City Splash 2025 Review | Tarrus Riley Shines at Brockwell Park

City Splash 2025 lived up to—and exceeded—the lofty expectations of reggae and dancehall fans across London. Over the course of three radiant summer days, Brockwell Park transformed into a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, seamlessly blending pulsating beats, mouthwatering cuisine, family-friendly activities, and a truly inclusive festival atmosphere. From the soulful, spiritual highs of Tarrus Riley’s live set to Spice’s fiery performance and Popcaan’s smooth vibes, the festival offered something for everyone. In this review, we dive deep into every facet of City Splash festival London, exploring standout moments, must-try food stalls, behind-the-scenes insights from Ben Ryan City Splash founder, and practical tips for attending future iterations.

City Splash 2025 marked the fourth consecutive year that Brockwell Park hosted London’s premier UK reggae and dancehall festival. With an expanded site, new stages, and an eclectic lineup that spanned reggae legends and rising stars, the festival drew music lovers, foodies, families, and culture enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond. Over three sun-drenched days, attendees enjoyed high-energy dancehall rhythms, soulful roots reggae, delectable Caribbean street food, and immersive cultural experiences that showcased the diversity and vibrancy of the Caribbean diaspora in London.

From the moment gates opened, City Splash 2025 struck a perfect balance between large-scale production values and a warm, community-driven vibe. This review breaks down every element—from the headline-grabbing Tarrus Riley City Splash performance to the delectable flavors that kept festivalgoers fueled—so you can relive the highlights and plan your visit to the next Brockwell Park reggae festival.

Festival Atmosphere and Vibe

City Splash’s atmosphere radiated good vibrations from the opening act to the final encore. The expansive grounds of Brockwell Park featured multiple stages—including the Main Stage, Roots Tent, and Dancehall Dome—each with its own sonic identity. Colourful banners bearing the festival’s turquoise-and-gold branding fluttered in the breeze, while steel drum ensembles and DJ sets greeted early arrivals.

Everywhere you looked, groups of friends lounged on picnic blankets, children danced alongside parents, and local craft vendors showcased handmade jewelry, clothing, and artwork inspired by Caribbean aesthetics. Security and festival staff were friendly yet professional, ensuring a safe environment without sacrificing the laid-back, welcoming energy that defines Caribbean culture London events.

Key highlights of the vibe:

• Main Stage: High production lighting and sound brought headline acts to life.
• Roots Tent: Intimate setting for reggae legends and acoustic showcases.
• Dancehall Dome: Immersive dancehall party with pulsating bass and cutting-edge visuals.
• Chill-Out Area: Shaded seating, hammocks, and wellness workshops.

Tarrus Riley Live Performance UK

When Tarrus Riley stepped onto the Main Stage on Day 2, the crowd erupted in cheers. Known for his soulful roots reggae anthems and uplifting lyrics, Riley delivered a masterclass in live performance. Opening with “Gimme Likkle One Drop,” he immediately connected with fans by inviting them to sing along to the iconic chorus. The highlight came during “She’s Royal,” when thousands of voices swelled in unison.

What set this performance apart was Riley’s stage presence and genuine rapport with the audience. Between songs, he spoke passionately about unity, love, and the power of music to transcend boundaries—a message that resonated deeply at City Splash. His band, featuring tight horn arrangements and pulsing bass lines, maintained perfect cohesion, elevating every track.

Memorable moments:

1. Impromptu acoustic medley of classic roots tunes.
2. Crowd call-and-response segment during “The Best Is Yet To Come.”
3. Extended encore featuring a dub-infused rendition of “Celebrate.”

Spice City Splash

Spice commanded the Dancehall Dome with fiery charisma and unapologetic confidence. Making her City Splash debut, she opened her set with a medley of fan favorites—“So Mi Like It,” “Sheet,” and “Go Down Deh”—backed by a thumping sound system that emphasized the syncopated rhythms and bass-heavy drops of contemporary dancehall.

Her stage production embraced bold visuals, including LED screens displaying empowering messages and live dancers clad in vibrant costumes. Spice’s interaction with the crowd felt natural and unforced; at one point, she paused mid-performance to salute her London fans, sparking chants of “Spice! Spice! Spice!”

Key takeaways:

• Seamless blend of old-school and new-school dancehall.
• Empowering lyrical content celebrating female strength.
• High-energy choreography and captivating stage design.

Popcaan City Splash

Popcaan brought a contrastingly smooth but equally electrifying vibe to the Main Stage closing slot. Known for his melodic hooks and fusion of dancehall with electronic and R&B elements, he performed hits like “Family” and “Only Man She Want,” weaving live percussion and synthesizer textures into a dynamic soundscape.

Popcaan’s set crescendoed with “Good and Clean,” during which the audience moved as one, swaying and chanting along. His understated charisma—smiling broadly, acknowledging fans in the front rows, and even inviting a lucky attendee onstage—imbued the performance with a sense of shared celebration.

Performance highlights:

• Integration of live midi instruments for a fresh take on classic hits.
• Emotional moment during “Never Sober,” dedicated to those struggling with addiction.
• Close with a mash-up remix that sent fans dancing into the night.

