Victoria Park, one of London’s most visited green spaces, is going to host more major festivals and events.
The cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council voted unanimously last night to approve changes in the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park. But Labour councillor Asma Begum and the Friends of Victoria Park have criticised the move.
Victoria Park is often said to be one of London’s best parks, and many attribute this to its location with the many diverse communities surrounding it.
It also hosts a number of festivals and events each year.
Even in the winter, Victoria Park has visitors from all over London. CREDIT: JACOB PERKINS/CITY NEWS
Lots of events
Local residents told City News that large events are disruptive, and restrict access for nearby citizens to meet.
Guy Slade lives nearby and said:
“The event days are predominantly in summer when people most want to use the park and the disruption goes on well before and well after the events. So sick of this – it is the slow privatisation of our precious public space.”
All Points East attracts people from all across the UK. CREDIT: DREW DE F FAWKES/CREATIVE COMMONS
Many events have proved popular, such as the All Points East festival which takes place every summer over 10 days and also includes community events.
Political controversy
The council is run by Aspire’s Mayor Lutfur Rahman and opposition to more events is fronted by Labour’s Asma Begum and the Friends of Victoria Park, who told City News:
“We would like to see Major events in Victoria Park restricted to six per annum, in line with other London parks.”
Victoria Park Friends pushes for the interests of the park. CREDIT: JACOB PERKINS/CITY NEWS
Tower Hamlets has suffered budget restraints and has been using parks and council-owned property to raise funds. During the cabinet vote, Mayor Luftur Ahman said:
“We have to squeeze as much from our borough as we can. We have no choice but to exploit our assets like Victoria Park.”
He said that the budget shortfall of over £70m had to be helped by initiatives such as this.
Tower Hamlets Council Cabinet met to discuss the proposal. CREDIT: JACOB PERKINS/CITY NEWS
The cabinet also highlighted how major events would bring more people into the area, fuelling the local economy.
What is the new policy?
The previous policy allowed six event days with a capacity of up to 49,999 and four with capacity up to 39,999. There’ll be 12 events, with a maximum capacity of 49,999 for eight days and four with 39,999.
Green Party councillor Nathalie Bienfait and the Friends of Victoria Park were at the meeting, but the mayor did not accept any questions.
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HeadlineTower Hamlets votes for more events in Victoria Park
Short HeadlineVictoria Park to host more events after council vote
StandfirstThis comes after strong opposition from the Labour Party and Friends of Victoria Park
Victoria Park, one of London’s most visited green spaces, is going to host more major festivals and events.
The cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council voted unanimously last night to approve changes in the Major Events Policy for Victoria Park. But Labour councillor Asma Begum and the Friends of Victoria Park have criticised the move.
Victoria Park is often said to be one of London’s best parks, and many attribute this to its location with the many diverse communities surrounding it.
It also hosts a number of festivals and events each year.
Even in the winter, Victoria Park has visitors from all over London. CREDIT: JACOB PERKINS/CITY NEWS
Lots of events
Local residents told City News that large events are disruptive, and restrict access for nearby citizens to meet.
Guy Slade lives nearby and said:
“The event days are predominantly in summer when people most want to use the park and the disruption goes on well before and well after the events. So sick of this – it is the slow privatisation of our precious public space.”
All Points East attracts people from all across the UK. CREDIT: DREW DE F FAWKES/CREATIVE COMMONS
Many events have proved popular, such as the All Points East festival which takes place every summer over 10 days and also includes community events.
Political controversy
The council is run by Aspire’s Mayor Lutfur Rahman and opposition to more events is fronted by Labour’s Asma Begum and the Friends of Victoria Park, who told City News:
“We would like to see Major events in Victoria Park restricted to six per annum, in line with other London parks.”
Victoria Park Friends pushes for the interests of the park. CREDIT: JACOB PERKINS/CITY NEWS
Tower Hamlets has suffered budget restraints and has been using parks and council-owned property to raise funds. During the cabinet vote, Mayor Luftur Ahman said:
“We have to squeeze as much from our borough as we can. We have no choice but to exploit our assets like Victoria Park.”
He said that the budget shortfall of over £70m had to be helped by initiatives such as this.
Tower Hamlets Council Cabinet met to discuss the proposal. CREDIT: JACOB PERKINS/CITY NEWS
The cabinet also highlighted how major events would bring more people into the area, fuelling the local economy.
What is the new policy?
The previous policy allowed six event days with a capacity of up to 49,999 and four with capacity up to 39,999. There’ll be 12 events, with a maximum capacity of 49,999 for eight days and four with 39,999.
Green Party councillor Nathalie Bienfait and the Friends of Victoria Park were at the meeting, but the mayor did not accept any questions.
