All Points East festival adds plastic coverings to cut Victoria Park dust

Victoria Park will host All Points East from 21 August 2026 with new measures to prevent dust clouds that disrupted last year’s festival. AEG, the event organiser, has installed plastic coverings in high-footfall areas to protect the ground. The festival runs across two weekends, headlined by Tyler, the Creator, Lorde and Jorja Smith.

Last August, festival-goers shared videos of thick dust forcing them to cover their mouths. AEG’s CEO Jim King told The Times the company worked with Tower Hamlets Council after the event to reseed the park. He said the ground is now "as strong as it could be" ahead of this year’s festival.

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Drought conditions raise concerns

London’s prolonged dry spell has left parks parched, including Victoria Park. The Met Office confirmed heavy rain on 17 August, with more showers forecast before the festival begins. King described the drought as "challenging" but said AEG has added resources to protect the park and improve the experience for attendees.

AEG also runs LIDO Festival, which was reduced from three days to one this year after wet winter conditions delayed the park’s recovery. King said the decision was costly but necessary to avoid further damage. "We are a long-term partner for Tower Hamlets and the community," he said. "We take those responsibilities seriously."

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Residents oppose extended festival use

A residents’ group, Protect Victoria Park, launched a petition last year opposing AEG’s application to use a third of the park for 75 days annually over six summers. The group argued the park’s commercial use has gone too far, leaving locals with restricted access during peak summer months.

Similar disputes have arisen elsewhere in London. In May, a High Court judge ruled against a resident challenging Lambeth Council’s decision to host events in Brockwell Park. The judge said music festivals qualify as recreation, dismissing claims the council misinterpreted the term.

Everybody wants to come to east London, to Victoria Park, which is a massive thing for us, a huge success. But then comes the responsibility to ensure that we deliver professionally, sustainably and with great care.

Jim King, CEO of AEG

What happens next

All Points East opens on 21 August 2026. AEG’s application to extend festival use in Victoria Park remains under consideration by Tower Hamlets Council. Residents can submit objections or support until the council reaches a decision, though no deadline has been set.