RALLY RETURNS: SOUTH LONDON’S ULTIMATE MUSIC & ART FESTIVAL HITS SOUTHWARK PARK

WORDS RACHEL EDWARDS

This Saturday, South London's community-driven music and art festival Rally returns for its third year running, and this year's theme is "a common purpose". Set in Southwark park, the festival, which endured heavy rain the last two years, is forecast for sunshine this year (although, growing up in Scotland I can attest that few things bring people together quite like a muddy field).

In collaboration with NTS Radio, GALA, and Bird on the Wire, this year’s programme features live sets from Floating Points and CASISDEAD, alongside DJs including Ben UFO and Vlada. Beyond the music, Rally also showcases art installations and talks inspired by its theme, including Adult Entertainment, a spoken word event that has grown rapidly since launching two years ago - something that is testament to just how vital creative gatherings like this are at the moment. Under the direction of Art Director Haja Fanta, Rally go-ers can also enjoy an installation by ceramicist Abi Haywood, alongside photography from CIRCA Prize winner Bernice Mulenga.

Another highlight of the programme is Speaker’s Corner Quartet Celebrates Arthur Russell, a special performance in which South London’s spoken-word ensemble honours the life and legacy of American musician and composer Arthur Russell (1951–1992).

With a recent study by UCL revealing that half of all Britons feel socially disconnected from society, community-centred festivals like Rally are more important than ever. Giles Napier, founder of RALLY says “Each year 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". Rally’s third edition arrives as both a celebration of creativity and a reminder of the power of collective experience, offering London a space where music, art, and community merge with purpose.

For more information and to purchase tickets click here.