High Court Rules for Brockwell Park Festival Cancellations

A High Court ruling has forced the cancellation of Brockwell Live, a series of music festivals including Mighty Hoopla, scheduled to take place in Brockwell Park, Lambeth. The legal challenge, led by local resident Rebekah Shaman and supported by the Protect Brockwell Park group, contended that the council's certification allowing the use of the park for events exceeded the permitted development rights of 28 days per year. Mr Justice Mould ruled the council's decision was irrational as the park would be used for more than 28 days, meaning no planning permission had been properly obtained. Lawyers for the campaigners have demanded the council confirm the cancellation and remove all festival infrastructure, noting that a planning application could not be processed in time for the events. The ruling has garnered support from figures like actor Mark Rylance, with campaigners emphasizing the need to protect green spaces and calling for smaller, community-focused events instead. Lambeth Council is currently assessing the ruling's impact and determining next steps regarding the events and the related Lambeth Country Show.