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Those who object to music events shutting off parks are branded nimbys. But this time, I’m on their side | Moya Lothian-McLean

A high court dispute over a south London park shows the limits of private interests encroaching on public space, says writer Moya Lothian-McLean

As the date of the first event – Wide Awake, an alternative music shindig headlined by the rappers Kneecap – approached, Lambeth rushed through a certificate of lawfulness, allowing for public comment, and on Friday the festival opened its gates. The PBP campaigners are being cast by some as meddling, out-of-touch “gentrifiers”, akin to affluent folk moving into a buzzy area and immediately lobbying for a beloved local pub or scrappy independent music venue to shut down because they want to retire to bed by 10pm. Councils argue that this money goes back in the public purse, allowing them to continue funding free community events such as Lambeth’s beloved Country Show, though there doesn’t seem to be much transparency over exactly how much cash is raised or where it is allocated.

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