With the sun finally gracing us with its presence and the evenings set to become longer from next week, many of us will have one thing on our minds: planning a summer of festivals. Medya Gungor has some options …
Although festival season may feel like a while away, it’s only a few short months before the UK festival scene gears up for what may be the biggest comeback over the past few years.
While many organisers were lucky to be given the go-ahead last summer, there were still plenty of push-backs for the likes of Glastonbury, Gottwood, El Dorado and Westival … which is why this summer means making up for any lost time on the dancefloor!
To aid your decision making before you start blowing up your mates’ phones with a new WhatsApp group, here’s a round-up of South London’s rudest go-to festivals that are featuring on our radar this year.
GALA
Promising plenty of icons, originators and future favourites for their stages, GALA returns to party hard over the new bank holiday in June for its sixth year. Welcoming the likes of Goldie, Gilles Peterson and Jeremy Underground, this is not one to be missed for lovers of sweaty, energetic dancefloors and eccentric DJ sets.
When? 2-4 June
Where? Peckham Rye Park
Instagram? @thisisgala
Cross The Tracks
After setting the tone last summer with one of the hottest Sundays that brought serious vibes all round, Cross The Tracks is back to deliver an unrivaled British Summertime festival experience. Picture yourself sipping on a craft beer whilst enjoying some soulful melodies from Roy Ayers, Joy Crookes and Khruangbin in a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere.
When? 5 June
Where? Brockwell Park
Instagram? @xthetracks
Wide Awake
Dubbed a mixed bag of leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica and techno, Wide Awake have announced Bicep, Caribou, Primal Scream and Floating Points as part of their critically acclaimed line-up for this year.
Making their 2021 debut as environmentally conscious and socially aware, we expect their impact this year to be a big one.
When? Fri 27 – Sat 28 May
Where? Brockwell Park
Instagram? @wideawakeldn
Mighty Hoopla
For those with a true love of glitter, drag and cross-generational pop music … this is the one-dayer for you. Expect LGBQT+ friendly crowds, nostalgic anthems and dazzling performances from Sugababes, Katy B, Bassment Jaxx and more.
When? 3-4 June
Where? Brockwell Park
Instagram? @mightyhoopla
City Splash
In true carnival style, City Splash will be hosting the hottest reggae, dancehall and Afrobeats acts to celebrate the importance of African and Caribbean music on British culture.
With riddims from Barrington Levy, Sister Nancy and Protoje, featuring a rum cocktail in hand, we expect this one to bring the fayah!
When? Sunday 29 May
Where? Brockwell Park
Instagram? @citysplashfest
Keep your eyes peeled for any future festival announcements and recommendations from Medya in the next Brixton Bugle!
