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The 2024 Hyde Park 420 celebration was a breath of fresh air after a long, quiet winter. It was a vibrant gathering of cannabis enthusiasts from all corners of society, united in their appreciation for this remarkable plant. Since my first hazy 420 back in 2012, a lot has changed. Medicinal cannabis has been legal in the UK for five years now, and its presence was felt as many patients openly celebrated with the rest of the community.
However, the majority of cannabis-loving adults still face the unjust reality of its Class B status. For decades, we’ve challenged this law. These 420 gatherings in Hyde Park – and across the globe – serve as beacons of hope for those calling for full adult legalisation. May they continue to grow, shining a harsh light on the outdated laws that hold us back. After all, considering cannabis is demonstrably safer than alcohol and offers proven medicinal value, it only makes sense to follow the lead of countries like Germany, Canada, and many US states.
This was my eighth 420 celebration, so the rhythm of the day was familiar. I arrived at Marble Arch station around 12:30 pm, a bit later than usual, eager to soak in the full energy of the event. The crowd was diverse, including those just looking for a good time. While there was evidence of party substances in previous years, things like NOS canisters were notably absent in 2024, perhaps due to recent legal changes and the watchful eyes of law enforcement.
And what energy it was! Thousands of people filled Hyde Park, a sea of green stretching from Speakers’ Corner deep into the open fields. Laughter mingled with the distinct scent of cannabis, enjoyed in all its glorious forms – joints, vapes, even extravagant bongs or the occasional edible treat. The atmosphere was electric, a joyous expression of community and shared passion. Someone had even brought an old-school arcade punch machine, its thuds and cheers adding to the symphony of celebration. Dogs, tails wagging, were plentiful, enjoying the unexpected festival atmosphere as much as their humans.
Police were present, their watchful eyes scanning the crowd. I witnessed a few fines being handed out and some pre-rolled joints confiscated, but thankfully, there were no major confrontations during my time there. For the most part, the event was remarkably self-managed, a testament to the generally peaceful and respectful nature of the cannabis community.
I bumped into BuddyHigh Co-Founder Marwan, a friendly and familiar face from the industry, and we shared a good chat about the thriving BuddyHigh brand as person after person came to get their hands on a Buddy plushie. Artists were scattered about, selling vibrant paintings and quirky cannabis-themed crafts. A few passionate voices boomed out through megaphones, reminding us of the fight that lies ahead for legalisation. I bumped into Darren Rigby, a photographer who always seems to be where the cannabis action is. He mentioned that he had been arrested at the previous event in 2023!
I met up with Weed Lovers London Link Up, and right at 4:20 pm, the magic happened. Joints were sparked in unison, sending a thick, joyous cloud into the afternoon sky. I couldn’t help but smile as strangers shared lighters and friendly words, a microcosm of the kind of society a world with legalised cannabis could foster.
As the park reached its peak buzz, people began to trickle away, marking the end of another year. The beauty of this event is its lack of formal organisation; it’s a testament to the spontaneous spirit of counterculture that it’s thrived since the Summer of Love in 1967.
I thought about the legendary Lee Harris, a cannabis campaigner who we sadly lost last year. His presence, a staple at these gatherings, was deeply missed.
It’s worth noting the significant improvement in waste management since the park’s messy aftermath went viral several years back. This year, bins were plentiful and well-utilised.
Overall, my 420 experience was fantastic. It was a day filled with laughter, connection, and a powerful sense of hope. I’m already counting down the days until next year’s celebration.
