GALA ’26, London, United Kingdom
Overview
GALA ’26 returns to the lush greenery of Peckham Rye Park for its tenth anniversary, solidifying its reputation as one of London’s most essential independent electronic music festivals. Celebrating a decade of underground culture, the 2026 edition introduces the theme “The Floor Is Ours,” a powerful rallying cry that champions community ownership and inclusivity while resisting the commercialization of modern festival culture. The event is meticulously curated to provide a soulful, organic atmosphere where every detail—from the high-reaching stage designs to the crisp, immersive sound systems—is designed to create the ultimate party for music purists.
Spanning three days over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the festival offers a diverse sonic journey that evolves with each passing day. Friday focuses on the deep, heavy pulses of bass and system culture, Saturday shifts into high-gear club euphoria and queer nightlife celebrations, and Sunday concludes with the soulful warmth of Chicago house and Amsterdam’s iconic Rush Hour energy. Beyond the music, GALA remains deeply rooted in its South London home, partnering with local breweries, chefs, and community charities to ensure the festival reflects the vibrant, creative spirit of the neighborhood.
Event Highlights
- Anniversary Theme: The 2026 edition celebrates ten years of independence with “The Floor Is Ours,” focusing on shared ownership and creating safe, community-first dance spaces for all attendees.
- Curated Stage Takeovers: Renowned musical platforms and crews like NTS, Deviation, HVYWGHT, and Rush Hour will host dedicated stages, ensuring a high-quality selection of underground talent.
- Eclectic Musical Programming: The lineup features a rare back-to-back-to-back set from legends Palms Trax, Antal, and Hunee, alongside debut performances from house pioneer Lil Louis and rising star Bakey.
- Community and Sustainability: The festival actively supports the Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers and prioritizes environmental sustainability through strict waste management and local partnerships.
Why Attend
GALA is the premier destination for those who value the roots of dance music and the intimacy of a grassroots gathering. It is the perfect event for dedicated electronic music fans, vinyl enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a festival that prioritizes sound quality and artistic integrity over mainstream commercial appeal. Attendees will find themselves surrounded by a like-minded community that celebrates diversity and the heritage of house, techno, jungle, and disco in a beautiful park setting.
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The festival is also an ideal choice for visitors looking to experience the authentic creative pulse of South London. With its 18+ policy and focus on “The Floor Is Ours,” the event fosters a mature yet high-energy environment where the connection between the DJ and the dancefloor is paramount. Whether you are there for the bass-heavy Friday or the soulful Sunday finale, GALA provides a rare opportunity to see world-class selectors in an intimate, independent atmosphere that larger festivals cannot replicate.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: May 22 – 24, 2026.
- Total Duration: 3 Days (Friday to Sunday).
Venue / Location
- City and Country: London, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Peckham Rye Park.
- Google Maps Address: 34 Straker’s Rd, London SE15 3UA, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available via official online presale and general release through the festival website and Resident Advisor.
- Admission Type: General Admission (18+ only, ID required).
- Ticket Pricing: Single-day tickets start at approximately $45 and weekend passes can range up to $160 depending on the release tier.
- Ticket Pricing Range: $45 to $160.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: There are no traditional VIP areas; however, accessible viewing platforms are available for attendees with specific requirements, and companion tickets are offered at no extra cost.
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Contact Information
- Email: hello@thisisgala.co.uk
- Website: https://thisisgala.co.uk/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/thisisgala
- https://twitter.com/GALA_festival
- https://www.instagram.com/thisisgala/
- https://open.spotify.com/user/za3kywobyynp0pjqlhxmu909o
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London City Airport (LCY) is 12 km away (~35 minutes); Gatwick (LGW) is 45 km away with direct train links to South London (~50 minutes).
- Public Transport: National Rail to Peckham Rye Station or Honor Oak Park Station, followed by a 20-minute walk (~$6).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Use a designated drop-off point at SE15 3HZ; rides from Central London cost ~$25-40 using Uber or Bolt.
- Parking: No on-site parking available; limited accessible parking on Colyton Road; public transport is strongly recommended.
- Other Access: Dedicated bicycle parking for Lime and Forest bikes is located opposite the Clockhouse Pub on Peckham Rye.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Shangri-La The Shard (5-star, 5 km, panoramic city views, ~$650-900/night); Hilton London Bankside (5-star, 6 km, modern luxury ~$300-500/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Peckham Rooms Hotel (Boutique, 1 km, local charm, ~$140-220/night); Best Western Plus Manor House (3-star, 3 km, reliable comfort ~$120-180/night).
- Budget Stays: PubLove @ The Steam Engine (Hostel, 5 km, vibrant social atmosphere ~$40-80/night); Ibis Styles London Southwark (3-star, 6 km, quirky design ~$110-160/night).
Reviews
- The sound quality at the main stage was incredible and the crowd energy felt like a genuine community.
- Best way to spend a bank holiday weekend with a perfect mix of house music and sunshine in the park.
- Everything from the stage design to the food vendors was top notch and very well organized this year.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What is the age policy for GALA '26?
GALA is strictly an 18+ event and no children or infants are permitted on the festival grounds at any time. All attendees must present a valid form of photo identification at the entrance to verify their age. The festival operates a Challenge 25 policy at all bars and entry points to ensure a safe and mature environment for all guests.
What time does the festival open and close each day?
The festival site typically opens at 11:30 AM and music runs until 10:30 PM across all three days of the event. It is important to check your specific ticket for entry time requirements as late arrivals may be subject to additional fees or denied entry. Last entry for general admission is usually 6:00 PM on Friday and 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.
Can I bring my own food and drinks into the venue?
Attendees are not permitted to bring outside food or alcoholic beverages into Peckham Rye Park during the festival dates. There are numerous high-quality food traders and bars on-site offering a variety of local cuisines and craft drinks to suit different dietary needs. You are allowed to bring an empty reusable water bottle as there are free water refill stations located throughout the site.
Are there lockers or storage facilities available on site?
There are no lockers or cloakroom facilities at GALA, so all visitors are encouraged to pack light and only bring essentials. Bags larger than an A4 sheet of paper are generally prohibited to speed up the security search process at the gates. Please plan accordingly as you will be required to carry your belongings with you throughout the duration of the event.
What happens if I can no longer attend the event?
Tickets for GALA are generally non-refundable unless the event is cancelled or significantly postponed by the organizers. If you can no longer attend, you are encouraged to use official resale platforms or pass your ticket to a friend privately. Always ensure that any name changes required by the ticket provider are completed to match the ID of the new attendee.
