London, May 28, 2025 – As summer kicks off, Peckham Rye Park transformed into a pulsating celebration of dance music for the tenth edition of GALA, cementing its status as London’s coolest festival. From May 23–25, this community-driven event brought together a diverse crowd of dance enthusiasts, from seasoned music lovers to stylish twentysomethings, for three days of soulful beats and vibrant energy. GALA’s carefully curated lineup and stunning stage designs made it a standout in the city’s festival scene, proving why it’s a beloved highlight of the season.
The festival’s musical journey was a testament to its commitment to warm, organic, and soulful sounds. Friday set the tone with Detroit icons Moodymann and Theo Parrish, the latter commanding an entire stage with his signature left-field house grooves. Saturday cranked up the energy with breakbeat, electro, and queer-coded techno, while Sunday leaned into funkier, laid-back vibes with acts like Horse Meat Disco and Paula Tape. Each day felt cohesive, with every set thoughtfully selected to create a harmonious flow, avoiding the trap of relying on a single headline act to carry the event.
GALA’s stages were as captivating as the music. The Pleasure Dome, adorned with red streamers and a mirrored DJ booth, hosted high-energy performances like S-candalo’s Saturday set, amplified by whistle-blowing dancers in football gear. Sunday brought showgirls on stilts, adding a disco-fueled spectacle. The Cornerstone tent featured a surreal plastic installation for Club Are’s takeover, later swapped for vinyl records and a disco ball as local favorite JUMBI took over. The main stage, JOY, stood out with billowing fabric strips and an amusingly precarious vase of lilies perched on the DJ booth, stealing the spotlight. This stage set the scene for Avalon Emerson’s atmospheric club sounds on Saturday and Caribou’s breathtaking live set to close Sunday, blending sonic and visual magic.
Collaborations with London’s top nightlife players, including The Cause, Chapter 10, and JUMBI, underscored GALA’s deep connection to the city’s club culture. The festival’s playful yet meticulous design, crisp sound, and inclusive vibe—rooted in its mission to promote diversity and sustainability—created an unforgettable party atmosphere. As GALA celebrated a decade of dance, it didn’t need to shout its coolness; it simply embodied it. For those who missed it, mark your calendars for next year’s bash at Peckham Rye Park, May 23–25.
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