Now in its 11th year, GALA Festival returns to Peckham Rye across the May Bank Holiday weekend, reaffirming its place as one of the capital’s most vital celebrations of underground dance music and community. This year’s theme, The Floor Is Ours, captures the festival’s ethos – the idea that the dancefloor belongs to those who create it, move within it, and breathe life into its culture.
Friday dives deep into the roots of the UK’s sound. Peckham’s own Giggs tops the bill alongside CASISDEAD, D Double E, and Novelist, joined by Hamdi, Todd Edwards, and Conducta. Deviation’s Benji B and Judah helm the main stage, while heavyweights like Mala and Djrum bring the system pressure.
Saturday stays true to GALA’s identity with house, techno and queer expression at full tilt. Saoirse unveils a new A/V project, joined by DJ Seinfeld, Sonja Moonear, Logic1000, and Job Jobse, with vibrant stage takeovers from Peach’s Dreamland, Club Are, and Refuge Worldwide.
Sunday brings warmth and release, closing with performances from Seth Troxler, Lil’ Louis, and Todd Terje, alongside Gilles Peterson, Joe Claussell, and Dyed Soundorom. A rare b3b from Antal, Hunee, and Palms Trax promises to end GALA 2026 on a high.
A key figure in UK grime and rap, Novelist has long represented the raw, forward‑facing energy of South East London. Known for his sharp lyricism and instinctive crowd connection, his performance at GALA 2026 marks something of a homecoming as he returns to play just a few miles from where his sound was born. 1883 caught up with Novelist ahead of the festival.
Coming from South East London yourself, does playing at GALA feel like a full‑circle moment?
Novelist: I’ve played GALA before and I feel a real sense of celebration from the South Londoners when I perform. It’s an energy that’s hard to put into words but definitely big energy.
Does playing at a festival so close to home feel different?
Novelist: Yeah, for sure, it feels like there’s a great expectancy for my presence.
How has South East London shaped your sound?
Novelist: I think growing up in South we got our own styles and I’ve embodied a lot of what was around me, so I give off South man for sure.
What kind of energy are you bringing to your GALA set?
Novelist: Hype and satisfaction.
Do you approach festival sets differently to headline shows?
Novelist: Similarly, really – it’s about reading the crowd to be honest. I like to improvise.
Is there anyone else on the GALA lineup you’re excited to see?
Novelist: Yeah, Giggs and CASISDEAD for sure.
What’s inspiring you creatively right now?
Novelist: Not being online, just living.
What keeps you excited about making music?
Novelist: Never knowing exactly where the music will land and the joy I see in the listeners.
What’s one track you’ve had on repeat lately?
Novelist: “War” by Infamous Mobb and Big Twins.
A year on from its milestone 10th anniversary, GALA continues to evolve without losing its touch – bigger in scope, stronger in identity, and still powered by South London’s heart.
Tickets available at www.thisisgala.co.uk.
Words by Ama Samra
Photography Jake Philip Davis
