Brockwell Park music festivals seek three-year extension with capacity rise

Plans have been submitted to Lambeth Council seeking permission for Brockwell Live to host music festivals in Brockwell Park for an additional three years. The application, lodged on October 30, outlines a phased increase in the event's capacity, aiming to accommodate up to 35,000 attendees by 2029. This includes staff, artists, and their crews.

The proposed extension would allow for the temporary use of the park for festival events for up to 33 consecutive days annually, from 2027 to 2029. The current plans detail a maximum capacity of 31,500 for 2027, rising to 33,500 in 2028, and reaching 35,000 in 2029. Organisers state that over a quarter of the park would be used for the events, with the remainder remaining accessible to the public.

Background to the application

Brockwell Live organises several well-known festivals, including Field Day, Mighty Hoopla, Cross the Tracks, and City Splash, which attract large numbers of visitors. The planning statement submitted on behalf of Brockwell Live indicates that the current application builds upon the permission granted for the 2026 event series. It aims to provide stability for the continued development and investment in these cultural events within Lambeth.

The organisers state that a three-year approach will prioritise continuous improvement in event planning. This includes year-round community engagement, annual environmental monitoring, and post-event reviews, all intended to inform subsequent years. The operational hours for live event days are proposed to be from 11am to 10.15pm on weekdays and until 10.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Previous resident objections

The use of Brockwell Park for music festivals has previously faced local opposition. Earlier this year, Lambeth resident Juliet Chambers pursued a High Court action to prevent the festivals. Her legal challenge argued that the council's decision to permit the events misinterpreted the term "recreation." However, the bid was dismissed by Mr Justice Jay, who stated that musical festivals constitute a cultural activity and a form of outdoor recreation.

According to Lambeth Council's planning portal, 21 public comments have been submitted regarding the latest application, with 20 objections and one supporting comment. Residents and other stakeholders have until December 4 to submit their views on the plans, referencing application number 26/03208/RG4.