The organiser of large musical festivals held in Brockwell Park have “welcomed scrutiny” after campaigners launched a legal challenge to protect the beloved green space from large-scale private events.
Brockwell Live, which hosts festivals in the park, including LGBTQ friendly Mighty Hoopla and critically acclaimed jazz and funk festival Cross the Tracks, has defended itself, insisting it takes its “stewardship seriously”.
It comes after nearby residents have complained that the festivals are permanently damaging the park, with the Oscar-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance claiming the events have turned the space “into a prison camp”.
"Brockwell Live delivers a series of free and ticketed events in Brockwell Park with more than half of attendees coming from across Greater London,” its organisers told the Standard.
“Celebrating the city’s diverse music and culture, events include the capital’s largest Caribbean and African music festival, a nationally significant queer pop festival and a critically acclaimed celebration of jazz, funk and soul.
“Although 2024 saw weather-related challenges, expert assessments confirm that grass and soil impacts are reversible and remedial work is ongoing.
“We understand the importance of Brockwell Park to local residents and take our stewardship seriously.
“We welcome scrutiny and maintain open channels for dialogue with residents, councillors, and community groups at all times."
The festivals have donated over £150,000 to local organisations to date through their community fund, and have paid £317,000 to help upkeep the beloved park over the past five years, they explained.
Since 2023, the festival organisers have also co-produced the Lambeth Country Show, a free event run by Lambeth Council for 50 years and best known for its vegetable sculpture competition.
The production partnership helped the council save over £700,000 last year.
The festival organisers also explained that more than 5,000 free tickets are handed out to residents, businesses, charities and NHS workers.
Campaigners have also complained about the park being fenced off while events take place inside a ‘ring of steel’.
Residents raised concerns about the state of the park following last year's events, as the combination of heavy rain and festival goers turned the area into a “mudbath”.
Up to a third of the park is fenced off during events, according to Brockwell Live, which says it works with biodiversity consultants and arborists to ensure the park is looked after.
The festivals also explained they have a designated resident hotline to report any issues.
On April 9, local residents group Protect Brockwell Park sent a pre-action letter to Lambeth Council, notifying them of their intent to initiate court proceedings.
The group aims to challenge the council's decision to grant a certificate of lawful development, which would allow commercial events in Brockwell Park to take place without requiring planning permission.
A Crowdjustice page has been set up by the group, which has raised over £31,000 to cover legal costs.
The group raised several concerns, including HGVs driving across the park, 180,000 festivalgoers in six days, events held in heavy rain, polluting generators running around the clock, and problems with waste and overflowing toilets.
