Brockwell Park Festivals Approved for 2026 Despite Local Opposition
Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has unanimously granted temporary planning permission for a series of festival events in Brockwell Park, scheduled for late May 2026. The decision comes after a heated debate among local residents, with significant objections raised over environmental and community impacts.
Festival Details and Planning Approval
The approved events, organized by Summer Events under the Brockwell Live banner, will host five ticketed music and cultural festivals: Field Day, Cross the Tracks, City Splash, and Mighty Hoopla, with the latter spanning two days. These festivals will occur across two weekends, including the May Bank Holiday, from May 9 to June 9, 2026. The popular Wide Awake festival will not take place in 2026, as it is taking a break.
This marks the first time Brockwell Live has submitted a formal planning application, having previously operated under permitted development rights. The new process involved public consultation, allowing locals to voice their opinions on the events.
Community Reaction and Objections
A total of 535 responses were received during the consultation period, with 395 objections, 127 statements of support, and 7 neutral comments. Key concerns were raised by community groups and residents during the committee meeting.
Michael Taylor, Chair of the Friends of Brockwell Park, highlighted environmental damage, noting that heavy lorries have stressed tree roots in the park for years. He described the plans as "irrational" and warned of harm to the park's delicate heritage balance.
Jonathan Hanreck from Protect Brockwell Park argued that the decision relies on assumptions rather than evidence, questioning whether large commercial events cause only temporary harm to the protected Metropolitan Open Land and nature conservation site.
Anne Kingsbury, Chair of Brockwell Park Community Partners, expressed concerns about the extensive use of park space for queuing and infrastructure during festivals, which she said occupies more land than just the event areas.
Council and Organizer Responses
Despite the objections, the committee heard supporting arguments. Mike Harris, an environmental consultant, stated that ecological assessments found the impacts to be temporary and appropriately mitigated, with the park's integrity protected and enhanced.
Joe Elkins, Event Director of Summer Events, emphasized the festivals' cultural and economic benefits. He noted that last year's events attracted 20,000 Lambeth residents and contributed over £10 million to the local economy, supporting local businesses.
Councillor Paul Valentine reported receiving 55 emails, all objecting to the plans, and raised concerns about the process, suggesting that some felt the decision was predetermined since tickets were already on sale.
Councillor Adrian Garden acknowledged the mixed and nuanced views, stating that not all objectors want the events to stop, and supporters also have concerns about impacts.
Approval and Future Commitments
Councillor Joanne Simpson, Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, cited the temporary and reversible nature of the scheme, along with conditions to manage noise, transport, and biodiversity impacts, as reasons for approval. The committee unanimously voted to allow the events.
A spokesperson for Brockwell Live affirmed their commitment to responsible event delivery and ongoing dialogue with the community. They mentioned new schemes to enhance the park's biodiversity and expressed excitement for the upcoming festivals, which are already selling out.
This decision follows a 2025 court ruling that found Lambeth Council lacked proper planning permission for previous festivals, leading to a new strategy and this formal application process.
