City Splash Festival 2024, held on May 27th at Brockwell Park in London, marked a spectacular celebration of Caribbean and African culture. This year’s event was a vibrant showcase of music, cuisine, and community spirit, attracting attendees from all over Europe.

The musical lineup was stellar, featuring reggae icons and contemporary stars. Shenseea delivered an electrifying performance that had the crowd buzzing. Capleton, a reggae legend, demonstrated why he’s hailed as a king of the genre with a powerful and memorable set. It was also a pleasure to see Beenie Man, although his festival-style renditions left some fans wishing for full versions of his classic hits. Nonetheless, his energetic performance was impressive, especially given his age.

City Splash also delighted food enthusiasts with offerings from over 45 Black-owned food traders. The curry goat from Jerk Village was a standout dish, rich in flavor and spices. Additionally, the sugar cane juice from Pure Cane was a refreshing and authentic treat.

One highlight was attending a talk put on by Rastafarians. It was great to hear from people who are often spoken about but not to. One speaker emphasized that Rastafarianism is not just about ital, weed, or reggae, but about being the best person you can be for everyone. This message resonated deeply with me. The talk also included an informative timeline of how Rastafarianism came to be, enhancing my understanding of this rich cultural and spiritual tradition.

Despite the incredible performances and delicious food, the festival faced challenges with the weather. The muddy conditions detracted slightly from the experience, but this is a common issue at British festivals. Future attendees should definitely bring wellies to navigate the terrain more comfortably.

Brockwell Park, located in Brixton, the UK’s reggae and Caribbean culture hub, provided the perfect venue for the festival. Its rich history added to the event’s cultural significance. Beyond music and food, the festival featured a creative market, panel talks, and a variety of authentic rums, enhancing the cultural immersion.

City Splash Festival 2024 successfully united diverse communities in a celebration of Black culture. Despite the mud, it was a day filled with joy and cultural pride. All in all, City Splash remains a must-attend event, and I’ll be back next year—better prepared for the British weather!