The Lambeth Country Show, a long-standing annual tradition, will not be held next year as a result of increasing operational costs, according to the local council.

This free two-day festival, which has taken place in Brockwell Park in south London since 1974, boasts live performances, vendors, and various exhibits, drawing over 120,000 attendees in recent years.

Lambeth Council has indicated that organizing a complimentary event next year would require around £1 million in funding.

Furthermore, the council announced a decline in the total number of live events in the park following a legal challenge regarding the utilization of this green space.

In their statement, Lambeth Council confirmed that it would not be able to allocate funds for the country show scheduled for June 2026.

The council highlighted that with more than £84 million in savings needed over the next four years, sponsoring the event was not feasible at this time.

Donatus Anyanwu, the cabinet member for stronger communities, acknowledged that many local residents might feel “disappointed,” yet emphasized that all spending areas are currently being evaluated, and essential services must take precedence.

He stated, “We cannot make a choice that places this event above the mandatory services that support the most vulnerable members of our community. Ensuring the protection of services for those in greatest need necessitates challenging but essential decisions like this.”

The council also pointed out that the cancellation of the country show would result in reduced event usage of the park.

Nonetheless, several other ticketed activities are still planned for Brockwell Park in the coming year.

Mr. Anyanwu remarked, “The plans for next year strike a balance between hosting these significant events that bring joy to hundreds of thousands and celebrating the diverse culture of our borough, while also reducing the total number of event days to minimize the burden on local residents.”