Citysplash: The Ultimate Indoor Reggae and Dancehall Experience
This year, Citysplash launched the world’s biggest indoor reggae and dancehall party, drawing 10,000 attendees to celebrate Caribbean music in full force.
Citysplash Winter Edition: A New Chapter at DRUMSHEDS
After an August edition that drew in dedicated partygoers, rain or shine, Citysplash returned for its winter event on Sunday, November 3rd at DRUMSHEDS —a massive, unconventional venue in Tottenham that once housed an IKEA. The indoor party promised fire DJ lineups featuring Chlxxe, Jada Pink, Triple M, Izzy Bossy and Rampage Sound, along with reggae and dancehall heavyweight headliners such as Teejay, Protoje and Konshens. With this bold lineup, Citysplash showed they know how to bring the energy to this space.
Setting the Scene at DRUMSHEDS
Since it was our first time at DRUMSHEDS, I’d done my homework—talking to friends, checking social media—to get a sense of what to expect. I knew it might be cold and that we’d be doing a lot of walking. Once inside, the temperature was perfect, no coat needed. As for the walking? Plenty of it! But honestly, why wouldn’t there be? The place is massive. DRUMSHEDS is as much of a full-day experience as IKEA once was. My advice: wear comfortable shoes. Crocs would’ve been perfect here!
On a Mission: Catching the Soca Set
We got in line around 2:30/2:45 p.m., determined to make it in for Chlxxe and Jada Pink’s soca and bouyon set at 3. We were on a schedule, honey! Both Caribbean women, Chlxxe and Jada Pink, represent the community with pride. When they’re not opening ‘the world’s largest indoor reggae and dancehall party,’ they’re either shelling it down at Dancehall Karaoke Bingos or keeping partygoers energised at Soca Holidays like Soca Wkndr (Europe’s first soca weekend experience). You can even catch them in episodes 1 and 3 of SICKA SESSIONS, a series of live soca DJ mixes powered by SICKA VISION.
Pictured : Chlxxe (left) and Jada Pink (right) at SICKA SESSIONS. Photographed by db Captures.
A Crowd-Pleasing Start: DJ Chlxxe and Jada Pink
DJ Chlxxe and Jada Pink delivered a solid soca and bouyon set that was truly a crowd pleaser. We walked in to ‘B.D.Y.M.M.’ by Ridge and Dirty Dawg Pudaz and immediately got to shaking! As were so many other party people of all different age groups in the crowd who made sure to come early to catch their set! The dance floor was already jumpy with fun and free energy in true Caribbean fashion. You can check out snippets of their over on our TikTok. TAKE US BACK!
Amapiano Meets Dancehall: DJ Larni Takes Over
Once Chlxxe and Jada Pink wrapped up their set, closing out with Chaka Demus & Pliers’ classic reggae hit, Murder She Wrote, the crowd were treated to DJ Larni, seamlessly mixing amapiano and dancehall. The transitions were so smooth, he gave us something different whilst keeping the vibe high on the dance floor.
Whilst it was still early, we went to check out the DJ sets in other rooms, which was just as well because when we tried to catch DJ Nate’s set, the queue to get in room Z was packed—a testament to how much people were loving the night.
Even with the filled out rooms, we felt safe as there was lots of security around and could fully enjoy the experience. Citysplash also offered the option of a (disposable) lid for your drinks, an anti-spike measure which added to the layer of safety on the night.
The Atmosphere: Music, Vibes, and Remnants of DRUMSHEDS Past
One thing about DRUMSHEDS? Once you’re inside, you almost forget it was ever an IKEA. The vibe, the lighting, the whole setup—it’s all about the music and the people, though when you enter the building you will spot some old flooring or interior details that remind you of its past. The sound levels were great, too: loud enough to feel every beat but not overbearing.
Festivals and live shows are all about how you experience them, and with so many standout acts, it’s only natural to want to see it all. But since that’s rarely possible, the best approach is to get a feel for the schedule and map out the acts you’re most excited about. Beyond that, leave some time to explore and follow where the energy takes you. Sometimes, the highlights aren’t the ones you plan for—unexpected sets, impromptu dance parties, or just those moments that remind you why you came in the first place. Just lean into the flow, and let the festival surprise you.
Overall, the night was a celebration of culture, music, and community, leaving us eagerly anticipating what Citysplash has in store for next year.
Photographer credit: @khaliphotography.
