420 Hyde Park London – What happens on 20th April each year?

Is there cannabis in Hyde Park, London? Well, on one magical day in the year – the 20th April, to be exact – thousands upon thousands of people gather for 420 Hyde Park London. This gathering is not organised, yet has happened naturally each year since the 60s, but it doesn’t get nearly the amount of press that other street festivals/events in the capital enjoy.

The 420 Hyde Park London event occurs annually, and as a medical patient I look forward to attending this year’s 420 gathering with my medicine proudly on display. Let’s talk 420 London and the past events in Hyde Park!

Watch our 420 Videos filmed over 5 years below

ISMOKE’s 420 Timeline

2022-2024

The 420 event in Hyde Park is back in full swing, with thousands of revellers celebrating cannabis. You can read about our most recent visit to Hyde Park for 420 2024 here.

2021

Following a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic, the 420 event made a triumphant return in 2021. Even as the country was still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, the event regained its usual vibrancy, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the UK cannabis community.

The photo below captures a moment from the 2021 Hyde Park event, providing a glimpse into the energy and unity that characterises these gatherings. Despite the challenges of the previous year, the event was a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of the 420 meet-up.

To further immerse you in the experience of the 2021 event, a video was filmed capturing the highlights of the day. You can watch this video in the playlist above, offering you a front-row seat to the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the 2021 Hyde Park 420 event.

2020

In 2020, the annual Hyde Park meet-up faced an unprecedented challenge. As the nation grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were put in place that made it impossible to host the event. This was a significant loss for the UK cannabis community, as the entire month of April, represented as 4/20 on the calendar, is traditionally a time of celebration and advocacy for cannabis culture.

The absence of the meet-up was deeply felt by the community. It underscored the importance of these gatherings, not just as a celebration of cannabis culture, but also as a platform for advocacy and a symbol of unity. Despite the setback, the spirit of the 420 event remained strong, reinforcing the resilience and determination of the UK cannabis community.

2019

Reflecting on the 2019 Hyde Park event, it was a landmark year for the annual 420 smoke out. The gathering saw an unprecedented turnout, with estimates suggesting that over 30,000 guests were in attendance. This impressive figure underscored the growing momentum and widespread appeal of the event.

But the Hyde Park smoke out is more than just a gathering of cannabis enthusiasts. It also serves as a cannabis legalisation protest, providing a platform for attendees to voice their support for changes in cannabis legislation.

Held annually in the heart of the capital, the event has become a significant fixture in the UK’s cannabis calendar. The 2019 event, with its record-breaking attendance, highlighted the strength and unity of the UK cannabis community, and their collective call for legalisation.

2018

The 2018 Hyde Park meetup was a truly memorable experience with an estimates 15,000 people in attendance. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with familiar faces from the UK cannabis community, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion.

The event was filled with lively discussions, shared experiences, and a collective appreciation for cannabis culture. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the enthusiasm and unity of the UK cannabis community.

To give you a taste of the vibrant atmosphere and the unique experiences that the 420 event offers, we captured the highlights in a video. Watch this video to get a real sense of the spirit and energy of the Hyde Park meetup. It’s a glimpse into the heart of the UK cannabis community and the memorable experiences that the 420 event brings each year.

2017

In 2017, the annual 4/20 Hyde Park event saw an impressive turnout, with over 10,000 guests in attendance. This gathering was a testament to the growing popularity and acceptance of cannabis culture in the UK.

As part of the ISMOKE team, I had the opportunity to experience this remarkable event firsthand. The diversity of the attendees, the sense of community, and the overall atmosphere made a lasting impression.

To share this experience with a wider audience, I penned this article for ISMOKE, providing an in-depth account of the event. The article captures the essence of the 4/20 Hyde Park gathering, offering readers a glimpse into this significant event in the UK’s cannabis calendar. You can also watch my video filmed at the 2017 event on YouTube here (or in the playlist above).

2016

Back in 2016, we had the pleasure of attending the 420 Hyde Park event, marking our early involvement in this vibrant cannabis community. However, at that time, we did not film a video of the event. Our channel had only just been launched, and we were still in the initial stages of developing our event series.

