Organisers of music festivals in Brockwell Park have applied to Lambeth Council for permission to host events in the south London park for up to 33 consecutive days annually between 2027 and 2029, with plans to increase the maximum daily capacity to 35,000 by 2029.
Under the latest proposals, the maximum daily capacity – including staff, artists and crews – would rise from 31,500 in 2027 to 33,500 in 2028, reaching 35,000 by 2029. This would allow up to an extra 5,000 revellers compared with current levels.
Festival line-up and park footprint
Next year's series would see Field Day, Cross the Tracks, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla hosted in the park. The festival space would occupy just over a quarter (26.57 per cent) of the park at any one time.
Local residents have been campaigning for the various music festivals to leave the public space for good. Graffiti reading 'save the park' was sprayed onto the walls surrounding a day festival in Brockwell Park.
Planning statement and public response
A planning statement prepared by Turley on behalf of Brockwell Live reads: "The application will also provide a stable basis for the continued development of established music and cultural events within Lambeth, which attract audiences from across London, the UK and internationally.
"Longer-term certainty will allow these events to continue to evolve and invest in their cultural offer, supporting Lambeth's position as a destination for significant music and cultural events, while operating within the parameters and controls established through the application."
So far, 20 objections have been logged on Lambeth's planning portal, with one in support. Residents have until Friday, December 4 to comment using reference 26/03208/RG4.
Legal challenge dismissed
Lambeth resident Juliet Chambers lost a High Court bid earlier this year to prevent the music festivals from going ahead at the park. She had wanted to legally challenge Lambeth Council over its decision to use parts of the park for the events.
In written submissions, Richard Harwood KC, for Chambers, said the granting of planning permission was "unlawful". He said that in granting permission, the term "recreation" had been misinterpreted to "include an open-air music festival".
But the bid was dismissed by Justice Jay, who said the Oxford English Dictionary defined recreation as being a "pastime which is pursued for the pleasure or interest it provides". Justice Jay added: "It is clear in my view that this musical festival is a cultural activity."
