Get ready for a summer of unforgettable music in London, as a brand-new festival, LIDO, is set to take over Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets during the summer of 2025. This unique event, organized by the team behind the successful All Points East festival, is shaping up to be a celebration of music, culture, and connection, spanning two weekends in June.
LIDO’s unique approach to curation is one of its key selling points. Each day of the festival will be curated by the headliner, giving the performers the opportunity to craft a lineup that reflects their personal artistic vision and connection with other musicians. While the headliners are yet to be announced, anticipation is building based on the impressive lineups of previous All Points East events, which have featured artists such as Mitski, Loyle Carner, and Suki Waterhouse. This artist-driven approach promises to deliver a highly personalized experience for music lovers, providing a deeper connection to the music and a distinct atmosphere each day.
Beyond the music, LIDO is set to be a cultural hub. Organizers AEG have planned a free midweek program focused on arts and well-being activities, providing a platform for local talent and students from East London Arts and Music to showcase their skills. This initiative will not only bring a vibrant cultural experience to the park but also offer valuable training opportunities in festival production and technology.
The economic impact of LIDO is expected to be substantial, mirroring the success of All Points East, which contributes over £45 million annually to the Tower Hamlets area. The influx of festivalgoers will provide a significant boost to local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, with fans spending on food, entertainment, and accommodation. Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation at Tower Hamlets Council, highlighted the festival’s potential to provide more opportunities for residents to engage with cultural events and generate income for the borough. LIDO is seen as a way to fund essential council services, such as park maintenance, through increased tourism and cultural spending.
LIDO is not just about world-class entertainment; it’s also a commitment to supporting emerging talent. The festival will offer space for up-and-coming artists, particularly those based in London. Students from East London Arts and Music will have the chance to perform and gain real-world experience in festival production, fostering the next generation of music talent and offering valuable learning opportunities for aspiring music industry professionals. Jim King, CEO of European Festivals at AEG Presents, emphasized LIDO’s dedication to nurturing the careers of young artists, whether they are headlining or performing for the first time. By programming each day with the headliner, LIDO aims to create a dynamic platform for emerging artists and provide audiences with fresh and exciting performances.
Recognizing the growing global concern for sustainability, LIDO is committed to ensuring a positive environmental impact. AEG plans to work with London-based suppliers and staff, utilizing local resources to minimize the festival’s carbon footprint. From sustainable waste management to energy-efficient production methods, LIDO will integrate eco-conscious practices throughout its planning and execution. For environmentally conscious travelers, this focus on sustainability aligns with the global trend of responsible tourism.
LIDO is poised to have a lasting impact on London’s festival scene, solidifying Victoria Park as a leading destination for cultural events. The festival’s unique blend of music, community engagement, and sustainability sets it apart from other events, attracting both local attendees and international tourists. For global travelers, LIDO offers another compelling reason to visit London in the summer, providing a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene. The festival’s focus on community-driven activities and support for local artists offers a more immersive cultural experience than a typical music event. As tourism to London continues its recovery, LIDO could become a staple of the city’s summer calendar, attracting visitors from all over the world. For those seeking a music festival that combines world-class performances with local culture and sustainability, LIDO offers an experience that is both enriching and memorable.
