Brockwell Live’s planning application for its events in 2026 has just been approved, meaning festivals will be going ahead in Brockwell Park this summer. Many of London’s favourite events will be taking place as they have in previous years, with Mighty Hoopla, Field Day, Cross The Tracks, and City Splash all included in the group of festivals in the Brockwell Live roster.
In a press release from Brockwell Live this morning (February 25), it was confirmed that Lambeth Council had unanimously approved the planning application last night (February 24).
It comes after a period of uncertainty for events in Brockwell Park, with a series of objections to the events in the space coming from residents, including the Protect Brockwell Park group. Prior to the approval from the council today, events had run under permitted development rights, which allowed a certain number of days events without formal permission.
Action was taken last year when it was argued the council did not have the correct permission, and events exceeded the maximum of 28-days limit of events of non-permitted purposes. The High Court ruled in favour of campaigners arguing this, and Lambeth Council did not appeal, which meant they were forced to cancel the free Lambeth Country Show.
Under the new ruling, Brockwell Live are permitted to use around 26% of the park across a maximum of 32 days (between May 9 and June 9, 2026), which includes the setup time and ‘wet weather buffer days’.
Speaking on the news, a spokesperson from Brockwell Live said: “Our team would like to thank the residents and stakeholders who engaged with us throughout the planning process, sharing both feedback and support.
“We’re pleased with the outcome, which recognises the cultural and social value of the Brockwell Live series, alongside the significant economic contribution it makes to Lambeth and Greater London, particularly at a time when night-time and creative economies across the country face increasing pressure.”
“Our commitment to delivering the events responsibly and with care for the park and its neighbours continues beyond this decision. We will remain in active dialogue with the community and will share further updates in the coming months on the new schemes underway to support and enhance the park’s biodiversity.
Last week, it was reported that Wide Awake, another Brockwell Park festival would be ‘taking a break’ this year, so the events in this time period that will go ahead are Mighty Hoopla, Field Day, Cross The Tracks, City Splash, and Brockwell Bounce.
As reported by the BBC, Jonathan Hanreck, representing Protect Brockwell Park, spoke on the day of the ruling: “This decision rests on assumptions rather than evidence, particularly about harm.”
Anne Kingsbury, chair of Brockwell Park Community Partners, said: “Effectively, during the festivals, half of the park, the eastern side, is unusable.The Greensward has not recovered. It’s in a horrible state.”