Heres where I think we are on this now and heres the decision to be made as I see it.
Option 1.
Keep the Cook-Out, and similarly large events at the Horniman as it means Forest Hillers can walk there and back.
Instill lots of strict parking and traffic controls for everyone attending , adding to already considerable local and south circ congestion common on Sundays, thereby incurring additional costs for the organisers and potentially having to charge punters for the tickets to keep up their profit margins.
Practically insist that attendees leave all cars at home and travel by public transport which is likely as not not to be working due to engineering works, ELL or not. Even if the ELL is up and running, who's to say attendees will find this convenient, unless they all live around Highbury and Islington. Even so, there are likely to be huge gaps between services on Sundays making people late for the event or not able to get in at all even after all that travelling.
Have dozens of marshals watching for litter louts and local police watching for trouble, again to be paid for out of organisers' running costs. Naturally all very conducive for encouraging a relaxed friendly and successful family event.
Forbid people from taking takeouts outside of the park boundaries (more marshals).
Restrict the bands's speaker output so , again, not everyone can hear or enjoy the music, as reported on many websites discussing the event and which one of the main criticisms voiced by those who attended.
Or ....
Option 2.
Move it to a larger location suited better to such events, such as Crystal Palace Park, still sponsored and supported by the Horniman Museum in partnership with the CP Park but without the hassle of clearing up after the party.
Enable people to come by car if they want (after all its more comfortable, and doubtless cheaper if travelling in a group) as the road links are better and there is ample scope for free parking within the CP grounds however as bus and train links are much better than FH, people may automatically choose the public transport option.
Allow for more better spaced stalls as more space, and even more stalls.
Allow for more discreet, less 'in your face' marshalling and policing , both of which are more likely than not to kick off trouble.
Allow for more relaxation areas where people can sit and eat without being trampled on.
Provide a creche/added kids facilities so that both parents and kids (of all ages, not just bouncy castle age) can fully enjoy the event in comfort.
As in a larger setting allow for a larger music stage , better billing of more famous acts, and improved sound system.
All the above retaining the event in south London, a short bus ride away from Forest Hill , giving the event more kudos and stature rather than having to be crammed in to what is a relatively poky albeit stunning location in Forest Hill.
Exactly which option do you think would be conducive to the growth and success of the event in future years and which the majority of the attendees and the organisers would favour? And which sort of event would you prefer to attend?