The party on top of Primrose Hill [@primrosewatch]

AN unlicensed DJ set drew thousands of people to a party in Primrose Hill last Sunday, prompting questions about who is actually responsible for safety in the park.

The loudspeakers arrived shortly before 6.30pm for the event promoting an alcohol-free beverage, and where house selekta Louis Bekk was booked to play tunes.

DJs have played in the park several times over recent weeks, though amplified music is not permitted and the organisers did not have a licence for this event.

While some 2,000 people enjoyed the party, others condemned the lack of police presence and security in the park where 21-year-old Finbar Sullivan was murdered just a few months ago, on a warm evening much like this one.

Primrose Hill resident Lynette Kyme said: “For me, the unlicensed DJ sets are part of a much wider issue. Whether it’s an unlicensed event, the stabbing of a young man, teenagers travelling at 20mph on e-scooters, people quite literally driving cars through the park, or the many other instances of antisocial or illegal behaviour, the question that needs to be asked is: how and why are these things being allowed to happen?

“My concern is that Primrose Hill is simply not being managed, governed or utilised properly.

“There seems to be an inability to prevent genuinely dangerous or disruptive behaviour.”

Ms Kyme added: “This isn’t just about one DJ set – it’s about who is responsible for Primrose Hill and why repeated problems are seemingly being allowed to happen.”

The alcohol-free drinks company that organised the event, ZOOZ, said they “genuinely didn’t realise authorisation was needed”.

Founder Daniel Soos said: “We’re a young company and we got the paperwork wrong. We’ve apologised for the disruption, we’re already engaging with the local council, and we’ll engage fully with the Royal Parks.”

He added: “There was no selling on the hill, the music finished before 8pm after we agreed immediately to the request from council officers, and our team did a full litter sweep afterwards and took all waste away.

“What we’re trying to build is social life beyond the bar, days and nights out that don’t revolve around alcohol. We’d love Camden to be the borough that shows how that can be done properly, and we’re ready to work with anyone who’ll help us do it right.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Parks said: “The organisers of this music event did not approach The Royal Parks to seek permission to hold the event. We will be contacting them retrospectively to explain that all commercial events in the Royal Parks must be licensed under strict guidelines to protect the parks’ natural and historic landscapes and to ensure they remain safe and pleasant places for all visitors. Amplified music is not permitted on Primrose Hill under the Park Regulations.

“It is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police to enforce The Royal Parks Regulations, and they attended the site as soon as they were made aware of this unauthorised event.”

The Met said: “Met officers attended and engaged with organisers.

“Officers remained at the park until approximately 20.45hrs to ensure all attendees left safely. There were no reports of violence or disorder.”