ECOLOGICAL DAMAGE, noise and the commercialisation of public space were some of the areas for concern outlined by Protect Brockwell Park (PBP) prior to their latest action against the Brockwell Live’s festival programme at the High Court today (May 6).
The latest legal action marks another flashpoint in an ongoing dispute between the local campaign group and Lambeth Council over the legality of staging large-scale commercial festivals in the park, including City Splash.
In February, Labour’s planning committee unanimously approved Brockwell Live’s 2026 festival programme – four festivals, including Field Day, Cross the Tracks, City Splash and Mighty Hoopla, across two weekends.
Today’s hearing was specifically to decide whether the case is arguable and can proceed to a full hearing, At the High Court it was determined, PBP’s request for a Judicial Review against Lambeth Council’s decision to grant planning permission for Brockwell Live 2026 was refused, with the judge finding all five grounds unarguable..
Responding to the decision, a spokesperson for City Splash exclusively told the Voice Newspaper: “For the last two years a small but well resourced group of local residents have been on a sustained attack against City Splash and the right for us to bring together our community to celebrate Black music and culture in Brockwell Park.
“This is the third High Court Case that has attempted to stop the events from happening, and once again they have been unsuccessful.
“These court cases are costing us and the local council hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal costs.
“This is a huge waste of money and could be spent much more effectively on real social issues in the community.
“We now hope that Protect Brockwell Park will review their position and recognise that Black music events like City Splash are here to stay.”
Earlier this year PBP launched a crowdfunder to support their legal steps.
On the website, the group wrote: ‘This challenge is about protecting Brockwell Park by trying to ensure events are run lawfully and in a way that respects and prioritises its landscape, ecology and local community.
‘PBP is not against all events, but the current model – large-scale, repeated commercial use with long enclosures – is not sustainable.’
King of Lovers Rock, Beres Hammond, is set to return to the UK for the first time in eight years at the upcoming City Splash, which takes place in just 20 days.
Joining the stage will also be: Aidonia, Elephant Man, Gyptian, Jada Kingdom, Queen Ifrica, Lutan Fyah and many more.
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