Lido Festival
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Lido Festival, named after Victoria Park's historic Lido Field, is the newest sound in East London's summer calendar. This June, it returns to Tower Hamlets for an unforgettable month of music, art, and community fun. From 5 June through 30 June 2026, the sprawling greenery of Victoria Park transforms into a vibrant festival playground. With the iconic Canary Wharf skyline as a backdrop, Lido combines world-class live performances with a laid-back atmosphere that welcomes both hardcore music fans and families out for a day of fun.
Spread over multiple weekends and packed afternoons, Lido Festival features carefully curated line-ups catering to every taste. You'll find chart-topping headliners sharing the stage with exciting rising talents, offering everything from pulsing electronic beats to soaring live vocals. At one stage you might catch an indie rock band or pop act, while a DJ spins energetic remixes under the open sky at another. Smaller stages and pop-up performances ensure there's always something new to discover around every corner. During the day, soak up the summer sun between sets on the lush green lawns; after dark, dance under the stars as dynamic light shows illuminate the London skyline.
Lido Festival honors the vibrant, community spirit of Tower Hamlets. Midweek community events in the park are free to attend, turning Victoria Park into a family carnival. Children's theatre productions, arts and crafts workshops, and fitness activities like yoga and group sports invite visitors of all ages to join in. Art installations and local market stalls give everyone a chance to browse handmade crafts and taste dishes from the area's many cultures. Whether you're feeding sleepy toddlers early in the day or mingling with friends over cocktails at dusk, there's something for every interest in the park.
When you need a break from the music and dancing, relax on the festival's shady picnic lawns or visit one of the calm chill-out zones. Grab a locally brewed craft beer or a refreshing soft drink from a pop-up bar. DJs keep the atmosphere buzzing with laid-back tunes at all hours, so there's always a great soundtrack to your afternoon on the grass. Lido Festival prides itself on being green – expect recycling stations and eco-friendly initiatives to keep the site clean and sustainable. The park's open spaces ensure you have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the scene.
Beyond the festival grounds, Tower Hamlets has plenty to explore. Before or after the show, visitors can wander through the famous Brick Lane markets or stroll around Victoria Park's peaceful lakes and gardens. The area's colorful street art, historic architecture, and local eateries reflect East London's rich heritage. When it's time to rest, the nearby neighborhoods of Shoreditch, Hoxton and Bethnal Green offer a range of accommodations – from hip boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses – so you can recharge and experience the festival from dawn 'til dusk.
Each day at Lido Festival feels like the ultimate summer party, blending great music, creativity and community in a beautiful urban park setting. Whether you're dancing to headline acts, sampling local food and drink, or simply enjoying the sun and good company, you'll leave with memories of long summer days under the London sky. Join the fun at Lido Festival this June and celebrate the warmth of East London's summer spirit in one unforgettable event!
Getting to Tower Hamlets is easy by air or rail. London has several airports: the closest is London City Airport (just a few miles away and reachable by the Docklands Light Railway or local buses), which mainly serves European flights. Most international travellers use Heathrow or Gatwick – from Heathrow you can take the Elizabeth line and then a short Underground ride to reach East London, while Gatwick Express or trains connect to central London stations (like London Bridge or Victoria) to switch to the Tube. Stansted and Luton airports also offer frequent rail services into the city (Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, Thameslink trains from Luton), where you can connect onward by Tube or bus to Tower Hamlets.
Once in London, public transport is the best way to continue your journey. Tower Hamlets is well served by the London Underground and Overground networks. Key stations near Victoria Park include Mile End (Central, District and Hammersmith & City lines), Bethnal Green (Central and Hammersmith & City), and Bow Road (District and Hammersmith & City). The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) serves nearby areas like Bow Church and Stratford. London Overground trains stop at Cambridge Heath and Hackney Wick, and several bus routes pass through local streets. Night buses and river buses also run in East London. To travel around the city, visitors can use Oyster cards or contactless payment on all public transport for convenience.
Driving in central London is generally not recommended due to traffic congestion and limited parking, but if you do arrive by car you can access Tower Hamlets via the A11 or A12. Be aware that street parking may require permits and festival parking is likely restricted. Instead, it may be easier to park near larger transport hubs or stay at a hotel with parking and take public transit to Victoria Park.
London offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors. In Tower Hamlets and nearby neighborhoods you'll find everything from budget hostels and friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury chains. Areas like Shoreditch, Hoxton and Bethnal Green are conveniently close and full of boutique hotels, while Canary Wharf has modern high-rise hotels and serviced apartments. Booking well in advance is a good idea, especially during the summer festival season when demand is high. Many visitors choose to stay near an Underground or DLR station for easy travel back and forth to the festival grounds.
Tower Hamlets, Tower Hamlets, E97BT
Festivals Near Tower Hamlets