Supporting Acts and Emerging Talent

Beyond the headliners, City Splash 2025 nurtured emerging artists across reggae, dancehall, soca, and afrobeats. The Roots Tent showcased spearheads like Koffee, Protoje, and Lila Iké, each delivering soulful sets that underscored the genre’s evolving landscape. Meanwhile, the Afro-Caribbean Stage featured acts such as Afro B and Not3s, adding diverse African diasporic flavors.

Notable rising stars:

• Shakka: A blend of R&B and reggae that captivated early crowds.
• Ella Mai (UK set): Smooth, sultry vocals paired with intimate lyricism.
• DESSA: Soca-infused rhythms that had attendees dancing from first beat.

By providing a platform for fresh voices, City Splash reinforced its commitment to both honoring reggae traditions and fostering the next generation of artists in the London Caribbean music festival circuit.

Caribbean Culture London Events

City Splash transcends music, celebrating Caribbean food, art, and heritage. The Culture Village featured panel discussions on the history of reggae, local Black British entrepreneurship, and dance workshops teaching traditional dances like ska and mento. Festivalgoers joined interactive drumming circles led by master percussionists, while art installations illustrated the migration stories that shaped London’s Caribbean communities.

Highlights of cultural programming:

• Jamaican storytelling sessions for children.
• Photo exhibit chronicling 50 years of Caribbean Carnival in London.
• Live mural painting by community artists.

These immersive experiences ensured that City Splash 2025 stood out from typical music festivals, emphasizing education and cultural pride.

Culinary Delights at City Splash 2025

A festival is not complete without great food, and City Splash delivered a feast of authentic Caribbean flavors. The Food Court boasted over 30 vendors, ranging from established London institutions to pop-up stalls helmed by local chefs.

Top recommendations:

• Ackee & Saltfish: Perfectly balanced, served with bammy and festival pepper sauce.
• Jerk Chicken: Fiery marinade, tender meat, and smoky finish.
• Caribbean Vegan Patties: Spiced chickpea and lentil fillings wrapped in flaky pastry.
• Rum Cocktails: Including dark ‘n’ stormy and passion fruit mojitos.

Short queues—thanks to efficient ordering systems—and ample seating areas made dining both convenient and enjoyable. Food prices hovered around £6–£10 per main, reflecting fair value for high-quality, homemade dishes.

Family-Friendly and Community Activities

City Splash 2025 welcomed families with dedicated programming in the Kids Zone. Creative workshops included carnival mask-making, steel pan demonstration classes, and interactive storytelling. A community health tent offered free wellness screenings and information on local social services.

Features for families:

• Shaded play area with inflatable attractions.
• Reggae-themed puppet shows.
• Parent-and-child dancehall dance classes.

These elements cemented City Splash’s status as an inclusive festival that appeals to attendees of all ages and backgrounds.

Organization and Logistics

Ticketing and Entry

Tickets ranged from single-day general admission (£50) to three-day VIP passes (£180), with early-bird discounts available. Electronic tickets were scanned at turnstiles for swift entry. VIP ticketholders accessed an exclusive viewing platform near the Main Stage, private bar, and premium restroom facilities.

Site Layout and Facilities

Brockwell Park’s gentle slopes provided natural amphitheaters for performances. Clear signage directed attendees between stages, food courts, and restrooms. Ample water refill stations encouraged hydration and reduced plastic waste. Medical tents and security outposts were strategically stationed for rapid response.

Sustainability Practices

City Splash incorporated eco-conscious policies: biodegradable cutlery, composting stations, and partnerships with local recycling cooperatives. Program guides printed on recycled paper and solar-powered charging kiosks further demonstrated environmental responsibility.

City Splash Festival Founder’s Perspective

Ben Ryan, the visionary behind City Splash, shared insights on the festival’s evolution. What began as a grassroots reggae gathering has grown into a multi-day cultural celebration attracting 30,000+ attendees. Ryan emphasized his goal to maintain authenticity by prioritizing community engagement and showcasing local talent alongside international stars. Plans for 2026 include expanding the Culture Village and introducing a digital broadcast component to reach global audiences.

Tips for Future Attendees

1. Book Early: Early-bird tickets sell out quickly; secure your spot months in advance.
2. Plan Your Schedule: With multiple stages, create a personalized itinerary to avoid missing favorite acts.
3. Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle to use onsite water stations.
4. Try Local Vendors: Arrive hungry to sample diverse Caribbean cuisine and support small businesses.
5. Use Public Transport: Brockwell Park is well served by trains and buses—parking is limited.

By following these tips, you’ll maximize enjoyment and minimize stress at the next City Splash festival London.

Conclusion

City Splash 2025 reaffirmed Brockwell Park’s status as the epicenter of reggae and dancehall culture in the UK. Tarrus Riley’s awe-inspiring performance anchored a lineup that balanced legendary acts with emerging talent, while Spice and Popcaan delivered distinctly memorable sets. Beyond the music, the festival’s vibrant cultural programming, delectable culinary offerings, and family-friendly amenities created an immersive experience celebrating the heart and soul of the Caribbean diaspora. Whether you’re a seasoned reggae devotee or newcomer seeking an unforgettable summer event, City Splash offers a compelling, inclusive, and deeply enriching festival experience. Secure your tickets for 2026 early, and get ready to dive back into the rhythms, flavors, and community spirit that make City Splash a must-attend cultural festival in London.