Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, has warned that the legal action brought against Lambeth council over this year’s planned Brockwell Park festivals “is emblematic of a much deeper crisis facing our cultural and events landscape”.
He said that if the events were unable to proceed, it would be “a devastating blow to London’s identity as a global hub for live music, culture, and community celebration — and would signal a dark new era for the UK’s events and festival sector”.
He went on: “This isn’t about protecting parks — it’s about stifling culture, and the consequences are far-reaching.”
Lawyers for the group that brought the action have issued an ultimatum to Lambeth council and the event organisers giving them until 10am tomorrow (19 May) to cancel the Brockwell Live events.
Kill said cancellation of Brockwell Live would impact thousands of people’s livelihoods – “from freelance technicians and security staff to artists, production crews, caterers, and event organisers — many of whom rely on the summer season to sustain their livelihoods.
“The supply chain, from staging and lighting companies to local food and drink vendors, would suffer heavy financial losses. The local economy – including independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and hotels, which sees a surge in business during these festivals – would be hit hard.
“Moreover, this affects the public. Tens of thousands of festival-goers who have already bought tickets, made travel plans, and spent money on accommodation and services would be left in limbo.
“These events are not just concerts — they are vital social experiences that form part of the cultural fabric of people’s lives.”
The NTIA is working with the Brixton Business Improvement district on a survey of the local nighttime economy.
“This isn’t about protecting parks – it’s about stifling culture, and the consequences are far-reaching”
What lazy, disingenuous nonsense is this? He doesn’t want it to be about protecting parks or the voices of local residents, so he unilaterally says their concerns don’t exist and reframes them as anti-culture villains. This man thinks HE gets to decide what people are upset about, what their motives are, what reality is. This is the definition of the smug, entitled elite. He wields ‘culture’ like a sword that belongs only to him, when in fact he couldn’t give a toss this is a heritage conservation area that deserves protecting (he’s not interested in that kind of culture, clearly). Among the campaigners against the destruction of this park are many artists, actors, writers, musicians—but sure, they hate culture. Let’s go with that explanation, rather than the obvious one.
London has been cultural hub for centuries. 50K+ person festivals are a new phenomenon since the 2010s. They’ve been growing in scale year upon year (and have had to move frequently because they cause trouble wherever they go—for the very simple fact they are not sustainable in small parks in residential areas). These festivals are not staples of the London cultural scene. They are new. And they are NOT working.
If you want massive festivals on your doorstep, don’t live in a dense city. Move to Glastonbury.
To misquote “These PARKS are not just GREEN SPACES — they are vital social experiences that form part of the cultural fabric of people’s lives.”
Large parts of the globe 🌍 are suffering from war, famine and the a host of diseases that result from political unrest. So so sad
Heart wrenching
Here in dear old blightey we’re spoiled
We have it easy in comparison
Thinking back to COVID, lockdown etc hit us all hard
We’re through it now
We can meet and mix with others from different ( bubbles) and strangers can become friends
We all love ❤️ our parks, grass and trees 🌲 th the enth degree. Brockwell Park is priceless greenbelt in London
Please let us all use, and enjoy it
Young and old alike
We wouldn’t own the Mona Lisa then stick it in a safe for protection. We’d want it on display for all to enjoy.
Likewise Brockwell park
Let the music flow and have our youngsters in particular party it and enjoy their lives
And if the oark then needed a facelift after showtime, I’m sure thousands would offer their services voluntarily