A proposal to host a series of major music festivals in a popular south London park has ignited a fierce community debate, with hundreds of residents voicing starkly opposing views.
Park or Party Zone? The Planning Battle Lines Drawn
Summer Events Ltd, the company behind the Brockwell Live festival series which includes events like Mighty Hoopla and Field Day, submitted its first-ever formal planning application to Lambeth Council on December 2. The application seeks temporary permission to use just over a quarter of Brockwell Park for a maximum of 32 days across 2026.
The proposed event days are scheduled between May 9 and June 9, 2026, and include time for construction, the shows themselves, dismantling, and contingency days for bad weather. This move to a full planning application follows a legal ruling earlier this year which found the council had previously allowed parts of the park to be used beyond the permitted 28 days without correct permission.
As of January 6, the council's planning portal had recorded 335 public comments. The response is deeply polarised, with 217 objections filed against 113 statements of support, alongside five neutral submissions.
A Clash of Priorities: Mental Health Sanctuary vs. Cultural Hub
Objectors have framed the debate around wellbeing and access, describing the park as an irreplaceable refuge from city life. One resident, objecting on behalf of their family including an 18-month-old daughter, called the park a "vital space for ensuring welfare and mental health." They argued that the festivals would deny the community access to "the jewel of South London and the lungs of a busy city," particularly during the school half-term.
Another objector emphasised the psychological impact, stating: "Living in a city like London has a dis-regulating impact on our nervous system... We all need spaces where we can get away from this and for me, my family and for many of the people I work with, Brockwell Park is the place where we find this."
In contrast, supporters champion the festivals for bringing vitality and economic benefit to the area. One local supporter, who walks their dog in the park daily, said: "The park is large enough to enjoy both things at once. The events are well managed and safe and the staff on site are always helpful."
Another long-term resident praised the "diverse range of events", calling them a key reason they chose to live in Lambeth. "They are so vibrant and inclusive," they commented, adding that some disruption is a reasonable expectation for anyone moving to an area known for hosting major events.
Stakeholder Objections and the Path Ahead
The controversy extends beyond individual residents. Protect Brockwell Park, the campaign group that successfully took the council to court over the festival issue, has formally objected through planning consultants Paragon Planning. Their objection states the plans present an "unacceptable" risk to biodiversity and constitute "inappropriate development on Metropolitan Open Land."
Adding another layer to the dispute, the council's controversial decision to cancel the long-running, free Lambeth Country Show in 2026—citing rising costs—has left a sour taste for some, who see it as making way for commercial festivals.
The application will now be reviewed by a council planning officer against local policies. Given the scale of the proposal, its history, and the volume of public response, it is highly likely the final decision will be made by Lambeth's Planning Applications Committee at a future public meeting.
