The threat from events

Lambeth need to raise revenue to support green spaces. Events are one way to do that. But, in their drive for funds, Lambeth are not being realistic about the scale of event Brockwell Park can handle or that the community will put up with.

Brixton and Herne Hill have a strong history of music and community, and Brockwell Park is a good place for some events. The Lambeth Country Show is a good example of an event that is popular locally.

But our Park shouldn't become just another venue for generic commercial gigs. Our local economy shouldn't suffer while event organisers make millions. Gig-goers shouldn't get a poor experience. Local people shouldn't be cut off from their only green space.

Sign our Pledge to protect Brockwell Park and the local community from the damage done by large events.

For example...

  • Lambeth want to host both Field Day & Lovebox festival
  • They are moving from Victoria Park, which is 86 hectares. Brockwell is only 50
  • They aim to sell 40,000+ tickets for the main days. Each will run for three days
  • That's twice the size of 2017's Sunfall, at which crowds meant ticket holders queued for 4 hours to get in
  • Local businesses, often already struggling, lose money; locals stay away and visitors don't spend
  • For a 3 day event large parts of the Park will be fenced off for 3 weeks. Brixton is a densely populated, inner-borough where most people have little or no garden and none of the local schools have playing fields
  • Once one large event gets the go-ahead it will set a permanent precedent for more frequent and larger gigs​
These events are not run by small, local companies. The dance music industry is worth £5.3 BILLION and festivals are one of the fastest growing sectors. They have huge PR machines, making it hard for local groups to get heard.

Sign our pledge to make Brockwell Events less damaging.

Pledge

The best way to get the council to listen is if local politicians see this is going to seriously affect their chance of election. That's why we want local people to commit to making this an issue they vote on. But we also want to make sure that, if the council plough ahead regardless of local views, we all work together to minimise the damage done the community and local economy.
If you live locally and love Brockwell Park sign this pledge to protect the space and get your voice heard:
  • I will not vote for any councillor or MP who does not actively campaign to keep Brockwell Park events small and sustainable
  • I will try to attend consultation meetings with event organisers to ensure local views are represented
  • I will help reduce damage to the local economy by shopping with local businesses on event days as much as possible

2300 local Park lovers have signed!

Still want to do more?

The best way to let councillors know how you feel is to write to them direct.  It doesn't need to be a long email.  A couple of sentences is all it takes.  Simply tell them how you feel about these events and how it will affect you.  To make it easy, below is list of emails you can write to.  You can pick the ones you feel best apply to you or send your thoughts to all.
1. Cabinet Councillor for Equalities and Culture (includes Parks) Cllr Sonia Winifred: SWinifred@lambeth.gov.uk
2. Copy to Lambeth Events Team: Events@lambeth.gov.uk

3. Copy to the Herne Hill ward Councillors (Brockwell Park is in Herne Hill electoral ward):
Cllr Jim Dickson: jdickson@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Jack Holborn: JHolborn@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Michelle Agdomar: MAgdomar@lambeth.gov.uk

4. Copy to your ward councillors if your ward adjoins the Park:
Live in Coldharbour Ward?
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu: danyanwu@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Matt Parr: mparr1@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Rachel Heywood: rheywood@lambeth.gov.uk

Live in Thurlow Park Ward?
Cllr Anna Birley : ABirley@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Fred Cowell : FCowell@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Max Deckers Dowber : MDeckersDowber@lambeth.gov.uk

Live in Tulse Hill Ward?
Cllr Ade Ademinu : aminu@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Marcia Cameron : mcameron@lambeth.gov.uk
Cllr Mary Atkins : MAtkins1@lambeth.gov.uk

By Letter:
Olive Morris House, 3rd Floor, 18 Brixton Hill ,London. SW2 1RD

5. Copy to local park forum who's role it is to represent your views to the council
Brockwell Park Community Partners: brockwellparkcommunitypartners@gmail.com

Not sure which ward you are in?  https://moderngov.lambeth.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx
Scroll down then enter your postcode at the bottom and it will tell you who to get in touch with.
Thank you Marcus Kay for sourcing & sharing

Get In Touch.

If you are a local community group, artist, journalist or gig organiser get in touch to find out more about what we are trying to achieve. We are also keen to speak to local businesses who would like to share their experiences.

Let us know if you are a local politician who supports a more proportionate approach to Brockwell events and we will tell the people who sign our Pledge. Brockwell Streets is not associated with any political party. We will share the position of any and all candidates, Councillors and MPs without preference or prejudice.