The removal of the festive decorations from Crystal Palace Park in South London began on Friday after Outreach Creative, the company that ran the Lightopia festival, announced they were going into administration. The statues of winged rabbits, mice, unicorns, circus tents and more that had been left scattered across the park were deemed an eyesore and safety risk.
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Crystal Palace Park Trust said it was illegal for them or council workers to remove the installations as they are still owned by Outreach Creative. However, removal began on Friday and is expected to be completed by 12 February at latest. Though frustrated and disappointed, the trust understands this is a unforeseen situation and due diligence was done when selecting an event operator.
Reinstatement of the park will begin when weather conditions permit. Locations like Heaton Park in Manchester and Alton Towers in Staffordshire have also been impacted but more quickly cleared up due to their fast removal processes.
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What is the Crystal Palace Park?
Crystal Palace Park is a large public park located in South London. It was opened to the public in 1854 and contains landscaped gardens, lakes, a maze, an athletics track, and many historic monuments. The park is also famous for its various festivals and events, such as the Lightopia festival which was run by Outreach Creative until their collapse in 2021. Crystal Palace Park is a popular destination for local residents, who come to enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
What is Outreach Creative?
Outreach Creative is an events production company founded in 2018 with the aim of creating unforgettable experiences for their customers. They specialize in delivering unique and immersive experiences, including large-scale lighting festivals such as Lightopia in Crystal Palace Park. Unfortunately the company went into administration in 2021, leaving behind their decorations and installations which had been left stranded for weeks after the festival’s end.
Where is South London?
South London is one of the most vibrant and diverse parts of the United Kingdom, with a population of over 4 million people. The area is home to some of the most popular attractions in London, such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. South London also offers a wide variety of cultural experiences, from galleries and museums to markets and festivals. With its excellent transport links, South London is an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike.
