A 10-day music and community festival headlined by The National and The xx – and starring 200 other acts – will replace Lovebox and Field Day in Victoria Park next year.
The organisers of All Points East have secured a five-year contract from Tower Hamlets Council to put on events in the park, which borders Hackney, starting on May 25.
In a break from previous years, All Points East is the only large-scale festival planned for the park all year, meaning neighbours are likely to face less noise and disruption over the summer. Field Day has taken place at the park since 2008 while Lovebox has run there since 2005.
Three days of live music from big bands kick off on the Friday, followed by a free four-day “community festival” for half-term and then three more days of gigs.
Most of the acts have yet to be announced, but other acts set to play include The War on Drugs, Future Islands, Lykke Li and Popcaan.
The National come hot off the heels of their first British number one album, Sleep Well Beast, which debuted at the top last month. They will headline June 2 – the Saturday of the second weekend.
“After a thrilling four sold-out shows at the Eventim Apollo in September, we are excited to take over Victoria Park next summer,” the Cincinnati band said in a statement. “We are already thinking about ways to make this more than just a show.”
The xx will play on May 26 – the second day of the festival.
Meanwhile, the community line-up during the week will include comedy, food, activities for kids, sports screenings and outdoor cinema. It will be free to get in and out.
Announcing All Points East this afternoon, promoter Goldenvoice said: “A truly unique festival environment, and an excellence in production, facilities, hospitality and customer service unlike anything seen before in Victoria Park will underpin the entirety of the 10-day event.
“From the team behind events such as British Summer Time Hyde Park, and the world’s number one venue The O2, the highest standards will be stamped across every aspect of the event.”
Jim King, executive vice president of live music at AEG Presents – Goldenvoice’s parent company – said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this new festival concept and bring some of the world’s most exciting artists to Victoria Park.
“With a new three day music festival followed by a programme of midweek events offering open access to the local community all culminating in three huge standalone shows, we’re confident that this is the most exciting new event in the country.”
Laura Davidson, vice president of live music at AEG Presents, added: “We couldn’t be happier to have The xx and The National as the first two acts for the new event and we’re beyond excited to unveil over 200 more acts across the diverse programme.”
Tickets for The National go on sale on Friday while the festival weekend headlined by The xx goes on sale on November 3. People who live nearby will be able to access a presale from 9am on Thursday, 24 hours ahead of tickets going on sale to the general public. Pick up a copy of Thursday’s paper for full details.
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