Colourscape Music Festival will be returning to Clapham Common for its 37th consecutive year in September following planning approval.
Colourscape is a large-scale, inflatable “labyrinth” of 70 interconnected chambers of vibrant colour which visitors can walk through and enjoy live music and interactive performances.
The inflatable sculpture is naturally lit and heated by sunlight, while power use is limited to low-energy fans and a small sound system – making the event an environmentally and sustainable temporary use of the Common.
Planning permission was sought so Colourscape organisers could temporarily use part of the Common from Tuesday, September 8 to Thursday, September 24.
Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee unaminously voted in favour of the plans during a meeting on Tuesday evening (July 7).
The festival, which is organised by charity Eye Music Trust, has made an annual appearance on Clapham Common since 1989. The immersive experience creates a unique sensory environment of shifting light and colour and is open to people of any age and is wheelchair accessible.
Visitors can take part in arts and educational activities and the festival puts on a programme of music, arts and educational workshops for local schools and the public.
This year’s Colourscape Music Festival will take place in Clapham Common from Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, September 20.
The festival is also taking place in other locations across the country, including Watford, Wolverhampton and Rochdale.
A planning officer told the Committee: “[Colourscape] provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with art, music and education in an open and accessible setting.
“The proposal offers educational workshops and the event also supports the local economy by attracting visitors to the area who would like to contribute to additional spending within the local area.”
Credit: Lambeth Council documents
They added: “Notwithstanding this, the event promotes inclusive access to arts and culture, promotes community engagement and enhances the cultural offer within a public accessible open space. The benefits are substantial and carry a significant weight in planning terms.”
When it came to the vote, every councillor who was present for the meeting voted in favour of the plans, meaning planning permission was granted.
Click here to find out more about the festival.
