Yahoo News Lambeth Country Show: Outrage as 'Trump-style' perimeter fence 'destroys' popular family event in south London
Furious revellers claimed the popular Lambeth Country Show had been “destroyed” after the council erected a perimeter fence around the event for the first time in 44 years.
The two-metre high metal wall was put up in Brockwell Park, Brixton, following concerns from authorities.
Security bag checks were introduced meaning fair-goers were banned from taking their own alcohol into the free event.
Outraged attendees claimed the new regulations had “absolutely destroyed the event”.
#LambethCountryShow so far from what it used to be & won’t bother again. Couldn’t feel less like a community festival now if you tried.
— Jo Tobias #People’s Vote (@joannatobias) July 22, 2018
The council said on Friday that the fence was designed to “ensure public safety” and would not “impact on the enjoyment of the event”.
They added that it was necessary for insurance purposes and said alcohol had never been allowed on the site.
Arrived at #LambethCountryShow but with billions of people, body searches and a big perimeter wall. me and my son have decided not to go in. It looks too mental.
— chris shepherd (@chris__shepherd) July 22, 2018
Michael Brown wrote on Twitter: “@lambeth_council What have you done to this once lovely event? After today we have taken the decision not to attend anymore. Totally ruined through profiteering and over engineering. No ambience, no community and no soul. An absolute travesty.”
Kate Bod added: “At the Lambeth Country show for the first time in years. It’s changed a lot. Big fence, what?”
Already seen about 20 families look at the queues to get in to the #LambethCountryShow, turn around and walk away. This feels too OTT pic.twitter.com/Sgjhzl5deO
— Graham Gardiner (@grahamgardiner) July 22, 2018
Nick Gordon said: “How to mess with a perfectly good event: do a Trump and put a wall around it, tell everyone it’s for their safety and stop everyone from bringing their own refreshments so they buy expensive alternatives at the event. Yeah, I won’t be going to the #LambethCountryShow this year.”
Chris Shepherd added: “Arrived at #LambethCountryShow but with billions of people, body searches and a big perimeter wall. me and my son have decided not to go in. It looks too mental."
Pictures posted on social media showed graffiti daubed on the fence that read: "Lambeth Concentration Camp Show."
No idea why #LambethCountryShow need this security or why they haven’t opened? pic.twitter.com/GoxBkZQpjM
— James Milner-Smyth #FBPE (@JMilnerSmyth) July 22, 2018
Others complained the show’s booze ban sparked huge queues at bars and at an ever-popular cider stall.
One person claimed they were forced to wait for 45 minutes in a queue of 200 people for a drink.
Clare Grady added: “My daughter and friends ended up on the wrong side so they could drink their own beer. atmosphere inside =corporate bulls***.”
Hoping this is an exaggeration #Lambethcountryshow #London pic.twitter.com/5GntdsFREO
— lucywaitt (@lucywaitt1) July 22, 2018
Another person wrote: “Thanks lambeth council you have ruined what was a great weekend. Do I really want to queue for an hour for overpriced warm beer? NO! won’t be going again.”
However, many people praised the show saying they'd "barely noticed" the changes.
One person said: "Broken, but happy. Motorcycling children, awesome music, fantastic food, political vegetables and a science show, who could want more? I'm sad that #LambethCountryShow has changed, but the energy of our little area can't be beaten.."
Poppy added: "OK, I admit I was wrong. Thought I'd hate #LambethCountryShow this year thanks to fencing and ridiculous security but I was wrong and barely noticed it. Loved it as much as always and spent more than ever on amazing food, frivolities and fun! Roll on 2019...."
Catherine wrote: "Such a brilliant time today at Lambeth Country Fair. Just a real shame that it’s ringed by such a huge, unwelcoming, unfriendly, non-communicative wall with absolutely zero signage. Doesn’t mirror the essence of the weekend at all, and almost made us not go."
The comments came after bereaved families were left devastated to find memorial benches had been blocked off by the perimeter fence.
A council spokesman said: “The free to enter annual Lambeth Country Show is again proving to be a brilliant celebration of our communities.
“A long-standing alcohol ban remains in place at the Lambeth Country Show this year, but people have been welcome to bring in food and non-alcoholic drinks.
“The prices of drinks vary between licenced stalls, with vendors such as the ever popular Chuckle Head Cider charging the same as last year.
“The security has been boosted at this years event based on advice from our Safety Advisory Group stakeholders and insurance requirements. Running a safe event is a top priority.”
#LambethCountryShow ruined the though greed. Where were the families? Only people like Trump build walls - to keep people out, make Wandsworth pay for the wall!
*comments from dad— Jyoti Elena (@sisterJyoti) July 21, 2018
The Lambeth Country Show is thought to have welcomed 150,000 people from Brixton and across London over the weekend. It will feature live music, food stalls and a range of traditional countryside pursuits.
