Legendary Jamaican reggae artist Beres Hammond has been confirmed as the headliner for City Splash 2026, marking a significant coup for the London festival. The event, which celebrates the impact of Caribbean and African culture, will return to Brockwell Park on Monday, 25th May 2026. This headline appearance represents a major moment for UK reggae fans, as Hammond returns for an exclusive UK performance after an eight-year hiatus, bringing his catalogue of lovers rock classics to the heart of Brixton.
Joining the “Rock Away” singer in this first wave announcement are major names including Jamaica’s Gyptian and dancehall star Jada Kingdom. Gyptian, known globally for hits such as “Hold You” and “Beautiful Lady”, will bring his signature sound to South London, while Jada Kingdom is set to make her highly anticipated debut at the festival. The organisers have promised that this sixth edition will be their biggest yet, solidifying the event’s reputation as the largest one-day Caribbean and African music festival globally.
The supporting bill is rich with heritage and contemporary talent. Conscious reggae artist Queen Ifrica and legendary roots act The Congos—celebrated for their influential album Heart Of The Congos—will add significant weight to the roots offering. Spanish Town’s Lutan Fyah and esteemed producer Juls are also confirmed. Representing the UK, garage legends Lisa Maffia, Romeo, and Dandaman from So Solid Crew will perform, alongside high-energy artist Jeleel!, local 23-year-old talent Cristale, and rising star Wohdee.
Crucial to the festival’s atmosphere is its extensive soundsystem culture, and 2026 will be no exception. A massive roster of selectors, MCs, and soundsystems has been unveiled, including institutions like Channel One, Saxon Sound, and Rampage Sound. They will be joined by heavyweights such as Heartless Crew, Seani B, Robbo Ranx, and Ras Kwame. The line-up also features a collaborative set from King Original featuring Footsie, Sir Spyro, Jah Model, and Ras D.
The 2026 edition builds upon the momentum of a landmark fifth anniversary in 2025, which saw the festival solidify its status as the UK’s premier celebration of Caribbean and African culture. The event featured a massive second wave announcement headlined by international dancehall sensation Popcaan, who joined the bill alongside UK pioneer Ms Dynamite and rising star Qing Madi. That followed an explosive first wave line-up announcement which brought together reggae royalty Tarrus Riley, the Queen of Dancehall Spice, and modern stars like Valiant and Teejay for an unforgettable day in Brockwell Park.
Tickets are expected to be in high demand following this announcement. Fans can sign up for access now at City-splash.com. With the festival positioning itself as “The Home of Culture,” and many more artists and DJs still to be announced in the New Year, the 2026 edition at Brockwell Park promises to be a landmark celebration of music and community.
City Splash 2026 Line-up (First Wave)
- Headliner: Beres Hammond
- Live Acts: Gyptian, Jada Kingdom, Queen Ifrica, The Congos, Lutan Fyah, Juls, Jeleel!, Cristale, Wohdee, Lisa Maffia, Romeo & Dandaman (So Solid Crew)
- DJs & Soundsystems: Channel One, Dankie Sounds, DJ Ace, DJ Larni, Dubwise Jamaica, Heartless Crew, Izzy Bossy, King Original (ft. Footsie x Sir Spyro x Jah Model x Ras D), Loyal Squad, Nicky SlimTing, Pioneer, Supa D, Coldsteps & Terminal 4, Pure Vibes Ent, Rampage Sound, Ras Kwame, Robbo Ranx, Saxon Sound, Seani B, Sir DJ Corey
- Additional Selectors: Blacker Dread, Jada Pink, Jahrevelationmuzik Sound, Jah Youth Roots Ambassador Sound, Sisters In Dub, Triple M, Vybz-SR
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