebrations would typically occupy either a Friday and Saturday or a Saturday and Sunday slot. In tandem with the extended calendar footprint, the application outlines a major expansion in attendance figures. As reported by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon, the organisers intend to elevate the maximum safety capacity from the previous limit of 29,999 people up to an expanded threshold of 39,999 attendees—representing a direct increase of 10,000 visitors per operational phase.
What do local residents and critics say about the expansion?
Despite the economic and entertainment benefits touted by event planners, the proposal has encountered resistance from the surrounding community. As documented by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon, the latest licensing proposals have formally attracted objections from 17 local residents who are deeply worried about the long-term wear and tear on local public green spaces.
Voicing concerns over the aftermath of the previous year’s gathering, one local resident stated, as reported by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon, that the event had caused visible structural damage to portions of the Heath, noting that the affected zones “have yet to fully recover”.
Another resident detailed extensive disruption caused by safety infrastructure, explaining that large portions of the Heath were effectively “barricaded with metal railings and an additional 8ft fence” for nearly a full week, which “severely restricted access” and public utility of the open space. Elaborating on the prolonged seasonal fallout, the resident added, as reported by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon:
“The aftermath was particularly problematic. For three to four months, the area used by the school for games and play was rendered unusable due to thick mud. Although the area was eventually reseeded, the wet winter meant the ground did not recover until June, depriving children of a vital recreational space for much of the school year”.
When will a final decision be made on the licence?
The fate of the expanded festival format now rests with local civic authorities. As outlined by Ruby Gregory of MyLondon, Lewisham Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to convene next week on September 8 to thoroughly review the application, weigh the community grievances against the economic proposals, and deliver a definitive verdict on whether the multi-day framework can proceed.