Despite not capturing the event on film, our attendance at Hyde Park in 2016 was a significant milestone. It provided us with valuable insights and experiences that have since shaped the direction of our channel and our event series. It was a stepping stone that set the stage for our future involvement in these events, and the beginning of our journey in bringing these experiences to our audience.

The annual 420 Hyde Park event continues to grow in popularity, drawing in a diverse crowd of attendees each year. The numbers remain robust, with tens of thousands of cannabis enthusiasts from all walks of life converging on the park to celebrate and advocate for their shared passion.

This event is not just for cannabis consumers, though. It also attracts a broad spectrum of partygoers in search of a unique and enjoyable day out. The atmosphere is vibrant and inclusive, making it a magnet for those seeking a sense of community, entertainment, and a shared experience.

Year on year, 420 Hyde Park has proven to be more than just a gathering of cannabis consumers. It’s a celebration of diversity, unity, and the growing acceptance of cannabis culture. It’s a testament to the strength and vitality of the cannabis community, and its appeal extends far beyond its core audience, making it a standout event on the social calendar.

What happens at 420 Hyde Park London?

From 11 AM onwards, groups begin gathering on the grass near Speaker’s Corner at the end of the huge London Park. Over the next few hours, the numbers build until there is barely any seating space left in that area of the park, as more and more groups join the cannabis celebrations.

As 4:20pm approaches, crowds begin to stand and gather with spliffs, joints and vaporisers in hand. And at 4:20 a cheer can be heard, followed by an almighty puff of cannabis smoke enveloping the whole gathering!

But wait – isn’t cannabis illegal? Technically yes, although policing huge numbers would always prove difficult. That being said, the police are out in full force during the gathering. This seems more of a visual exercise, at least at the events I have personally attended, with arrests rarely made due to the sheer number of cannabis-consuming patrons present at the 420 Hyde Park gathering.

4.30pm is the unofficial finishing time of the event, and, in fact, many cannabis events. People stay for the 4:20 smoke up and then begin to file out.

As the day progresses at the 420 Hyde Park event, a shift in atmosphere becomes noticeable around 5pm. At this point, the police begin to request attendees to start making their way out of the park. This request, while generally peaceful, can create an intense environment for those who wish to linger a bit longer.

As the crowd of patrons starts to thin out, the presence of law enforcement becomes more pronounced. This change in dynamics can create a stark contrast to the earlier, more relaxed atmosphere of the event. Despite this, the spirit of unity and shared experience among the remaining attendees often remains strong, creating a memorable end to the day’s festivities.

Tips to Prepare for 420 Hyde Park London

• Pack only the amount of flower you’ll need for personal use throughout the day.
• Embrace the spirit of the event by bringing signs, placards, or wearing cannabis-themed clothing – you’ll be in good company!
• Opt for smell-proof storage solutions for your flowers to ensure discreet entry into the event.
• Pre-roll your joints or prepare your vaporizer accessories ahead of time for convenience.
• Consider obtaining a medical prescription for your cannabis to safeguard against potential seizures and have all related information ready if questioned.
• Invite friends who are also keen to celebrate cannabis and share in the festivities.

Looking forward into the future, there is a sea change in the landscape of cannabis in the UK, particularly after its legalisation for medical use in 2018. This groundbreaking move significantly altered public sentiment towards cannabis. The 420 Hyde Park event, primarily a social gathering, subtly underscores this evolving perspective. It represents not just the consumption of cannabis, but also the changing norms and growing acceptance of its use, both recreationally and medicinally.

With the 420 Hyde Park event rescheduled for 2024, it invites speculation about the evolving cannabis laws in the UK. Could this once-fringe activity someday reflect broader legal changes? As global trends move towards decriminalisation and legalisation will the UK reconsider its stance on cannabis? I hope so – Such a shift could lead to events like 420 Hyde Park being more widely accepted as part of cultural norms. However, if previous years, ministers and events are anything to go by, it could be a while yet before lawmakers wake up to the sensibilities of cannabis legalisation.

In conclusion, the 4/20 Hyde Park event is more than an annual gathering of cannabis enthusiasts. It serves as a barometer for societal change, a celebration of community, and possibly a glimpse into a more permissive legal framework regarding cannabis in the UK. As we observe this gradual shift, the significance of these gatherings goes beyond consumption, becoming a powerful symbol of social progress and acceptance.