We don't want to stop gigs in Brockwell Park, but we do want to make sure they are sustainable and suitable for the space.
Lambeth's events policy is intentionally woolly and open to interpretation. Lambeth is supposed to liaise with the local community on events, but most people don't hear about proposals until after they are agreed. We think it would be better to agree upfront what makes for a good gig. Below are four straight-forward things we think would help.
Lambeth's events policy is intentionally woolly and open to interpretation. Lambeth is supposed to liaise with the local community on events, but most people don't hear about proposals until after they are agreed. We think it would be better to agree upfront what makes for a good gig. Below are four straight-forward things we think would help.
4 Commitments
1/ SIZE
2/ DISRUPTION
3/ COMMUNITY
4/ INFRASTRUCTURE
- Using a comparatively small park like Brockwell to make money from regular, commercial events is a new thing in Lambeth. Let's not rush it. For the first three years and until Lambeth has shown they can be run successfully - for local residents and gig-goers - the size of enclosed, ticketed events should be capped at 20,000 tickets a day
- Policy refers to the Park being able to host events of 20,000+. That's pretty meaningless - it could mean 20,000 or 50,000
- Lambeth needs to state a cap, based on independent assessment and local consultation, not a starting point or rough guide
2/ DISRUPTION
- The main point of a park, particularly an inner city one, is to provide outside, green and tranquil space for the community. There is no point raising money for a green space no one gets to use. Ticketed events that impact the whole Park (through noise, crowds, rubbish etc) should be limited to one a year and no significant part of the Park should be affected for more than ten days, including set up and take-down
- Events bid on the basis of how much of the Park will be enclosed. But because Brockwell is so interconnected, and the area used for events is in the centre, an event taking up only 30-40% of the land effectively makes the whole Park unusable
- Bids should be presented on the basis of the proportion of the Park effected, not just built on. E.g. number of gates closed, sound that will carry. Many bids are only a 30% build but a 100% take-over
3/ COMMUNITY
- Gigs that are good for the local economy and community aren't just the ones where big companies pay a chunk of cash. Lambeth should prioritise event companies which are willing to showcase local artists and use local suppliers on the day - such as caterers and brewers - rather than generic catering chains
- Lambeth needs to raise funds to support green spaces across the borough. But there's no point bringing in outside investment if local businesses are hit
- There is currently no formal provision in the policy for using local food suppliers, featuring local artists or providing apprenticeships
4/ INFRASTRUCTURE
- Most gig goers are respectful of the local area, but there are always some that aren't. Nearby front doors are drenched with pee. Then there's rubbish, broken glass and poorly directed crowds. Event organisers should pay for toilets outside the site (put up no more than a day before), as well as stewards, security and clear-up crews up to a 1 mile radius from the event
- Consultation and support focuses on streets and developments directly adjacent to the Park. But the area affected by events - sound, traffic, anti-social behaviour, loss of footfall etc - is far wider
- The main community group consulted is Brockwell Park Community Partners, but this primarily represents groups within the Park. Event companies need to consult with and provide information (via flyers and facebook ads) to households and businesses much further afield
Remember, once one gig gets the go-ahead it sets a precedent. The frequency and size of these gigs will grow, and with it the damage to Park wildlife, local community and the economy. We need to agree some ground rules from the start.
