City Splash Festival has secured another legal victory after a High Court challenge seeking to stop the event from taking place in Brockwell Park was dismissed.
Festival founder Ben Ryan shared the news on social media shortly after leaving the Royal Courts of Justice, describing the ruling as the third unsuccessful attempt by campaign group Protect Brockwell Park to block the event.
In a strongly worded statement, Ryan said the ongoing legal disputes have placed a heavy financial burden on both City Splash organisers and local authorities. He argued that the money spent on court proceedings could be better directed toward addressing wider social issues within the community.
“For the last two years a small but well resourced group of local residents, Protect Brockwell Park, have been on a sustained attack against City Splash and the right for us to bring together our community to celebrate Black music and culture in Brockwell Park,” Ryan wrote.
He continued by saying the latest judgment confirms that the festival should be allowed to continue operating, adding that events celebrating Black music and culture “are here to stay.”
A Festival That Has Become a Cultural Landmark
Since launching in 2022, City Splash has rapidly grown into one of the UK’s most significant celebrations of Caribbean and African diasporic music and culture. The festival has attracted thousands of attendees annually, showcasing reggae, dancehall, afrobeats, jungle, dub, and other Black-originated genres. This year Beres Hammond is set to headline and there will be a full week of activities.
The latest court decision is likely to be welcomed by festivalgoers and artists who see City Splash as more than just a music event, but as a symbol of representation and cultural pride.
Ongoing Tensions Around Brockwell Park Events
Opposition from Protect Brockwell Park has centred on concerns including noise levels, environmental impact, overcrowding, and the long-term condition of the public green space following large-scale events.
Despite the tensions, the court ruling means City Splash is expected to move ahead as planned on 25 May.
Ryan ended his message with a direct appeal for unity, expressing hope that opponents would reconsider their position and acknowledge the cultural importance of the festival.
