Lambeth Council has made the dramatic decision to cancel the long-running Lambeth Country Show in order to salvage a series of major paid music festivals in Brockwell Park next summer.
Legal Battle Forces Council's Hand
The move comes after the local authority abandoned a last-minute legal fight over how many days events can be held in the popular south London park. The council lost a High Court challenge in May, brought by activist and Protect Brockwell Park campaigner Rebekah Shaman.
Judge Mr Justice Mould ruled that the council's plan to host events exceeded the 28-day annual limit permitted under 'temporary change of use' rules. He found the decision to grant a certificate for the events was "irrational". Although Lambeth vowed to appeal, with a hearing scheduled for December, it has now suddenly dropped the case.
A Sacrifice to Save the Festival Programme
By cancelling the two-day Lambeth Country Show, the council brings the total number of event days for its Brockwell Live programme back within the legal 28-day limit. This ensures that commercial festivals like Mighty Hoopla, Field Days, and Wide Awake can go ahead in 2026.
In a statement, the council also cited severe financial pressures. Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, stated that funding the country show would now cost over £1 million. He emphasised the difficulty of prioritising the event over statutory services for vulnerable residents amidst a significant budget gap.
Community Impact and Reaction
The cancellation marks the loss of a major free community event, with only the children's festival Brockwell Bounce remaining free in the Brockwell Live lineup. The Lambeth Country Show, known for its traditional morris dancing, farm animals, and local crafts, has been a staple for decades.
Councillor Anyanwu acknowledged residents' disappointment, sharing that he too was saddened by the outcome. The council stated the new proposals aim to balance the cultural and economic benefits of the large festivals with reducing the overall impact on park users and local residents.
The Protect Brockwell Park campaign group, along with Brockwell Live and Lambeth Council, have been approached for further comment on the decision.
