GALA
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GALA is a vibrant independent festival in South London’s Peckham. Nestled in the leafy Peckham Rye Park, this joyful springtime gathering transforms the Bank Holiday into an unforgettable celebration of music, art and community. Over three days, the park comes alive with laid-back campers, colourful installations and skilled DJs spinning tunes under the open sky. It feels like a big community party where old friends meet new ones, all brought together by a love of great music and good vibes.
Music takes centre stage at GALA. With multiple stages and a lineup that spans global electronic beats, DJs, live acts and genre-blending sets, there’s something for every dancefloor soul. Expect to hear everything from groovy house and disco to afrobeat, dub, techno and melodic experimental sounds. Whether you’re a dedicated club dancer or a casual listener, you’ll discover new favourite artists and enjoy moments of pure musical joy. Every evening, the festival pulses with energy as friends dance together under the stars, carrying that warm, boundless party spirit deep into the night.
GALA on the Rye is about more than music. Local street food stalls tempt your taste buds with dishes from around the world, craft beers and cocktails make the rounds, and each corner hides art installations, workshops and surprise performances. You can grab a picnic blanket and relax in the shade while watching drummers or poets improvise, or explore the vendors selling handmade crafts and festival merchandise. Children and adults alike will love the interactive creative zones, from drum circles in the grass to playful art areas, making it an inclusive day out for all ages.
Every GALA festival carries a friendly, openhearted vibe that’s unmistakably Peckham. This is an inclusive space where diversity shines through the crowd. Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll find people of all backgrounds dancing side by side. Families often start early with a laid-back afternoon pace, leaving room for bigger dance parties as the sun goes down. GALA isn’t just a music festival; it’s a warm community gathering where festivalgoers feel welcome to be themselves, make friends, or dance wildly the whole time.
Join us over Bank Holiday weekend, 22-24 May 2026, for the next GALA edition! Pack your brightest outfits, your picnic basket, and your love of music. We’ll be waiting to welcome you with open arms (and open-air speakers) as we dance together in Peckham’s most enchanting park. Experience the music, the magic, and the unforgettable memories that only GALA can deliver, and see for yourself why it’s the perfect way to start your summer. Don’t miss out on three days of joy, freedom and great tunes under the London sky!
Reaching Peckham by public transport is easy and recommended. The nearest train station is Peckham Rye, just about a ten-minute walk from the park. Peckham Rye is served by London Overground (via Canada Water and Clapham Junction) and Southeastern mainline trains (from London Bridge, Victoria and Charing Cross). Simply hop off the train and follow local signs or your map into the park via Straker’s Road. Several bus routes also stop nearby: the 12, 37, 78, 343, 63 and 197 buses all run close to the festival site, within a few minutes’ walk. Night buses can get you home late, too.
Driving to Peckham is an option, but keep in mind parking will be very limited near the park. The area is reachable via London’s South Circular (A205) or the A2. If you do drive, allow extra time for traffic and look for public car parks or on-street spaces in neighbouring areas like Camberwell or Dulwich. Taxis and ride-sharing are convenient alternatives; dropping off passengers at a nearby park entrance can be easier if you’re coming from outside central London.
For travellers flying in, several London airports connect you to Peckham. London City Airport is closest; take the DLR to Canary Wharf, then the Jubilee line to Canada Water, and transfer to the London Overground southbound to Peckham Rye. Gatwick Airport offers frequent trains to London Bridge (just a few stops from Peckham Rye), or to East Croydon and onward Overground services. Heathrow flyers can use the Tube or Heathrow Express into Paddington (or the central Underground), then continue via the Tube or train to London Bridge. In general, most visitors head into central London first and then transfer to a local train or Tube to reach Peckham Rye.
Peckham and nearby areas offer a range of accommodation options. In Peckham itself you’ll find some boutique hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs for a local flavour. For more variety, consider Elephant & Castle (one stop north on the train) and Brixton (two stops), both of which have a good selection of budget and mid-range hotels. These neighbourhoods are in Zones 1-2, making travel into central London simple. Other areas like Camberwell or Dulwich also have quiet B&Bs and guesthouses. Wherever you stay, book early and pick a spot near a Tube or rail line - it will make your journey much easier.
Peckham, Greater London, SE154ST
Festivals Near Peckham
