Plans to host a series of festival events in Brockwell Park later this year have been approved by councillors, despite receiving a mixed reaction from the local community. Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee unanimously granted temporary planning permission for the events during a meeting on Tuesday evening (February 24).
Summer Events, the company which runs Brockwell Live, had applied for temporary planning permission so it could use just over a quarter of the park for a maximum of 32 days. The event days will take place between May 9, 2026 and June 9, 2026 and includes days for event set ups, show days, event de-rig and “wet weather buffer days”.
A spokesperson for Brockwell Live told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they were pleased with last night’s outcome, and said it recognised the cultural and social impact of the events and the “significant economic contribution” it brings to Lambeth.
This year, Brockwell Park will host five ticketed music and cultural festivals consisting of Field Day, Cross the Tracks, City Splash, and Mighty Hoopla, with the latter lasting for two days. The festivals will take place across two weekends in late May, including the May Bank Holiday. The popular Wide Awake festival is ‘taking a break for 2026’.
It is the first time a planning application has been submitted for Brockwell Live, which previously operated under permitted development rights and is different to obtaining full planning permission, which involves the consultation and views of local residents.
Last year a judge ruled in favour of a group of campaigners who argued Lambeth Council did not have the correct planning permission for previous festivals held in the park and found that parts of it were being used beyond the permitted 28 days.
After the council decided not to appeal that ruling it entered into a “new strategy” with Brockwell Live. The planning application followed, which allowed locals to comment on whether the events should take place.
A total of 535 people responded to the proposals, of which 395 were objections and 127 were supporting statements. The plans also received 7 neutral comments.
During last night’s meeting, the committee heard from Michael Taylor, Chair of the Friends of Brockwell Park, a charity which has supported the park for more than 40 years.
He said heavy lorries had driven over the park’s holm oak trees “for years”, which causes the tree roots to be stressed.
Mr Taylor went on to call the plans “irrational” and said “there is only limited temporary harm in the delicate heritage balance”.
Jonathan Hanreck from the campaign group, Protect Brockwell Park, said: “This decision rests on assumptions rather than evidence, particularly about harm.
“You are being asked to accept that large commercial events repeated year after year on the same parts of Brockwell Park cause only temporary and reversible harm – even though this protected open space is designated Metropolitan Open Land and a site of importance for nature conservation.”
Anne Kingsbury, Chair of Brockwell Park Community Partners, said: “When the festivals are in full swing, the amount of land taken up by the events space itself is not the only occupied part of the park – there are huge amounts of space given to queuing because people come early and they queue for hours and all the infrastructure that’s needed to manage that.”
The committee then heard from Mike Harris, an environmental consultant who said ecological assessments had been carried out in the park and founded the impacts to be temporary, mobilised and appropriately mitigated. Mr Harris also said that Brockwell Park’s ecological integrity will be protected and enhanced.
Joe Elkins, Event Director of Summer Events, said Brockwell Live “brings people together from all walks of life”, and that last year’s events saw 20,000 Lambeth residents attend. He said the events “are a reflection of the diversity, creativity and spirit that makes Lambeth and London extraordinary” and contributes over £10 million to the local economy, as well as supporting cafés, restaurants and local shops across the area.
Cllr Paul Valentine, who represents Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction ward, said he received 55 emails which were all objections to the plans. Cllr Valentine said: “There are real questions around this whole process, we know the festivals are already on sale, so to some respondents this felt like to them a decision had already been made.”
Cllr Adrian Garden, who is a ward councillor for Brixton Rush Common, said: “Views on the events in the park are mixed and often nuanced, and not all those expressing concern argue that the events should stop, supporters can [also] hold concerns about impact.”
Cllr Joanne Simpson, Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, said: “I recognise the temporary nature of the scheme and the reversibility and content about impacts such as noise transport and biodiversity; that they can be effectively managed via the conditions and that they’re sufficiently and robustly worded.”
The committee proceeded to unanimously approve of the plans, meaning the events will go ahead later this year.
A spokesperson for Brockwell Live said: “Our commitment to delivering the events responsibly and with care for the park and its neighbours continues beyond this decision. We will remain in active dialogue with the community and will share further updates in the coming months on the new schemes underway to support and enhance the park’s biodiversity.
“With events already selling out, we look forward to welcoming audiences back to Brockwell Park this May for what promises to be our strongest edition yet.”
Jennifer Labbett, co-founder of The Cuff London bar and music venue in Railton Road, Herne Hill which is very close to Brockwell Park, said: “Each year the event grows in quality, organisation and positive impact.
“We have every confidence in the council’s ability to properly manage the park, ensure it is cleaned and restored following the events, and safeguard Brockwell’s long-term condition.”
Ms Labbett said Brockwell Live brings in “vital seasonal footfall” into Herne Hill at a time when independent venues like hers relies on increased trade to sustain jobs, invest locally and plan for the year ahead.
She added: “Just as importantly, the programme shines a spotlight on Herne Hill as a destination. It introduces new visitors to what our community has to offer and strengthens the area’s cultural identity.
“For independent businesses operating in a challenging climate, initiatives like Brockwell Live are not a disruption — they are a catalyst for growth, visibility and long-term resilience. We are proud to support it.”
