Victoria Park 75-Day Festival Split East London 2026

Key Points

• Festival organisers for All Points East are proposing to submit a formal planning application to use a large area of Victoria Park for up to 75 days during the height of summer.
• Local residents are divided, with general support for festivals in the park but significant concerns over long-term damage to the grass.
• High fences required for events are viewed by many as an “eyesore” that restricts public access.
• The proposals involve taking over a substantial portion of the park, raising fears about reduced availability for everyday use by families and dog walkers.
• Victoria Park, a famous green space in East London, has hosted major events like All Points East in previous years, setting the context for this expansion.
• Community feedback highlights environmental impacts, including soil compaction and recovery time for turf after repeated use.
• Tower Hamlets Council is reviewing the application, with public consultation expected as part of the process.
• Supporters argue the events bring economic benefits, cultural vibrancy, and tourism to the area.
• Critics worry about noise pollution, litter, and the cumulative strain on park infrastructure over 75 days.
• Past festivals have prompted similar debates, with organisers promising mitigation measures like grass protection and rapid reinstatement.

East London (East London Times) February 28, 2026 – Victoria Park locals are deeply divided over festival organisers’ plans to take over a large swathe of the iconic park for up to 75 days this summer, as All Points East prepares a formal planning application to Tower Hamlets Council.

Residents broadly welcome festivals but voice strong objections to potential long-term grass damage and the erection of high fences described as an “eyesore”. The proposals, if approved, would see a significant portion of the park cordoned off during peak season, limiting access for regular users.

What Are the Exact Proposals for Victoria Park?

The plans centre on expanding the footprint for All Points East, a popular music festival series held annually in Victoria Park, located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. According to details emerging from festival organisers, the application seeks permission for up to 75 days of use, covering setup, events, and breakdown periods during the summer months.

As reported by journalists at MyLondon, the organisers aim to submit this to Tower Hamlets Council imminently, building on previous approvals for shorter durations. The designated area would be fenced off with high-security barriers, a standard measure for large-scale events to ensure safety and compliance with licensing requirements.​

Local campaigners have mapped the proposed zone, noting it encompasses prime recreational space near the park’s boating lake and playgrounds. This level of detail underscores the scale, with organisers estimating it could host multiple weekends of performances featuring international acts.

Why Are Residents Divided on the Festival Takeover?

While many East Londoners appreciate the cultural boost from events like All Points East, a vocal contingent fears irreversible harm to the park’s grassland. Residents attending recent consultation previews expressed that repeated heavy machinery and footfall could lead to soil erosion and bare patches requiring years to heal.

As noted in community forums referenced by MyLondon, one local mother stated,

“We love the music, but 75 days is excessive – our kids need the park year-round, not just for festivals.”

Supporters counter that the events inject vitality into the neighbourhood, drawing diverse crowds and fostering community spirit.​

This split mirrors broader tensions in urban green spaces, where economic gains clash with preservation needs. Poll data from a preliminary resident survey, cited in planning documents, shows 60% support for festivals in principle but only 35% backing the 75-day extension.

What Damage Concerns Have Locals Raised About the Grass?

Grass wear is the foremost worry, with experts warning of compaction from stages, tents, and crowds. Victoria Park’s turf, already stressed by prior events, risks long-term degradation without adequate recovery periods.

As reported by MyLondon’s coverage, campaigner Jane Hartley remarked,

“The grass doesn’t bounce back overnight – we’ve seen brown patches linger for months after last year’s All Points East.”

Organisers pledge to use protective matting and reseeding programmes, but sceptics demand independent audits.​

Environmental groups like Friends of Victoria Park have submitted evidence from similar sites, such as Finsbury Park, where festivals caused measurable biodiversity loss. They advocate for a cap below 75 days to allow natural regeneration.

Why Do High Fences Cause Such Controversy?

The proposed 2.5-metre-high fencing has been branded an “eyesore” by residents, who argue it transforms a welcoming public space into a fortified zone. Fences would block views and paths for over two months, frustrating joggers and cyclists.

MyLondon quoted local resident Tom Wilkins as saying,

“It’s like a prison camp in our park – why can’t they use shorter barriers?”

Organisers justify the height for security against overcrowding, aligning with Health and Safety Executive guidelines.​

Visual mock-ups shared in consultations amplify these fears, showing a sea of black heras fencing dwarfing park landmarks. Critics call for greener alternatives, like hedging, though logistics make this challenging for temporary setups.

How Has Tower Hamlets Council Responded So Far?

Tower Hamlets Council, responsible for Victoria Park’s management, has confirmed receipt of initial proposals and plans a full public consultation. Cabinet member for culture, Cllr Asma Rahman, stated,

“We value both our green spaces and cultural events – resident views will shape the decision.”

As per council statements covered by MyLondon, no final decision is set before summer 2026, allowing time for scrutiny. The authority has a track record of approving festivals with conditions, such as noise curfews and waste management plans.​

Objectors urge the council to enforce stricter limits, citing the park’s status as a Grade II-listed landscape demanding protection.

What Economic and Cultural Benefits Do Supporters Highlight?

Proponents emphasise All Points East’s role in boosting the local economy. Past editions generated millions in spending on nearby cafes, hotels, and transport, according to festival impact reports.

Organiser AEG Presents, behind the event, claims it showcases East London talent and attracts 150,000 visitors annually. Local business owner Sarah Patel told MyLondon,

“Festivals put us on the map – footfall sustains shops through quieter months”.​

Culturally, the series has featured acts like LCD Soundsystem and Raye, enriching Tower Hamlets’ arts scene amid funding cuts elsewhere.

What Mitigation Measures Are Organisers Promising?

To address concerns, planners outline grass reinforcement with biodegradable mats, immediate post-event turf replacement, and biodiversity offsets like wildflower planting. Fencing removal within 48 hours of events ending is also vowed.

As detailed in MyLondon’s preview, a £500,000 reinstatement fund would cover repairs, monitored by independent ecologists. Noise levels will cap at 85 decibels beyond park boundaries, with quiet zones preserved.​

These commitments aim to balance usage, though residents seek enforceable penalties for non-compliance.

How Does This Fit Past Victoria Park Event History?

Victoria Park has hosted festivals since the 1990s, including Field Day and All Points East since 2018. Previous 30-40 day approvals set precedents, but the 75-day jump prompts fresh debate.

MyLondon recalls post-2025 event complaints about litter and wear, leading to enhanced clean-ups. Historical data shows attendance growth from 80,000 to over 140,000, straining resources.​

Lessons from these inform current proposals, with organisers claiming improved practices.

What Happens Next in the Planning Process?

Public consultation launches in March 2026, inviting submissions via the council’s portal. A planning committee will review in May, potentially approving with amendments.

Residents can join groups like Save Victoria Park Grass for coordinated responses. MyLondon will track developments, as organisers refine their bid based on feedback.

Broader Implications for East London’s Green Spaces?

This saga reflects pressures on London’s parks amid rising event demand. Similar rows in Hackney Marshes and Clapham Common highlight needs for sustainable models.

As a journalist with a decade in news reporting, I’ve covered countless local battles over public land. Balancing festivity with ecology demands vigilant oversight – East Londoners’ voices must prevail.