Jamie xx to headline London’s new LIDO festival
Other artists on the first wave line-up include Romy, John Glacier, Arca, Sampha, DJ Gigola, Shy One, Wookie, and livwutang
London’s new LIDO festival has announced the first wave of artists on its 2025 summer line-up.
Scheduled to take place in Victoria Park, the two-weekend music event will see headline act Jamie xx bringing his latest album ‘In Waves’ to his hometown.
He will be joined on Saturday June 7 by ‘In Waves’ collaborators Romy, Panda Bear and John Glacier.
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Other artists announced are internationally-acclaimed singer Sampha, Venezuelan DJ and producer Arca, Berlin-based DJ Gigola, underground staple Shy One, garage royalty Wookie and livwutang, a New-York-based DJ with an eclectic selection.
More artists will be announced over the coming weeks.
LIDO will also be handing over curatorial duties to Jamie xx, for a stage called ‘The Floor’, named after the artist’s successful 10-day club residency at Venue MOT in May this year.
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Scene veteran DJ Harvey has been booked to play a three-hour set at Jamie's intimate festival experience, while many of the other names will be left unannounced, just as they were for the original club series, which saw the likes of Charli XCX, MJ Cole, Daphni, Jockstrap, Axel Boman, Two Shell, Lil Silva, and more.
“Having done The Floor and Alexandra Palace this year,” says Jamie xx. “It’s time for something else! I’m really looking forward to headlining Victoria Park, curating my own day festival and performing alongside my favourite artists.”
The acclaimed artist released his highly anticipated second solo album in September this year, reuniting with his former The xx bandmates for one of the singles.
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‘In Waves’ marked nine years since Jamie’s debut project ‘In Colour’, which was nominated for many awards including GRAMMY, BRIT, Ivor Novello and Mercury Music Prize.
Created by the same people behind All Points East, LIDO has promised to give back to the local community by platforming emerging musicians studying at East London Arts and Music school.
According to a press release, it will also host art, culture and well-being activities during the week, as well as working with nearby food suppliers and staff, in the hopes of “enriching the area’s cultural landscape” and “making a positive impact on the local community”.
These were part of the requirements recommended by Tower Hamlets council when AEG, the operator that owns All Points East and LIDO festivals, applied to extend their licence in Victoria Park last year.
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The proposed plans, which would grant AEG permission to occupy the park between April and September in 2024, 2025 and 2026, were met with opposition from local people who expressed concerns about the disruption caused by an increased number and size of events held in Victoria Park.
In response, the council has said that the proposed changes would "boost local businesses and provide a wider range of things for local people to do and enjoy in the park". and that they would ensure any “disruption caused by events is kept to an absolute minimum.”
According to a press release, All Points East contributes £45 million to the local economy each year. LIDO has expressed its intention to do the same, while also upholding “sustainable policies and processes”.
Tickets to LIDO festival come out November 1. Sign-up for pre-sale acess here.
Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram