Royal Parks refuses permission for large Optimism Picnic in Hyde Park

Royal Parks charity has told organisers that a mass “Optimism Picnic” slated for Hyde Park will not be allowed to proceed. The event, promoted by the co‑founder of the economic campaign group Looking For Growth, was advertised as Britain’s biggest optimistic gathering of the generation, with more than a thousand families expected to attend.

The ban

The decision came after a user on X raised concerns about a “large and dangerous unofficial event” that could disrupt a quiet day out for families. In response, the official Royal Parks account said the organisers had not applied for a licence and therefore had no permission to use the park.

“The event organiser has been contacted informing them that no permission has been granted for this event to take place, they make alternative arrangements for their event & cease public advertising that implies it will take place in the Royal Parks.”

According to the charity’s guidelines, any small event in the parks must be submitted at least six weeks in advance to allow for safety and environmental assessments. The organisers, led by Joe Reeve, claim they have already prepared a special picnic blanket and a programme that includes sports, ultimate frisbee and a litter‑picking initiative.

Implications

Supporter Shiv Malik criticised the move as “another shot in the war on fun”, noting that many young people feel isolated and that a public celebration of optimism could have offered a morale boost. The incident also raises questions about how public authorities balance open access with safety and environmental concerns, especially in high‑traffic venues like Hyde Park, which spans 350 acres.

For the organisers, the setback is a reminder that even well‑intentioned events must adhere to the same procedural rules as commercial festivals. The situation mirrors other recent public‑space debates, such as the London Sports Festival that also required careful coordination with city officials.

What may happen next

Looking For Growth says it has reached out directly to the charity in hopes of finding an alternative location or a revised schedule that complies with park regulations. If a compromise cannot be reached, the group may relocate the picnic to a venue that does not require a licence, or postpone until a formal application can be processed.

Until a decision is confirmed, families planning to attend the event are advised to watch for updates from the organisers and to respect the park’s current guidelines.