One of London's most cherished independent music festivals is preparing for a significant expansion that could see it double in size. The organisers behind GALA, a staple summer event in Peckham Rye, have submitted ambitious plans to Southwark Council to extend the festival across two separate weekends in May 2026.
A Two-Weekend Festival Experience
For its 11th edition, GALA aims to build on its established format while introducing entirely new elements. The first weekend, scheduled for the bank holiday period of May 22-24, 2026, will follow the festival's traditional blueprint. This includes multiple stages hosting DJs and live musicians, food stalls scattered across the site, and a capacity for up to 9,999 guests.
As in previous years, the festival will conclude this first weekend with its popular free community event, 'On The Rye', on Monday, May 25. This gesture of thanks to local residents will feature family-friendly activities like face painting and bouncy castles, which attracted approximately 2,300 children in 2025.
The proposed expansion involves a second weekend of events from Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, bringing the total festival duration to seven days. This new segment will feature distinct programming, including a dedicated Afrobeats Festival on the Friday. The following day will host a Mahrajan day, billed as the 'first of its kind' in London, celebrating the full spectrum of Arab music and showcasing emerging artists. The weekend will conclude with a 'concert show' on the Sunday.
Operational Changes and Community Engagement
The second weekend will operate on a slightly smaller site with a capacity of 8,000 people, finishing each evening at 10:30pm. Maps submitted with the application indicate several layout tweaks, including fewer food stalls and the removal of iconic structures like the dome stages and the sunflower sound system stage.
While specific programming details for the new events are yet to be announced, GALA has committed to revealing more information during virtual community engagement sessions scheduled for Wednesday, November 19. These sessions will provide a platform for organisers to discuss their vision and address local concerns.
The expansion proposal comes after some local opposition to the festival's use of Peckham Rye Park. An official consultation for the 2025 event recorded 82 objections, compared to 20 statements of support. A petition was also launched by a nearby resident in an attempt to halt the event, though the license was ultimately granted.
Confirmed Lineup and Future Prospects
Despite the focus on future expansion, GALA has already confirmed a stellar lineup for the first weekend of its 2026 edition. The bill includes electronic music heavyweights such as Job Jobse, Verraco, Peach, Palms Trax, Hunee, and Antal, with a special legendary house B2B2B set planned.
If approved by Southwark Council, this two-weekend model would represent the most significant evolution for GALA since its inception, potentially setting a new precedent for London's independent festival scene and solidifying Peckham Rye's status as a major hub for diverse musical experiences.
