The Mighty Hoopla

London is one of the best-connected cities in the world. If you are flying in, the five major airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City – all have direct train or car links to the city center. Heathrow offers both the Heathrow Express train to Paddington and a direct Tube connection (Piccadilly Line) into Central London. From Gatwick you can take the Gatwick Express or Southern/Thameslink trains to Victoria Station, while Stansted and Luton have express trains to Liverpool Street and St Pancras respectively. Once in central London, the rest of the journey to South London is easy using the Underground, overground trains or buses. If you arrive by Eurostar at St Pancras or by national rail at any of London’s major stations (like King’s Cross, Waterloo or Victoria), simply connect to the Underground network or a local train toward Brixton or Herne Hill for the final leg.

Getting around London is straightforward thanks to its extensive transport network. The nearest Tube stop to the festival is Brixton on the Victoria Line. A short 10-15 minute walk from Brixton station will bring you right to Brockwell Park (postcode SE24 9BJ). Alternatively, Southern or Thameslink trains stop at nearby Herne Hill or West Dulwich stations, each about a 10-minute walk to the park. Several bus routes (for example, 2, 196, 35 and P4) also run directly to Brockwell Park’s main gates. For seamless travel within London, get an Oyster card or use contactless payment – the same card works on Tube, train and bus. Before you travel, check the Transport for London website or app for any planned service updates or closures during the weekend.

If you are driving, note that central London has congestion charges and a low-emission zone. Brockwell Park is near Streatham Hill (the A23), but parking right by the park is very limited and street parking can fill up quickly. Public transport is generally recommended instead. If you must drive, set out early to find legal parking spaces in the surrounding residential streets. Pay close attention to parking restrictions and any event-related road closures. Also, check whether your vehicle meets the London Ultra Low Emission Zone requirements to avoid extra charges.

London offers a huge range of accommodation to suit every budget. Staying in South London (for example, Lambeth, Brixton, Herne Hill or Clapham) keeps you close to the festival. Central London neighborhoods (such as South Bank or the West End) are also options if you plan to combine your stay with sightseeing, but keep in mind the travel time back to Brockwell Park. It is wise to book accommodations early, since nearby hotels and hostels often fill up during popular events. You will find everything from luxury hotels to budget hostels and short-term rentals (Airbnbs and B&Bs) across the city. Make sure to read reviews and check cancellation policies so you find a comfortable stay that fits your needs.