City Splash 2026

City Splash transformed Brockwell Park into one of the most vibrant celebrations of African and Caribbean culture in the UK, attracting more than 30,000 people for a day packed with music, food and community spirit. Blessed with beautiful sunshine from start to finish, the festival delivered the perfect setting for fans to enjoy a lineup that blended reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats with ease.

One of the biggest moments came from Beres Hammond, whose long awaited UK performance drew huge crowds and reminded everyone why he remains one of reggae's most beloved voices. Across the festival, Aidonia brought his trademark dancehall energy, Elephant Man had the crowd moving from the first track, Runkus showcased his lyrical talent and Juls supplied a smooth soundtrack that connected African and Caribbean sounds. The mix of legendary artists and newer talent created a genuine sense of celebration across the park.

Beyond the music, City Splash continued to shine as a cultural gathering point. Sound systems, Rastafari spaces and community led experiences helped create an atmosphere that felt authentic and welcoming. The event also supported more than 60 Black owned food traders, offering an incredible selection of dishes from across the African and Caribbean diaspora.

Food was a major highlight and a trip to Jerk Village proved essential. The jerk pork was packed with flavour, perfectly cooked and easily one of the tastiest meals of the day. It provided the ideal fuel between sets and quickly became a talking point among friends.

There were some challenges during the busiest periods, including long queues, artist clashes and the effects of the hot weather. Some attendees also highlighted accessibility concerns that organisers will hopefully continue to address. Even with these issues, the atmosphere remained positive and energetic throughout.

What stood out most was how clearly the organisers understand reggae culture and festival culture. City Splash never feels like a generic summer event with a reggae stage added on. It feels built from the ground up around sound system traditions, community and Caribbean heritage, and that authenticity shows in every corner of the park. A special shoutout goes to Izzy Bossy, who curated a fantastic stage that became one of the standout areas of the festival.

For many attendees this felt like the best edition yet, and the exciting part is that it is only getting better. Tickets for the 2027 festival are now available, and if this year's atmosphere is anything to go by, City Splash is already setting itself up for another unforgettable summer celebration in South London.