Rally festival’s first edition in 2023 was something of a washout. Torrential rain hammered revellers in south London’s Southwark Park, while headliners Obongjayar and Princess Nokia pulled out at the last minute, leaving post-punk group Squid to pick up the pieces with a formidable set once the skies finally cleared. The precipitation and scheduling chaos was an unfortunate fate for a festival with an admirable ethos. Going against the grain of corporate behemoths like All Points East or BST, Rally takes a grassroots approach, giving local small venues such as Ormside Projects and Avalon cafe curating power alongside larger partners Resident Advisor and NTS. Local artists from Goldsmith’s University and Camden Art Centre also facilitate installations throughout the site, providing quirky corners of sculptural hangings amid the music.
Rally’s return on another rainy (but thankfully not relentless) day in Southwark Park is a welcome sight. Rather than being hampered by last year’s faults, the programming is bigger and bolder in 2024, booking a slew of cult-favourite DJs – most notably a rare performance from anonymous production duo Two Shell – as well as guitar-friendly sets from indie darlings Nilüfer Yanya and bar italia.
