Liverpool’s Sefton Park remains damaged more than a week after hosting BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, with grass areas and pathways left “churned up by vehicles” following the three-day music festival.
The 40,000-capacity event, which ran over the May Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 May), has prompted concerns from local officials and residents about the environmental impact of large-scale events on public green spaces.
“I’m concerned about any gouging effects”
Opposition councillor Richard Kemp expressed alarm at the extent of damage visible ten days after the festival concluded. “I’m concerned about the grass and any gouging effects and trees pushed back or damaged during the installation of security fencing,” Kemp told BBC.
Photographs shared on social media show significant damage to grass areas and pathways within the 235-acre Victorian park. The images reveal churned earth and worn patches where heavy equipment and thousands of festival-goers left their mark on the historic landscape.
Liverpool Council: “The damage was not extensive”
Liverpool City Council acknowledged the damage but downplayed its severity, stating that “the damage was not extensive”. The council confirmed that responsibility for any necessary repairs lies with the BBC under their contractual agreement.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between the economic benefits of hosting major events and their environmental consequences. Kemp, a councillor for nearby Penny Lane ward, has requested a comprehensive report examining the impact on both the local area and environment.
This isn’t the first time BBC events have left parks damaged. In 2024, Preston’s Moor Park required extensive restoration after BBC Radio 2 In The Park, with consistent rain creating a “mud bath” that churned up the surface under a 30,000-strong crowd.
The incident raises broader questions about event planning protocols for public parks. While festivals bring significant tourism revenue and cultural benefits to cities, the long-term preservation of heritage green spaces requires careful consideration of capacity limits and protective measures.
Local residents have expressed frustration at the disruption, with some describing the security hoarding around the park as resembling “a poor man’s Alcatraz”. The extensive road closures and access restrictions affected approximately 20% of the city during the event period.
