Lido Festival Cancels Headline Dates for CMAT and Bombay Bicycle Club Due to Ground Conditions
Music fans facing disappointment this June as the Lido Festival has announced the cancellation of several key dates, including headline performances by Irish singer-songwriter CMAT and indie rock favorites Bombay Bicycle Club. The decision comes after organizers cited urgent concerns regarding the condition of the grounds at Victoria Park in east London.
Ground Conditions Force Schedule Overhaul
The festival, run by AEG Presents, was originally scheduled to take place from June 12 to 14. However, organizers revealed that the event is unable to proceed in June to “protect park ground conditions.”
This environmental concern isn’t modern. According to reports, previous festivals at the site suffered from severe dust issues, which necessitated an “extensive reseeding and improvement programme” to protect the land. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) and LIDO organizers emphasized that protecting the condition of Victoria Park is of paramount importance.
Impact on Artists and Line-ups
The rescheduling has led to the total cancellation of two major festival days, as several artists are unable to commit to the new August dates.
CMAT’s Friday Cancellation
CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) was set to headline on June 12, supported by acts including Father John Misty and Sharon Van Etten. Taking to Instagram, CMAT expressed that she is “truly devastated” and “very very sorry” that she can no longer perform, noting that the shift to August makes her appearance impossible.
Bombay Bicycle Club’s Sunday Cancellation
The headline show on June 14, featuring Bombay Bicycle Club and Metronomy, has also been cancelled. Bombay Bicycle Club expressed their disappointment on Instagram, stating that whereas the situation was “out of our hands,” they feel “horribly” about the impact on fans who purchased tickets.
Maribou State Rescheduled
Not all news is a cancellation. The headline show for Maribou State, originally set for June 20 with support from Kelis and Folamour, has been rescheduled to August 31.

Key Takeaways for Ticket Holders
- Cancelled Dates: June 12 (CMAT) and June 14 (Bombay Bicycle Club).
- Rescheduled Date: Maribou State will now perform on August 31.
- Refunds: Automatic refunds are available from the promoter for the cancelled dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Lido Festival rescheduled?
The event was moved to protect the ground conditions at Victoria Park following previous issues with dust and the necessitate for a land improvement programme.
Can I get a refund for CMAT or Bombay Bicycle Club tickets?
Yes, the promoter is providing automatic refunds for those who held tickets for the cancelled June 12 and June 14 dates.
Will the festival still happen in 2026?
The festival is moving to late August as a “one-off date adjustment,” with the Maribou State show confirmed for August 31.
While the loss of two headline days is a blow to the June music calendar, the move highlights the increasing pressure on urban green spaces to balance large-scale entertainment with environmental sustainability.