GALA Festival Celebrates a Decade of Impact
Across the nation, numerous independent events and festivals are making their presence known. However, with the joy of independence also comes a variety of challenges. It is crucial to honor those festivals that have endured difficulties while continuing to thrive. GALA Festival, now in its tenth year, stands out as a prime example of resilience, establishing itself as a prominent entity in the UK’s independent festival landscape. What started as a small gathering with a capacity of 3,000 and just two stages has transformed into London’s largest independent festival, taking place over three full days in Peckham Rye Park and attracting 30,000 participants each year. Giles Napier, the director of both GALA and RALLY festivals, shared his thoughts on this significant milestone, stating, “Joining the ten-year club means a tremendous amount to us. Like all independent festivals, we’ve faced various challenges, but witnessing GALA’s evolution fills me with immense pride.” Additionally, the festival has solidified its status as a key fixture in the festival lineup, celebrated for its thoughtfully curated performances and strong sense of community.
Highlighting Ten Must-See Acts for the Anniversary Celebration
In honor of this special milestone, Clash highlights ten exceptional artists to catch during the weekend festivities.
Hudson Mohawke
Operating within his unique realm of production, Hudson Mohawke consistently delivers outstanding live performances. He has collaborated with numerous chart-topping artists and has recently toured worldwide. His appearance at Peckham Rye Park is anticipated to be a memorable experience not to be overlooked.
ANZ
Recognized as one of Ninja Tune’s top talents, ANZ takes a multifaceted approach to modern UK club music, drawing inspiration from genres such as electro, UK Garage, and jungle. With her distinctive style and crowd-pleasing abilities, ANZ embodies the ideal festival performer.
Moodymann
As a trailblazer in the Detroit music scene, Moodymann has significantly influenced the electronic music landscape. He has crafted a unique fusion of techno and house through innovative riffs, samples, and grooves, making his performance a key highlight of the weekend.
HiTech
This Detroit rap collective has carved out their sound by highlighting the city’s diverse sub-genres. Their music feels fresh while paying tribute to Detroit’s rich musical heritage.
Theo Parrish
A DJ and producer renowned for his immersive sets, Theo Parrish masterfully blends classic tracks with intricate gems from his extensive catalog. His wealth of musical experience ensures a captivating performance.
Jossy Mitsu
An accomplished self-taught DJ and producer, Jossy Mitsu is celebrated for her ability to energize any venue. Whether she’s spinning House, Techno, or intense rave and Jungle tracks, the Rinse resident knows how to command the crowd.
Benji B + Judah
As the founders of Deviation, Benji B and Judah have played pivotal roles in shaping London’s music and club culture. Their identities, influenced by 90s club scenes and classic drum ‘n’ bass, promise an unforgettable performance.
Dar Disku
This independent record label and DJ collective, based between the UK and Bahrain, promotes the sounds of the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Their extensive musical expertise is sure to energize GALA with vibrant performances.
Surusinghe
A genre-defying producer, Surusinghe is known for her innovative sound that combines percussive elements and bass-driven music. Originally from Melbourne and now based in London, her style reflects a diverse array of global influences.
LUXE
A classically trained artist, LUXE incorporates her formal influences into captivating live performances and DJ sets. Her remarkable versatility shines through while maintaining a consistent artistic vision. Attendees can expect a richly layered experience that transcends traditional club music.
Festival Dates
GALA Festival is scheduled to take place from May 23rd to May 25th.
