A row has erupted after a council agreed to increase the number of days one of London's most popular parks can be used for major private events.
Tower Hamlets council has been accused of "privatising" Victoria Park by signing off plans that will allow two extra festival days a year - and quadrupling the capacity threshold for a large event from 5,000 to 20,000 people.
The borough's independent mayor Lutfur Rahman said the town hall had "to squeeze as much as we can" from its assets in a bid to bring in cash and the council had "no choice".
But Labour councillor James King said the proposals would reduce the availability of the park for the local community, especially for families and children "who rely on it during the summer holidays".
“Victoria Park is a precious and historic asset for Tower Hamlets and London, and it should not be turned into a commercial venue for excessive and inappropriate events," he said.
"It would also increase the noise, traffic, waste, and pollution in the area, and damage the natural habitat and biodiversity of the park.
"[Mr Rahman] is essentially privatising the park, deciding to close it off to the residents of this borough for stretches of the year, in favour of selling access to paying punters.”
The space famously hosts All Points East, which sees around 40,000 music fans a day attending six days of concerts in August. Artists such as Nick Cave, The Strokes and The Chemical Brothers have headlined the festival in recent years.
The council also argued that hosting major events in the park allows for community events, such as the ‘In The Neighbourhood’ festival and a free screening of the Women’s World Cup final, featuring England’s Lionesses.
A spokesman said: “The proposed changes would allow for a wider range of events to be considered by the council and boost local businesses and provide a wider range of things for local people to do and enjoy in the park.
"As part of the major events programme, both the council and the event organiser, proactively engage with residents and the friends group through community consultation sessions specific to the events programme.
"We understand the concerns that have been raised and remain absolutely committed to working with Victoria Park Friends to continue to minimise any disruption caused by events and help ensure that the People’s Park continues to be managed in a way in which it can be enjoyed by everyone.”
