Brockwell Park does not seem like the most obvious battleground for a cultural conflict. Situated near Herne Hill station, it attracts joggers, dog walkers, a swimming pool, and occasional frisbee games. The venue of the beloved annual Lambeth Country Fair, it has lately transformed into a festival hotspot, hosting events like Cross The Tracks, Wide Awake Festival, City Splash, and the Mighty Hoopla. The effects of these gatherings on the local community—and the burden they place on residents—have become contentious, sparking a legal dispute, intense online hostility, and potential job cuts. With tensions escalating, it is crucial for all parties to reconsider their stances.
Brockwell Live manages the park’s festival bookings, overseeing a series of large-scale outdoor events that have increased significantly since the pandemic. The Mighty Hoopla first came to Brockwell Park in 2018, after previous locations at Butlins and Victoria Park. Cross The Tracks, which features jazz and soul, began in 2019, followed by the more indie rock and electronic-focused Wide Awake in 2021. The introduction of City Splash, celebrating dancehall and afrobeats, added another festival to the lineup, making the summer of 2024 the park’s busiest season thus far.
However, this swift expansion has provoked backlash from local residents. A community-focused group named Protect Brockwell Park has emerged, and a WhatsApp group for worried residents now boasts over 900 members. There are valid concerns regarding the management of the park—last summer's heavy rains turned both City Splash and the Mighty Hoopla into muddy experiences, and Lambeth Council's attempts to reseed the area were ineffective.
Supported by actor Mark Rylance, Protect Brockwell Park pursued legal action, with local activist Rebekah Shaman leading the charge. Recently, the high court listened to the group's argument—that under permitted development regulations, a temporary change of use is permitted for a maximum of 28 days each calendar year, while the festivals in Brockwell Park exceed 37 days when including setup and dismantling.
Justice Mould of the high court ruled in favor of Shaman, deeming the council's choice to grant the certificate to festival organizers as “irrational.”
This decision ignited a flurry of online disputes. Both parties have been harshly criticizing each other, with provocative graffiti appearing on festival fences. Shaman’s interests in esoteric spirituality have been publicly shared and ridiculed online, which feels particularly harsh and deflects from the main issue: Lambeth Council's failure to manage their planning application correctly.
In a statement, Rylance expressed, “Wonderful news. Brockwell Park will again be open to everyone for free this summer. No walls. No trucks. The grass, trees, and plants will be able to recover from years of neglect.”
However, this reveals a larger objective among the protesters—they don’t merely wish to see the festival schedule adjusted, but rather prefer to eliminate festivals entirely from Brockwell Park. Advocating for responsible management is one thing, but it is entirely different to obliterate hundreds of jobs.
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, defended his industry, stating: “This reflects a deeper crisis confronting our cultural and event landscape. If these festivals are forced to stop, it would severely impact London’s identity as a global center for live music, culture, and community celebration—entering a dark new chapter for the UK’s events and festival scene.”
He urged Lambeth Council and the public to recognize the severity of the situation. “If we let this pressure lead to the cancellation of these events, we are not just removing a few days of music—we are dismantling a crucial ecosystem of creativity, employment, and community connection that cannot be easily restored.”
He concluded with: “London must not become a city that fears its own culture.”
The underlying tensions showcase valid yet conflicting beliefs about the purpose of communal spaces. The pandemic underscored the significance of shared spaces in the lives of Londoners, many of whom lack private gardens or outdoor areas. Having a park like Brockwell Park nearby is invaluable for exercise, mental well-being, and social interaction.
Yet, it seems fundamentally wrong to undermine the importance of music and culture in these spaces. London has always been a vibrant city, from its medieval frost fairs on the River Thames to the massive Rock Against Racism events and the enduring popularity of Notting Hill Carnival—there exists an open, celebratory spirit within the city's character that has helped it become a world-renowned center for music and culture.
Following a weekend of potentially frantic planning, Brockwell Live confirmed that the festivals will proceed. “Friday’s High Court ruling addressed a specific legal point regarding the correct execution of administrative processes. We want to clarify that no event will be canceled due to this decision.”
They added, “We take our responsibility for Brockwell Park seriously. As we prepare for these cherished, culturally significant events, we remain
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Brockwell Park may not seem like the most likely battleground for a culture war. Situated near Herne Hill station, it accommodates joggers, dog walkers, a lido, and the occasional