About the Event
Celebrate the 64th anniversary of Jamaica Independence at Riverside East in Stratford. On Sunday 9 August 2026, The Reggae Brunch takes over the yard at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for a full day of music, food and culture from 2pm to 8pm.
This is a proper Caribbean celebration on the banks of the River Lea — expect a rum punch hour, jerk chefs cooking in the front yard, and a Dancehall Queen competition with cash prizes. Resident DJs and hosts spin a mix of old and new school tracks all afternoon.
What to Expect
The Reggae Brunch packs a full programme into one afternoon:
- Rum Punch Hour: 2pm–3pm, complimentary rum punch to get the party started
- Jerk Chefs: authentic jerk cooking in the front yard
- Dancehall Queen Competition: compete for cash prizes
- Glitter Bar, Paint & Roaming Entertainment: fun for the whole yard
- DJs & Hosts: old and new school reggae, dancehall and more
With the riverside setting of Riverside East and the open-air yard at Olympic Park, this is the ultimate way to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence Day in London.
Getting There
The event takes place at Riverside East (Stratford), 5 Thornton Street, London E20 2AD — around a 10-minute walk from Stratford station, which is served by the Central and Jubilee lines, the Elizabeth line, the DLR, Overground and National Rail. Follow signs towards the Olympic Park and the River Lea; Thornton Street runs directly alongside the waterway.
Public transport is strongly recommended as parking nearby is limited. For more ideas on what to do in the capital, check out events in London.
Tickets & Pricing
Tickets are available via Fatsoma, with free entry before 3pm and paid general admission after. Please note: the event is 18+, last entry is 5pm, and guests arriving after 3pm pay a surcharge at the door. Tickets range from free to £24.75 depending on tier.
Book your place at the official Fatsoma page or visit the Riverside East website for more details.
Food & Drinks
No Jamaican celebration is complete without the food. Jerk chefs cook up authentic Caribbean dishes in the front yard at Riverside East, while the rum punch hour from 2pm to 3pm gets everyone in the spirit of the day. Alongside the jerk stall, expect Caribbean street food classics and a lively bar serving up island favourites throughout the afternoon.
Whether you’re after spicy jerk chicken, rice and peas, or a cold Red Stripe by the River Lea, the food and drink offering at this year’s celebration has you covered.
Entertainment & Activities
Beyond the music, the Jamaica Independence celebration is packed with activities for the whole yard. The Dancehall Queen competition offers cash prizes for the best moves, while the glitter bar and face paint stations add plenty of colour. Roaming entertainers keep the energy high between sets, and resident DJs and hosts spin a mix of old and new school tracks throughout the day.
With its outdoor setting at Riverside East and the iconic Olympic Park backdrop, this is a celebration that blends culture, community and pure summer fun.
Good to Know
The event is strictly 18+, with last entry at 5pm. Guests arriving after 3pm pay a surcharge at the door. The venue is outdoors, so dress for the weather. For more ideas on what to do in the capital, check out events in London.
More Events Like This
Riverside East hosts a packed summer programme of outdoor parties, food festivals and live music. Browse all upcoming events on the What’s Happening events calendar, or explore more events in London.
