Organisers of a music festival could be refused a licence if they fail to respond to concerns from Lambeth Council.  

Brockwell Park by Herne Hill and Tulse Hill has hosted The Mighty Hoopla since 2018. 

In December, organisers applied for a three-year licence to cover three days during May or June – this year would include day festivals Wide Awake, Mighty Hoopla, and Cross the Tracks from Friday, June 5.  

Music would be played from 11am to 10.45pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 11am to 10.15pm on Sunday.  

Alcohol would be available until 15 minutes before closing.  

But Lambeth’s licensing team wants changes to conditions before the plans are approved.  

Organisers wanted to increase the capacity to just under 30,000 people but the council wants to keep it to 20,000 on Friday and Sunday, and 25,000 on Saturday. This includes all staff, contractors, artists, performers and guests.  

The Mighty Hoopla wants a three-day licence covering Friday to Monday bank holidays in May and June but the council only wants to give hand out one that covers Friday to Sunday in either June or July. 

The organisers want to allow glass drink containers in VIP areas but the council wants to ban it everywhere. 

The licensing team also wants to tighten up rules around age restrictions. 

“On event days where age restrictions may apply, all children and young people up to and including the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.  

“This must be the parent, legal guardian or nominated guardian of the young person. An adult over the age of 25 can accompany a maximum of four young persons,” it stated.  

Two local people made formal objections to the council about the application.  

One said it would equate to an “intolerable intrusion” on residents, adding: “I do not believe this potential for damage and disruption arising from such an uninterrupted stretch of time can be justified in the first instance.  

“The only grounds on which such a proposal could remotely responsibly be made is in the form of an experiment.  

“To disregard all dangers and give the go ahead for this to be inflicted come what may on a precious and treasured public resource for a period of three years is the height of irresponsibility and a complete derogation of the council’s obligations as temporary steward of the borough’s crucial resources.” 

The licence bid comes shortly after the council approved a major events strategy in response to complaints that open spaces were being used by private companies for profit, without benefitting locals.  

Residents had issues with anti-social behaviour and noise, while concerns were also raised that some areas were getting community grants over others.  

The 16-proposal strategy includes urging organisers to give community grants to mitigate the impact of events and to build closer relationships with local businesses.  

The Mighty Hoopla has been contacted for comment.

Its application will be decided by a licensing sub-committee on Tuesday (February 25).