RALLY Festival is a festival with two years under its belt; a newcomer to the London scene. I’ve attended both years in the past and both years it’s taken place on the only wet day in August; despite the date change. Now fixed in on its date – 23 August, the same weekend as its more established rivals, All Points East and Victorious Festival, it makes a compelling case for being one of the best and most well-curated festivals in London.
Previous years have seen Fabiana Palladino, Bar Italia, Crystal Murray, Alabaster de Plum, Armand Hammer, Mount Kimbie, and breakouts Nourished by Time and Chanel Beads perform in Southwark Park. 2023 debuted with Bolis Pupul, Squid, Kelly Lee Owens, Erika de Casier, PVA, and John Talabot. It’s only gone from strength to strength. For a day festival it doesn’t get much better. The intimate venue and the stage settings allow for a curated, one-of-a-kind experience designed to make the most out of the muddy Southwark Park.
This year – particular favourites from the line-up include ex-Black Midi pioneer Geordie Greep, fresh off his trailblazing album The New Sound, as a particular headliner, but RALLY’s strength is that it has been more than just a top-heavy festival. Look at last year – Nourished by Time and Chanel Beads have gone onto perform at this year’s Primavera Sound, destined for the big time. If you want to see the best acts before they come big acts you’ll want to make it down to Rally – and the earlier you get on board the cheaper it’ll cost you. Inspired by DIY culture it’s a celebration of community, collaboration and creativity.
Never been one to shy away from the electronic, Floating Points, who put on one of the best shows of last year dazzling All Points East, also features, and there’s time for CASISDEAD, who went down a storm at Pitchfork London – the UK rap trailblazer. It’s a trendy, buzzworthy line-up with the festival embracing the theme of [coming] “together for a common purpose.” It’s represented in their line-up – Laurel Halo is there; and Kassie Krut, who along with Porridge Radio are “indie provocateurs“ who add “layers of raw energy and introspection to the programme.“ Moin– fresh off the high point of their rock-influenced, techno-informed genre, genre-bending 2024 album, look set to bring it to the stage.
“Each year,“ Giles Napier, RALLY’s founder, says, “we strive to create an environment where creativity thrives and where diverse voices are not only celebrated but brought into conversation with one another. This year, more than ever, we’re embracing that ethos by offering spaces for collaboration, shared experiences, and open dialogue. It’s about creating moments that stay with people long after the music stops and the art comes down.“ And so far – RALLY has lived up to the billing in each regard. It’s a raw; energetic festival that betrays its youthful energy but is presented in a way and with organisation beyond its years. Each year, it learns and grows – and it’s more than just a music festival but a highlight of London’s cultural scene. Perhaps the most anticipated feature of the programme is the Speaker’s Corner Quartet celebrates Arthur Russell; a South London spoken-word supergroup paying homage to the life and work of the avant-garde American musician and composer (1951-1992). It should be an experience that you won’t get at any other festival.
I’m also very keen to see talented rapper MIKE; coming from America and playing both here and over at Green Man this year. It’s well past due a tour for him – after Showbiz! – one of the best albums of 2025 so far and certainly the best rap album thus to date. His lyrics are unparalleled in the industry as is his songwriting prowess – boundary pushing and impeccably inventive. DJs include the ultra-talented Ben UFO – and ensure you’ll never have a bad time. It’s truly a global festival – Ahsa Puthli hails from Mumbai and brings her talent and experience to London’s grassroots scene – and it’s also worth keeping an eye out for South-London based South Sudanese Mia Koden, who is – in the words of Resident Advisor, the “reigning princess of all things dubstep and jungle”.
The immersive arts programme has also been announced and features cutting edge-visual art, interactive installations and community-first projects. Enriching this experience, Art Director Haja Fanta has enlisted ceramist Abi Haywood and CIRCA Prize winner Bernice Mulenga. Returning collaborators Disturbance and Camden Art Centre are joined by new partners Studio Chapple and Gallery of the Giants, who are showcasing their miniature viewings at the festival. Curated by NTS, Gala, and Bird on the Wire – it’s a festival not to miss.
Rally Festival comes to Southwark Park on August 23, 2025.
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