The Show Must Go On: Brockwell Park Festivals Get the Green Light Despite Court Drama

“If you’ve been clutching your glitter and bucket hat wondering whether this summer’s Brockwell Park festival season might be in jeopardy — fear not, party people. The music will go on.

After a nail-biting legal challenge threatened to pull the plug, Brockwell Live have confirmed that all events — including this weekend’s Wide Awake, plus Field Day and Mighty Hoopla later this month — will go ahead as planned. So yes, Kneecap, CMAT, Fat Dog and friends are still on the bill. And yes, your fabulous outfit planning has not been in vain.

The panic started last week when campaigners from the Protect Brockwell Park group took Lambeth Council to the High Court over whether the council was right to grant permission for the festivals. The issue? A bit of a planning law tangle around how many days the park can legally be used for events without special consent (spoiler: the limit is 28, but the festivals clock in at 37).

The judge ruled in favour of the campaigners, calling the council’s decision “irrational”. Cue the headlines and a lot of worried WhatsApps.

But before you could say “see you in the dance tent,” Brockwell Live swooped in with a statement: “We wish to make it clear that no event will be cancelled as a result of the High Court’s decision.” They added that set-up was almost complete and that they remain fully committed to the park’s care and long-term wellbeing. Phew.

Lambeth Council have backed the events, saying Summer Events Ltd (the team behind Brockwell Live) has already applied for a fresh certificate for 24 days, and that the show can go on while it’s being reviewed.

It’s not just the music lovers breathing a sigh of relief. Michael Kill of the Night Time Industries Association pointed out that scrapping the festivals would’ve devastated local jobs and supply chains — from lighting crews and stage riggers to your favourite street food vendors. “These events are vital social experiences that form part of the cultural fabric of people’s lives,” he said. Amen to that.

Of course, not everyone is celebrating. Protect Brockwell Park says they’re not against festivals — they just want a fairer process, better planning, and less disruption. The group, backed by figures like actor Mark Rylance, says they hope to work more constructively with the council going forward.

As if that wasn’t enough drama, Field Day is also facing heat over links to parent company KKR, which has come under fire for investments connected to Israel. Several acts, including Midland and Sisu Crew, have pulled out in protest. Field Day responded saying they respect artists’ views, and that this situation is “not the choice of Field Day.”

For now though at least, the music’s still playing in Brockwell Park. See you down the front?