The council’s Planning Applications Committee voted in favour of the application which was made by Summer Events Ltd for permission to hold the Brockwell Live events, which includes Field Day, Cross the Tracks, City Splash and the Mighty Hoopla.
Before granting planning permission the committee considered a wide range of factors included in the application, including the strict noise controls, managing any environment impacts on the park, and both the cultural and economic benefits.
Evidence shows festivals generate significant local spend and report contributions note that Brockwell Live is estimated to contribute more than £10million to the local economy, supporting local businesses, boosting footfall and strengthening the night-time economy.
The events broaden access to culture, with more than £250,000 of free tickets issued to local people last year. The programming also reflects Lambeth’s diversity, with the Mighty Hoopla proving very popular with Lambeth’s significant LGBTQ+ community and City Splash, celebrating Caribbean and African music and culture, being much loved by our Black communities and beyond.
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “I am pleased that planning permission has been granted for these exciting summer events as they provide important cultural opportunities, boost business and will provide funding for our under-pressure front line council services.
“Brockwell Park, and others in Lambeth, have a long tradition of hosting events, enjoyed by thousands of people, going back for decades. The popular events that have planning permission this year continue that tradition, and I am convinced that any impacts on Brockwell Park will be well managed and that lots of work has been put in to make sure there is little disruption to local people.”
The decision on Tuesday evening follows Lambeth Council announcing in December that it would take a new approach to events in Brockwell Park this year that would cut the number of event days, reduce costs by more than £1million to help deal with the council’s budget crisis and ensure any large commercial events are subject to a full planning application.
Gianluca Rizzo, the Managing Director of the Brixton Improvement District business representative group, said: “Brixton has an incredible amount to offer local people and visitors looking to enjoy their leisure time, with a diverse and vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, music and cultural venues.
“Given that it has been a challenging few years for many businesses in the hospitality sector, I’m pleased that the events in Brockwell Park have been given the go-ahead. They will provide a welcome boost to businesses across Brixton by attracting a broad audience – including many younger visitors – who will come to enjoy the events and experience everything our town centre has to offer.”
Jennifer Labbett, co-founder of The Cuff London bar and music venue in Railton Road, Herne Hill which is very close to Brockwell Park, said: “Each year the event grows in quality, organisation and positive impact. We have every confidence in the council’s ability to properly manage the park, ensure it is cleaned and restored following the events, and safeguard Brockwell’s long-term condition.
“From a business perspective, Brockwell Live is incredibly important. It brings vital seasonal footfall into Herne Hill at a time when independent venues like ours rely on increased trade to sustain jobs, invest locally and plan for the year ahead. The uplift is tangible — not just for us, but for the wider network of cafés, restaurants, pubs and retailers in the area.
“Just as importantly, the programme shines a spotlight on Herne Hill as a destination. It introduces new visitors to what our community has to offer and strengthens the area’s cultural identity.
“For independent businesses operating in a challenging climate, initiatives like Brockwell Live are not a disruption — they are a catalyst for growth, visibility and long-term resilience. We are proud to support it.”
