LIDO Festival reduces from three days to one and cancels CMAT headline performance to protect Victoria Park conditions

Irish singer CMAT has expressed her disappointment after organisers cancelled her headline performance at LIDO Festival in London. The event, originally scheduled for 12 to 14 June at Victoria Park, has been scaled back to a single day on 31 August due to concerns over park conditions. Organisers cited one of the wettest winters in recent history, which had disrupted an extensive reseeding and improvement programme in the park. They stated that advisors recommended allowing the newly improved areas more time to recover before hosting the festival. The decision follows dust problems experienced at the park during last summer’s events, which were linked to drought conditions. As a result, CMAT, Father John Misty, and Bombay Bicycle Club will no longer perform. The festival will instead feature electronic duo Maribou State and various support acts on the revised date. Ticketholders will receive a full refund, and organisers emphasised that the changes are not the fault of the artists. CMAT apologised to fans who had made travel arrangements, describing herself as truly devastated. LIDO Festival, which launched in 2025 with headliners including Massive Attack, Charli XCX, and London Grammar, describes itself as a fan-first event. Separately, All Points East festival is confirmed to proceed as planned in Victoria Park in August. The adjustments aim to balance the needs of the festival with the long-term health of the public park space.