Creating an exciting new edition to the UK summer festival calendar, LIDO Festival isn't waiting to finish with a bang, it's starting with one. Named after the park’s historic Lido Field, and taking place across the first two weekends of June, the festival promises a thoughtfully curated lineup of global and UK talent, with headliners like Arca, a strong emphasis on sustainability, and a week of community-centered programming in between.
While the full lineup features a wide range of incredible artists, here are a few I’m especially looking forward to seeing:
Friday: Massive Attack and Air
Massive Attack are pioneers of trip-hop and one of the UK’s most iconic and influential groups. Their sound is moody, cinematic, and deeply atmospheric, blending elements of dub, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music to create something truly immersive. Albums like "Blue Lines" and "Mezzanine" set the blueprint for downtempo music and influenced countless artists. Their live shows are renowned for their visuals and emotionally charged delivery, while their ability to blend social commentary with authenticity means their music resonates far beyond casual listening.
The French duo Air are masters of elegant, dreamy electronic pop. Emerging in the late ‘90s, their debut album "Moon Safari" is considered a masterpiece of chillout music, perfectly balancing vintage synth sounds with modern production. Their music conjures images of late-night drives and sun-dappled beaches with lush melodies and subtle grooves. Their live performances are intimate yet expansive, creating a sense of serene atmosphere that perfectly complements a summer evening in the park. Air’s seamless fusion of retro and futuristic sounds offers a sophisticated escape from the noise of everyday life- making them a perfect counterpoint to Massive Attack’s darker intensity.
Saturday – Jamie xx and Skrillex
As a key member of The xx and an acclaimed solo artist, Jamie xx is known for blending minimalism with infectious dance rhythms. His solo album "In Colour" is a landmark release that pays tribute to the history of UK dance music while pushing it forward with a fresh, personal touch. Jamie’s sets expertly weave garage, house, dubstep, and ambient music into a cinematic journey that builds slowly but reaches euphoric peaks. His deep knowledge of club culture and ability to read a crowd makes his live shows electrifying- where every beat feels intentional and every moment is charged with emotional weight.
Sonny Moore’s transformation into Skrillex revolutionized electronic music in the 2010s. Initially known for aggressive, dubstep-inspired “brostep,” Skrillex quickly became a symbol of boundary-pushing sound design and production mastery. Over time, he’s expanded into trap, moombahton, and pop collaborations with major artists like Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Diplo. His recent albums, "Quest for Fire" and "Don’t Get Too Close", showcase his versatility- mixing heavy dance tracks with emotive, genre-crossing songs. Skrillex’s live sets are energetic and unpredictable, often blending high-octane drops with surprising melodic moments. For anyone who loves electronic music’s evolving landscape, seeing Skrillex live is a chance to witness a true innovator at work.
Weekend Two – Saturday – Charli XCX and 070 Shake
Charli XCX has become one of pop music’s most adventurous and influential figures. Starting from bubblegum pop beginnings, she quickly embraced experimental and hyperpop sounds, blending futuristic production with raw, honest songwriting. Her critically acclaimed album "BRAT" is a fearless and playful exploration of identity, power, and vulnerability. Charli’s live performances are dynamic and theatrical, often breaking the fourth wall and drawing the audience into her bold, high-energy world. She’s known for her fearless collaborations and ability to reinvent pop music while staying true to herself.
070 Shake is a unique voice in contemporary music, bringing an emotional intensity to the hip-hop and alternative R&B scenes. Since signing to GOOD Music, she’s contributed powerful vocal hooks for Kanye West, Nas, and Pusha T, but her solo work reveals an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability and darkness. Her sophomore album "You Can’t Kill Me" dives into themes of emotional attachment, loss, and resilience over a shifting musical landscape that blends ambient textures, experimental beats, and raw lyricism. Her voice carries a strength and beauty that’s captivating in a live setting- a fantastic reason to see her at her set on Saturday.
Sunday – Celeste and London Grammar
Celeste stands out as one of the UK’s most soulful and compelling new voices. Drawing inspiration from jazz and classic soul singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, her music is timeless yet contemporary. Her voice- smoky, rich, and full of emotion, has the power to stop a crowd and hold them in rapt silence. Songs like “Strange” and “Father’s Son” showcase her ability to tell stories about love, loss, and identity with grace and vulnerability. Celeste’s rise has been marked by critical acclaim and awards, but what makes her truly special is how honest and heartfelt her performances feel. At Lido Festival, her set promises to be a breathtaking display of vocal artistry and emotional depth.
Since their debut, London Grammar have been defining a space where atmospheric electronic pop meets powerful, soulful vocals. The trio’s sound combines sparse, cinematic production with Hannah Reid’s dramatic voice, creating music that seperates their sound from other artists. Their debut album "If You Wait" and follow-ups like "Truth Is a Beautiful Thing" and "Californian Soil" have earned them critical praise and a dedicated global fanbase. Their music often explores themes of vulnerability, empowerment, and connection. Closing out the festival with London Grammar offers a perfect blend of contemplation and catharsis.
With some of the biggest names in past and present music, LIDO Festival offers music to enjoy for any crowd, of any age. It's one you don't want to miss, and if you're rushing to get tickets, look no further: buy tickets here.
