On Monday, 26 May 2025, City Splash returned to Brockwell Park, marking its fifth year as the UK’s largest one-day celebration of Caribbean and African culture. With around 30,000 attendees, over 60 acts, and an abundance of music, food, and community spirit, the festival was both a joyous reunion and a reminder of its roots as a cultural movement.
The day’s lineup was nothing short of spectacular. Tarrus Riley, Spice, Valiant, Teejay, and The Compozers led the charge, bringing authentic reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats energy.
Roots and sound system culture were front and center with performances from legends like Channel One, Aba Shanti-I, Iration Steppas, General Levy, Heartless Crew, and iconic DJs including Pioneer, Supa D, Ras Kwame, Seani B, and Sir DJ Corey.
The “Rise Up” programme continued its mission to elevate emerging artists, featuring talents like Jaz Elise, Nesta, Raebel, Ras-I, and ElevateToday—providing them with both mentorship and a platform.
But City Splash is much more than a music festival. Through its partnership with Black Eats LDN, over 40 Black-owned Caribbean and African street food vendors offered dishes ranging from jerk chicken to curry goat and bokit sandwiches.
Colorful crafts, fashion, beauty, and artisan stalls added richness to the visual and cultural tapestry on the ground, reinforcing City Splash’s identity as “The Home of Culture.”
Community remained the heartbeat of City Splash. The Rastafari Reasoning Corner offered moments of reflection and connection through discussions on identity, heritage, and spirituality—making space for deeper cultural engagement.
Standout performances:
Tarrus Riley delivered a heartfelt, spiritual set backed by a stellar live band.
Spice lit up the crowd with unapologetic charisma.
Teejay and Valiant kept the energy soaring with electrifying performances.
But the day wasn’t flawless. Popcaan, the afternoon’s anticipated headliner, arrived nearly an hour late and his set was marred by technical difficulties—leaving some attendees frustrated.
Logistical issues also surfaced: reports of VVIP queue hold-ups, rushed set changes, muddy terrains post-rain, and sound delays hinted that the infrastructure is being tested as the festival grows.
City Splash 2025 wasn’t perfect, but it was undeniably vibrant and full of soul. It blended carnival atmosphere with cultural depth, creating a live, pulsating celebration of Black heritage and community resilience. It continues to stand as a rare UK festival that places Black culture not on the sidelines, but center-stage.