High Court backs Brockwell Park festivals after legal challenge from local resident

A High Court judge has thrown out a challenge to Lambeth Council over its decision to allow festivals to use parts of Brockwell Park.

The ruling removes a fresh threat to a run of events that have become a regular fixture in the south London park, including Mighty Hoopla, Wide Awake and Field Day. Those festivals had been put in doubt after local campaigner Juliet Chambers launched legal action last summer, arguing that the council had not granted the correct planning permission.

The complaint, backed by a group of Brixton residents, said the “large-scale” events damaged the environment and kept the public out of the park for too long.

Chambers argued the permission was “unlawful” and said the council had misread the word “recreation”, according to BBC News.

But Mr Justice Jay rejected that claim. He said recreation meant “a pastime which is pursued for the pleasure or interest it provides… It is clear in my view that this musical festival is a cultural activity.”

This summer’s Brockwell Park schedule still includes Field Day, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla, all set for later this month. The council’s permission covers a temporary change of use for part of the park for up to 32 days.

Sasha White KC, speaking for Lambeth Council, told the court: “During the events the rest of the park will be retained as public open space, therefore leaving 74% of the park open to the public throughout this period.”

White also said assessments found no “unacceptable harm” would result from the permission and that nine separate benefits had been identified.

In February, Lambeth Council unanimously approved plans for Field Day, Cross The Tracks, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla to go ahead in the final weeks of May. Wide Awake is not taking place this year.

The Planning Applications Committee said at the time that it had weighed several factors, including noise controls, environmental impact and the cultural and economic value of the events. It pointed to a possible £10million boost to the local economy.

Last year’s Wide Awake featured sets from Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher, Daniel Avery and Nadine Shah. Earlier editions have also included Primal Scream, Self Esteem and Amyl and the Sniffers.

Mighty Hoopla will run on May 30 and 31 this year, with Lily Allen, Scissor Sisters and Jessie J topping the bill. Tickets are available here.

Field Day is due to take place on May 23 and will feature Floating Points, Honey Dijon and Joy Orbison, among others. Tickets are available here.