On March 23, 2026, Davido announced his first-ever self-curated UK festival “Davido & Friends Fest” set for August 14, 2026, at the Crystal Palace Bowl in South London. In his own words: “For the first time ever I present to you… Davido & Friends Festival. It’s going down at Crystal Palace Bowl on August 14th 🔥.”
The Venue
The Crystal Palace Bowl is one of London’s most iconic open-air venues, established in 1961. Its famous ‘Garden Party’ events have hosted some of the most eclectic acts in British festival history, from rock to reggae.
With a capacity of around 15,000, it strikes the balance between a major event and an intimate outdoor experience.
The Festival Series
Davido’s date is part of Palace Bowl Presents, a brand-new festival series running at Crystal Palace Bowl from Friday 31 July to Sunday 16 August 2026. The 12-event run pairs crossover Afrobeats, classic pop, electronic pioneers, and a UK-exclusive gospel bill, with other headliners including Sir Tom Jones, Grace Jones, Gary Numan, and Bastille & The Wombats. Davido’s August 14 slot is his only announced outdoor London performance this summer.
Tickets
Pre-sale registration opened via Davido’s Instagram, with pre-sale access beginning March 26 at 10am GMT and general sale on March 27. Local residents from postcodes SE19, SE20, and SE26 are eligible for discounted tickets.
Why It Matters
Apart from networking and having fun, Davido’s inclusion follows an album cycle that fused Afrobeats with international pop elements and a top-five Afrobeats single on both UK and US charts, positioning him as a contemporary global headliner. His most recent album, 5ive, drives the current touring momentum. Curating the full day’s lineup, the “Friends” signals a shift from performer to platform builder, spotlighting collaborators, and potentially emerging Afrobeats acts.
For London’s Afrobeats community, August 14 is already circled.
