Festivals in Brockwell Park, South London are set go ahead – including this weekend’s Wide Awake festival – despite a High Court ruling in favour of campaigners.
There was uncertainty about the events after a High Court judge last week ruled on the side of campaigners from the Protect Brockwell Park group, who launched a challenge against Lambeth Council over licensing the events. The legal challenge was made in relation to the 'permitted development' rules for festivals.
But organisers Brockwell Live have today (May 19) confirmed that all events will go ahead.
Wide Awake on May 23 is set to feature Kneecap, CMAT, English Teacher, Fat Dog and more. Field Day (May 24) Mighty Hoopla (May 31 and June 1) take place later this month.
In a statement, Brockwell Live said: “Friday’s High Court ruling dealt with a particular point of law and whether an administrative process had been carried out correctly. We wish to make it clear that no event will be cancelled as a result of the High Court’s decision.
“We take our stewardship of Brockwell Park seriously. As we prepare to deliver these much-loved, culturally significant events, we remain fully committed to its care, upkeep, and long-term wellbeing. With set-up nearly complete, we look forward to opening the gates and welcoming festival goers later this week.”
We take our stewardship of Brockwell Park seriously
Brockwell Live
Ahead of today’s announcement about the series going ahead, Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said cancelling the series of festivals "would directly impact thousands of people... many of whom rely on the summer season to sustain their livelihoods".
"The supply chain, from staging and lighting companies to local food and drink vendors, would suffer heavy financial losses," he said.
A spokesperson for The Protect Brockwell Park campaign group previously said they were "not anti-events" and urged Lambeth Council to engage with them constructively next year.
PHOTO: Wide Awake Festival 2024 (Luke Dyson)
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