Most council events cut over cost in Tower Hamlets

The majority of council events cancelled in the past five years due to financial constraints were in Tower Hamlets, new figures show.

Of the 17 events cancelled due to costs, 10 were in Tower Hamlets, with two each in the boroughs of Greenwich, Havering and Lewisham. Hounslow's Rhythm and Sound 2025 music festival was also cancelled.

London Councils, which represents all of London's local authorities, said the outlook for council finances in London is "extremely challenging" as they "are grappling with a £1bn budget shortfall this year".

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: "All councils have faced uncertainty over their budgets because of the government's Fair Funding Review."

The figures were released following a Freedom of Information Act (FOI) request by BBC London to the capital's 32 councils.

Only four councils did not respond, including Lambeth, whose cancellation of this year's Lambeth Country Show is not reflected in the data.

Lambeth Council said funding the event, which has been held in Brockwell Park in south London since 1974, was "not justifiable at this time" after it lost a legal challenge over how the green space is used.

Kensington and Chelsea Council was unable to provide a response due to a cyber-security incident, and another four councils said it would be too expensive to answer the BBC's question.

Tower Hamlets Council cancelled 10 events, seven of them in 2025, including three in Victoria Park.

Events cancelled included the Blackheath Fireworks Display in Lewisham, Sparkle in the Park in Greenwich and the Havering Show in Hornchurch. Havering Council also cancelled a Christmas lights switch on.

A London Councils spokesperson said: "Councils are sometimes having to make difficult decisions to protect vital services, which may include cancelling planned events."

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: "As a result of this [Fair Funding Review], Tower Hamlets Council reduced the number of events in our programme.

"The council has continued to provide an extensive programme of events offering a wide range of culture, sport, and leisure activities for residents of all ages and backgrounds as part of our commitment to investing in our residents' health and wellbeing."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk