Lambeth council has published an open letter from council leader Lib Peck, the police and local notables urging people to get involved in the future of the Brixton Splash.
The council has refused permission for Splash this year over costs, safety and environmental concerns.
“It is due to the inspiration and commitment of Pat Clark, former landlord of the Prince Albert, social entrepreneur Ros Griffiths and reggae producer Blacker Dread that Brixton Splash came into being,” says the letter.
“We are keen to retain this spirit of community celebration and are heartened by the number of organisations who want to work together to put on another brilliant Splash event.
“For this to work successfully we need at least a year to rethink the event, reach out to new communities to participate and to organise effectively. We are aiming for a Splash event for 2017.
“We want Splash to return to its original objectives, to be a safe, community-led event, which is a positive boost for Brixton.
“We hope you will get involved with plans for 2017 and Brixton Splash can once again be a safe and fun family and community event.”
The signatories are:
Lib Peck, leader of Lambeth council
Ros Griffiths, founder member of Brixton Splash
Be Atwell, founder member of Brixton Splash
Ade Sawyer, Equinox Consulting
Tina Jennings, Brixton Night Market
Richard Wood, Borough Commander, Metropolitan Police
Devon Thomas, chair, Brixton Neighbourhood Forum and the Black Heritage Group
Paul Reid, artistic director of The Black Cultural Archives
