Taking place on the May Bank Holiday under blue skies, warm temperatures and framed by the leafy sprawl of Peckham Rye Park, this year’s GALA festival marked a euphoric celebration of its 10th anniversary. What originated as a grassroots gathering for London’s underground dance heads has beautifully matured into one of the capital’s finest day festivals. On Saturday, Peckham Rye Park pulsed with the kind of energy that can’t be manufactured, only conjured by a decade of trust, taste and community. Serving up a near-mythic day of music, impeccable programming, thoughtful design and a crowd that epitomised the city’s diverse and creative spirit, GALA cemented its position as the crown jewel of London’s summer circuit.
Saturday’s curation, shared between GALA’s longtime collaborators and two of the city’s most respected collectives, Chapter 10 and The Cause, demonstrated GALA’s continued commitment to quality and innovation. Throughout the day, there was a clear focus on balance—between emerging voices and established figures, between high-tempo club energy and slower, more introspective moments.
Kicking off proceedings were DJs such as Tai Lokun, Rosy Ross and Dan Beaumont, all of whom showcased their innate ability to generate atmosphere and set the tone of what would become a wonderful day. At around 3pm, London-based DJ Amaliah took to JOY, the biggest stage of the site, to deliver some eclectic tunes, weaving her way through house, electro and harder edits, before rounding out her set with an acknowledgement to her mum who was watching just by the decks. Shortly after, KiNK’s live set provided one of the day’s most dynamic moments, fusing hardware spontaneity with crowd-responsive energy—each sequence erupting like a mini-explosion of groove and grit—proof that live electronic performances still hold a distinct magic. Sticking to the JOY stage, one of the UK’s most respected selectors, Ben UFO, was up next, delivering his trademark precision, blending dub, breakbeat and leftfield selections with understated authority—reminding the audience of his raw skill as a DJ who guides rather than overwhelms.
A key performance and personal highlight of the day came from Coast 2 Coast (Gene on Earth & The Ghost) over at the Patio—one of GALA’s most iconic stages—an open air corridor of sound which carries all the way up the slope. The pair’s selections were playful, percussive and full of bounce, connecting generational sounds with effortless flair—a prime example being a slowed down, chugging edit of Wayne G’s “Twisted”, which features humorous London-centric vocals.
Elsewhere, GALA’s legendary The Pleasure Dome stage, decorated with big red ribbons dangling down from the roof, became a cauldron for the day, hosting scintillating sets from the likes of Fafi Abdel Nour and S-candaio. Danish DJ and label head Courtesy also delivered a key set as golden hour approached—taking the crowd on a deeply immersive journey that balanced intensity with restraint. She built a narrative that was as cerebral as it was physical. Her selections had weight, but never felt heavy-handed; instead, they carried a sense of forward motion, of transcendence just within reach.
Equally well-curated was the physical experience. GALA has always been heralded for its tasteful production, and 2025 was no different. Stages were harmoniously integrated into the park’s landscape and the sound design was immersive without being overbearing. Details—from curated art installations to the selection of independent food vendors—spoke to a desire to craft a multi-sensory environment, where each element supported the others. At no point did aesthetics feel performative; everything served the music and the people who came to experience it.
What sets GALA apart from the rest isn’t just the physical aspect, but the community it nurtures. Ultimately, Saturday’s crowd was engaged, energised and respectful to each other. There was a shared understanding that GALA was put together with the audience in mind rather than mass market appeal. Inclusivity and sustainability were woven into the festival’s DNA. Whether through the diverse artist roster, the environmentally conscious operations, or the welcoming atmosphere, GALA made it clear that its values are as central to the experience as the music itself.
GALA Festival 2025’s Saturday edition was a prime example of what happens when deep musical knowledge meets intentional, people-first curation. From the precision of its programming—featuring standout sets from the likes of Ben UFO, Courtesy and Coast 2 Coast—to the careful design of its space and community-led ethos, every element was finely tuned to create something more than just a day of music. It was a celebration of sound, history and human connection. As GALA enters its second decade, it continues to set the benchmark for what a modern dance festival can be: thoughtful, inclusive and above all, rooted in the culture it champions.
Head to the GALA website for more information.