Gala festival in Peckham Rye park

[DoctorM]

I went around to the park this morning with the dog for a walk. Surprised to see that the part adjacent to Forest Hill Road was being barricaded off for the festival that's taking place next Sunday. Not only that but this public space is going to be closed off to residents (unless you buy a ?60 ticket (sold out) or work for Gala) until the following Friday. So in total it's closed off from today (20th May) until Friday 31st May, almost 2 weeks for a private 2 day festival.

I wouldn't mind if they closed the park the night before the festival or even the day before and took the stuff away the day afterwards, but no, hand the whole public space over for almost 2 weeks to a private company.

Not only that but there are also quite a few other dog walkers, runners and sundry park users who are going to be denied use of a large part of the park for the next 12 days. What's the betting the place is going to be left in a mess again? It still hasn't recovered from last year. Somebody must be making a load of money off this. Maybe all I can do is say something about this and if that's the case then I've just said it.

[hpsaucey]

Was wondering who actually got residents fliers notifying them of the event/ discounted tickets offer?

We were in the area for those last year but seen nothing this year. Cynically wondered if some places didn?t get them esp. given now seems it?s sold out!

HP

[tiddles]

There is still plenty of park/common to use. Did ask the contractors to

Take better care of our grass tho!

[DoctorM]

why close it for 12 days?

[first mate]

Ask Cllr Renata Hamvas

[Humdinger]

I havent seen it yet, but i bet the fenced off area is relatively small, and there will still be plenty of room to walk your dog, play with your kids, or chill on the grass.

The park is not closed to local residents, a bit of it is being used for a festival for a week or so, nothing to see here.

[Brulysses]

Humdinger, you're right,I've looked at the area it takes up and it is tiny, I have no idea what the OP is on about, there is still plenty of room for everybody...

[KidKruger]

it takes a long time to set-up for a festival or event like this, there needs to be contingency in case of mishaps and the site needs to be secured in time to assure successful set-up.

Is my guess why it's 12 days.

"I wouldn't mind if they closed the park the night before the festival or even the day before"

I'm sure you wouldn't mind, but that is not possible in any practical real-world scenario.

[Renata Hamvas]

Hi, the length of time the enclosure is up is due to the set-up and dismantling time. They are working during hours not to disturb residents and also are mindful that exams are happening in Harris Boys School. HPSaucey, if you were in the zone and wish to attend, email me with your address and I will contact the organisers on your behalf.

Renata

[verds]

Does anyone know what time the curfew is? I really want to take my kids to see Kelis, but wondering if it's too late for them.

Yes, I realise this is the most annoying post on this thread!

[binkylilyput]

There is plenty of space. Takes a lot of organising and set up I imagine

Great to learn that the tickets have been a sell out too. I thought the early bird/ pre- sale prices of ?25/?30 was very reasonable for a 2 day event. Even at full price ?60 it's a good 2 days of entertainment.

Hope it's a wonderful, sunny success!

[DuncanW]

I think the Sunday and the Monday are separate events, so the ?60 ticket is just for Gala on the Sunday.

Tickets still seem to be available for Jam on the Rye, which is the one Kelis is performing at. That finishes at 10:00 pm.

https://www.kerbfood.com/jam-on-rye-festival-2019/

[piera]

If you email [email protected] and provide proof of address you can get residents tickets for Jam on Rye, at ?20 + ?2.40 (I think) booking fee.

[JohnL]

I'm getting distinct Deja Vu.

Did this discussion happen last year too.

[carlafindle]

JohnL Wrote:

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> I'm getting distinct Deja Vu.

>

> Did this discussion happen last year too.

Of course it did.

[nxjen]

And it will probably happen next year.

[Claire-T]

I was informed of it ages ago, I think from a leaflet through the door. We got early bird tickets for Monday and my friend informed me that she recently got cheap tickets for being a local resident. The Monday gig, Jam on the Rye, is child friendly and has a children's tent with activities. Basically, if you can't beat them, join them!

[sunbob]

"verds:Does anyone know what time the curfew is? I really want to take my kids to see Kelis, but wondering if it's too late for them."

How lovely that you have the choice (I don't mean that in a horrible way). I will be trying to get 2 kids to sleep approximately 50 yards from the stage! We were away last year so not sure how horrendous it's going to be.

I have mixed feelings about this. I find it scary that it may be the thin end of a wedge gradually taking away access to public space. On the other hand at the moment it is a small proportion of the park, it's done neatly and, I hope, the rental money for the space will help Southwark council to continue providing services.

[DoctorM]

so, no one else things that the closing of this public space for 12 days in the interests of a 2 day private event is questionable?

[KidKruger]

That?s just how long it takes to deal with the event.

Whether or not the Council have the right to use ?public? (lol) land to stage events for profit is perhaps a matter for debate - but it will continue regardless (if the Council want to continue).

[ruffers]

DoctorM Wrote:

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> so, no one else things that the closing of this

> public space for 12 days in the interests of a 2

> day private event is questionable?

Only if they don't pay, And they do.

So apparently not.

[fishbiscuits]

Let's face it, that corner of the Rye is not heavily used. I think people are just complaining for the sake of it, rather than actual loss of amenity.

As for getting kids to sleep - now you DO have my sympathy, I know what it's like. But it's only once a year (or twice I suppose, if the Gala festival and Jam On Rye are running on consecutive days again, tbh I'm not sure). It's a bit like your neighbours having a house party.. you can't really complain if it's only a rare occurrence and it doesn't go on ridiculously late.

[Renata Hamvas]

The payment to the Council for this event and other similar events in our Parks and open spaces is ring fenced. It doesn't go into the general council budget but goes directly towards funding free events in our parks and open spaces such as the firework display on 5th November. Verds, the site will be cleared by 10pm on Monday and so Kelis would be on significantly earlier than this even if she is the last act. To try and reduce noise emitting from the site, this year the speakers are being raised off the ground and angled downwards.

Renata

[binkylilyput]

DoctorM Wrote:

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> so, no one else things that the closing of this

> public space for 12 days in the interests of a 2

> day private event is questionable?

No. It's a small proportion of the park and it's being well used and very popular.

A limited part of the park for a little over one week of the whole year.

Can you not support a great event (even if it's not your cup of tea) and stop whinging?

[Beej]

DoctorM Wrote:

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> so, no one else things that the closing of this

> public space for 12 days in the interests of a 2

> day private event is questionable?

I really think you're living in the wrong city mate. this is most excellent AND in our backyard. I mean Honey Dijon on the decks - oh my days!! Literally cannot wait, see you in the field :)