Key Points
- Lambeth Council has axed the Lambeth Country Show for 2026 to allow the rest of the Brockwell Live events programme to proceed.
- The council abandoned a legal challenge against a High Court ruling that the Brockwell Live events, including Mighty Hoopla, Field Days, and Wide Awake festivals, overran the permitted 28 days.
- The decision to cancel the Lambeth Country Show aims to bring the Brockwell Live events within the legal limit of 28 event days.
- Financial considerations played a significant role, as the council would need to spend over £1 million to run the two-day Lambeth Country Show.
- Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, expressed regret about canceling the show but highlighted budget pressures prioritizing essential services.
- The cancellation saves the council over £1 million in costs.
- The children’s festival Brockwell Bounce remains unaffected and continues as part of the Brockwell Live programme.
What happened to the Lambeth Country Show and why?
Lambeth Council has decided at the last minute to axe the Lambeth Country Show for 2026 to ensure the rest of the Brockwell Live programme, which includes major music festivals such as Mighty Hoopla, Field Days, and Wide Awake, can proceed legally next summer. This move follows a High Court ruling in May which found that the events hosted in Brockwell Park had exceeded the legal limit of 28 permitted event days. The council had initially vowed to appeal the ruling in December but chose instead to abandon the legal challenge, streamlining the events schedule by removing the two-day Lambeth Country Show to comply with the restriction. This decision is understood to bring the total event days within the permitted limit, although a full application for the festival programme will be submitted for approval.
What legal issues affected Brockwell Live events?
The Brockwell Live events have faced legal challenges regarding the number of event days permitted in Brockwell Park. According to a report by a journalist at MyLondon, the High Court ruled in May that the combined festivals overran their 28-day permit, leading to questions about their legal status. The council’s initial response was to contest this ruling through an appeal, scheduled for a hearing in December. However, the council recently reversed course, deciding not to proceed with the appeal, instead opting for a practical solution by cutting the Lambeth Country Show. This approach removes the legal hurdle for the broader series of festivals under Brockwell Live, ensuring compliance with local event regulations.
What financial considerations influenced the cancellation?
Lambeth Council cited substantial financial costs as a primary reason for scrapping the Lambeth Country Show. Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, stated that the council would need to fund over £1 million to run the two-day event. This financial burden comes amid wider budget pressures where the council is reviewing every area of spending, including vital services for vulnerable residents. Anyanwu commented that while many residents will be disappointed by the cancellation, the council must prioritise statutory services over non-essential events. The cancellation thus results not only in legal compliance but also cost savings exceeding £1 million for the council.
What will happen to other events in Brockwell Live?
Despite the cancellation of the Lambeth Country Show, the council affirmed that the children’s festival Brockwell Bounce will continue as part of the Brockwell Live events programme. The decision focuses on retaining the major music and cultural festivals such as Mighty Hoopla and Field Days, which are significant draws for the community and contribute to the local cultural scene. By adjusting the number of event days and removing the country show, the council aims to provide a balanced programme of activities while complying with legal and budgetary constraints.
How have residents and the community reacted?
Although full reactions from the community are not widely quoted, Cllr Donatus Anyanwu acknowledged that many residents will be disappointed by the cancellation of the well-established Lambeth Country Show, a major free event in the area. The show, alongside Brockwell Bounce, brought community celebration and access to cultural activities at no cost, which is significant for local families and visitors. While the council has not detailed plans for alternative community events, the statement highlights the tough decisions local authorities face when balancing financial realities and resident interests.
