LIDO Festival 2026 Rescheduled: CMAT and Bombay Bicycle Club Dates Cancelled
Fans of the LIDO Festival are facing a major disappointment as the event, originally slated for June, has been forced to reschedule due to environmental concerns at its venue. While one date remains, two full days of the festival have been cancelled, leaving several high-profile artists unable to perform.
Ground Conditions Force Schedule Shift
Organisers have announced that LIDO 2026 is unable to take place in June to protect the ground conditions of Victoria Park. The decision follows one of the wettest winters in recent history, which impacted an extensive reseeding and improvement programme delivered by AEG. To ensure the newly improved areas are protected for the community throughout spring and early summer, advisors recommended delaying the festival programme.
This move comes after significant dust issues occurred last summer due to a drought. The current decision was made solely by event organisers, with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) permitting the change to support park users and the wider community.
Which Dates are Cancelled and Which Remain?
The original three-day festival (June 12–14) has been reduced to a one-off date in late August. The impact on the lineup is significant:
- Friday, 12 June: CANCELLED. This date featured CMAT, Father John Misty, and Sharon Van Etten.
- Sunday, 14 June: CANCELLED. This date featured Bombay Bicycle Club and Metronomy.
- Monday, 31 August: RESCHEDULED. Maribou State and their full support bill will now perform on this date.
Ticketholders for the cancelled June 12 and June 14 events will receive a full refund. Organisers emphasized that these changes are not the fault of the artists or the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Artist Reactions
The cancellations have left several performers devastated. Irish singer CMAT expressed her heartbreak on social media, stating she is “truly devastated not to be able to play this festival” and apologised to fans who had already arranged travel. Similarly, Bombay Bicycle Club took to Instagram to share that the situation was “out of our hands” but expressed their regret over the impact on ticket holders.
Key Takeaways for Attendees
- Refunds: Full refunds are being issued to those who held tickets for June 12 and June 14.
- New Date: The only remaining event is now Monday, August 31, featuring Maribou State.
- Cause: The rescheduling is purely to protect the ecological health and ground stability of Victoria Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was LIDO 2026 moved?
The event was moved to protect the ground conditions of Victoria Park following a very wet winter and a successful reseeding programme. This ensures the park remains in good condition for local residents and visitors.
Can I still notice CMAT or Bombay Bicycle Club?
Unfortunately, no. The events featuring these artists on June 12 and June 14 cannot be rescheduled and have been cancelled.
When is the rescheduled date?
The festival will now take place as a one-off event on Monday, 31 August, featuring Maribou State.
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