City Splash, London's largest celebration of Caribbean and African culture, returns to Brockwell Park on May 26, 2025, featuring headliners Popcaan, Tarrus Riley, and Spice among 60+ artists across reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats genres-making the conveniently located Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel, just minutes from Paddington Station, an ideal accommodation choice for festival-goers.
City Splash 2025 Festival Lineup
City Splash 2025 boasts an impressive lineup celebrating Caribbean and African music across multiple genres. Headlining this 30,000-capacity festival at Brockwell Park is dancehall heavyweight Popcaan, alongside reggae star Tarrus Riley, dancehall queen Spice, and rising talents Valiant, ODUMODUBLVCK, and Teejay. The festival will also feature performances from The Compozers, Ms Dynamite, Kybba, and Ghanaian-American Afro-fusion artist MOLIY.
The diverse lineup spans genres from roots reggae to afrobeats, with notable acts including General Levy, Heartless Crew, Iration Steppas, and Mad Professor (celebrating 45 years of his Ariwa label). Sound system culture is well-represented with legendary crews like Saxon Sound, Channel One, Aba Shanti-I, and Rampage Sound bringing authentic carnival vibes. The festival also champions emerging talent through its Rise Up initiative, featuring artists like Jaz Elise, Nesta, Raebel, and Ras-I who represent the next generation of Caribbean music stars.
Popcaan and Tarrus Riley Performances
Popcaan, the international dancehall heavyweight, will bring his signature "unruly vibes" to City Splash 2025 as the festival's headliner. Known for hits like "Only Man She Want" and his collaborations with global artists, Popcaan has transcended genres and become a pillar of contemporary dancehall over the past decade. His performance promises to "spark the mainstage alight" with his energetic style that has earned him worldwide recognition.
Tarrus Riley, the second-generation Jamaican roots reggae singer, will deliver his soulful sound to Brockwell Park with hits potentially including "Gimme Likkle One Drop" and "Stay With You". As one of the premier reggae artists of our time, Riley's performance will showcase the heritage sounds that City Splash celebrates as it pays homage to "pioneering sounds that raised generations". Both artists exemplify the festival's commitment to showcasing the best of Caribbean music culture in the heart of South London.
Caribbean Food and Culture Experience
City Splash Festival goes beyond music to create an immersive cultural experience, with food playing a central role in the celebration. The festival partners with Black Eats LDN, the UK's first and only Black-owned restaurant directory, to curate a vibrant street food market featuring 40 of London's top Caribbean and African food vendors. Festival-goers can indulge in authentic dishes ranging from jerk chicken and curry goat to bokit sandwiches-Caribbean fried bread filled with spicy chicken or traditional saltfish that offers the perfect contrast of crispy exterior and soft interior.
The cultural experience extends beyond food with artisan businesses selling fashion, beauty products, arts, and crafts throughout the festival grounds. As co-founder Ben Ryan explains, City Splash was created to revive the energy of traditional Caribbean all-day celebrations where "the Caribbean community would come together to celebrate music and food". With its 30,000 capacity, the festival has evolved into what organizers proudly call "The Home of Culture," creating a space where the community can "unite, connect and create the future" while celebrating the rich legacies of Caribbean and African customs.
Why Stay at Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel for City Splash 2025?
If you're attending City Splash 2025, Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel offers the ideal base:
- Prime Central London Location in a peaceful garden square
- 2-minute walk from Paddington Station for easy connections to Brixton and beyond
- Boutique-style rooms with modern comforts and free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception and concierge, perfect for late-night returns post-festival
- On-site restaurant and bar to wind down after a day of dancing
Whether you're coming from out of town or simply want to stay close to the action, Mercure London Hyde Park ensures your City Splash experience is comfortable, convenient, and culturally immersive from start to finish.
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