CITY SPLASH 2026 BUILDS ON POWERFUL LEGACY WITH BERES HAMMOND, ELEPHANT MAN, JADA KINGDOM & MORE!
City Splash returns to Brockwell Park in May 2026, and with both its first and second wave of artists now announced, the picture of what’s to come is starting to take shape. Entering its sixth year, the festival continues to stand as the UK’s largest one-day celebration of Caribbean and African music and culture. The latest announcements reinforce City Splash’s reputation for balancing legacy acts with artists shaping the sound today.
City Splash 2026: The legendary Beres Hammond is confirmed as a headline act for the first time in City Splash history. His appearance also marks his long-awaited return to UK stages after eight years. With a catalogue that has defined lover’s rock and Reggae for decades, Hammond’s set carries real significance, particularly for audiences who grew up with his music as part of everyday life. His presence at Brockwell Park feels less like a booking and more like a cultural moment.
Across both waves, Dancehall plays a central role. Jada Kingdom is set to make her City Splash debut, bringing her distinctive, modern approach to the genre to the festival for the first time. Her rise has been defined by sharp songwriting and a sound that moves confidently between raw Dancehall and contemporary influence. She’s joined by Elephant Man, whose impact on the culture spans generations. Known for his energetic performances and extensive catalogue, Elephant Man’s inclusion adds weight and history to the line-up. Gyptian also joins the bill, bringing globally recognised tracks like ‘Hold Yuh’ and ‘Beautiful Lady’, which remain fixtures across Caribbean and international dance floors.
The line-up continues to explore the roots of Reggae and conscious music. Queen Ifrica brings her commanding presence and message-led work, while legendary trio The Congos are set to perform material from the influential Heart Of The Congos. Lutan Fyah adds further depth, representing a sound rooted in tradition and spiritual expression. Producer Juls offers a contemporary contrast, known for bridging Afro, Caribbean and UK sounds in a way that feels current without losing authenticity.
UK artists are also strongly represented. Lisa Maffia, alongside Romeo and Dandaman of So Solid Crew, brings a homegrown legacy to the programme, reflecting City Splash’s ongoing connection to Black British music culture. The festival also continues to spotlight newer voices, including Jeleel, Cristale, and Wohdee, ensuring space for artists pushing the sound forward.
Beyond the main stage performances, City Splash’s foundations remain rooted in sound system culture. The festival has announced its first wave of sound systems, DJs and MCs, including Channel One, Saxon Sound, Heartless Crew, Rampage Sound, Dubwise Jamaica, King Original featuring Footsie, Sir Spyro, Seani B, DJ Ace, DJ Larni, Supa D, Ras Kwame, Robbo Ranx, Nicky SlimTing, Pioneer, among others. Together, they form the backbone of the day, keeping the energy consistent and the cultural connection intact between live sets.
With further announcements still to come, City Splash 2026 is shaping up to be a considered and intentional programme, one that reflects the depth, evolution and continued influence of Caribbean and African music culture in the UK.
Payment plans and group tickets are available
About City Splash
City Splash is a major annual music and culture festival held in London, primarily celebrating the influence of African and Caribbean culture on British life. Established in 2021, the event has rapidly grown into one of the UK’s most significant one-day celebrations of Black music, food, and community.
The festival was founded to provide a dedicated space for genres that have deeply shaped London’s cultural identity. Its mission is to champion the heritage of sounds like Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats, while also showcasing the evolution of UK-born genres such as Jungle and Garage.
Starting with a smaller capacity, the festival moved to Brockwell Park in South London to accommodate its expanding audience, which now reaches approximately 30,000 attendees annually.
The festival is known for its diverse programming across multiple stages, featuring a mix of legendary pioneers and rising stars.
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Music: Notable past headliners and performers include Beres Hammond, Popcaan, Skillibeng, Koffee, Chronixx, and Beenie Man. It also places a heavy emphasis on sound system culture, frequently hosting legendary crews like Channel One and Aba Shanti-I.
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Food: In partnership with Black Eats LDN, the festival hosts over 60 vendors, offering a massive selection of Caribbean and African street food, ranging from jerk chicken and curry goat to vegan ital stews.
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Community: Beyond the music, the event serves as a creative hub with artisan markets selling fashion, beauty products, and arts, designed to reflect the vibrancy of the community.
City Splash 2026, the festival is scheduled for Monday 25 May at Brockwell Park, continuing its tradition of bringing “carnival vibes” to the heart of South London.
