Festivalgoers heading to All Points East this weekend are bracing for potential dust clouds as London's prolonged dry weather has left Victoria Park parched. Footage shared on social media shows sandy dirt kicking up easily from the ground, prompting concerns about conditions for the event, which kicks off with Jorja Smith and Tems on Friday.
Social Media Reactions Highlight Concerns
On X, one user wrote: "Oh guys we are so cooked for All Points East. There is literally no best case scenario here because if it doesn’t rain, it’ll be this dusty, but if it does rain, this will all be slushy mud." Another added: "This actually needs to be sorted by the weekend - I NEED IT TO RAIN," while a third commented: "All Points East this Saturday and Victoria Park still looks like Route 66 desert."
The fears are not unfounded. At the 2025 edition, crowds attending headliners Chase & Status, Cleo Sol, and Pete Tong faced blackened trainers, ashy clothes, and dirty skin. Some attendees reported breathing difficulties, leaving them with heavy lungs and husky voices. Social media was flooded with complaints, including one fan who joked they looked like a chimney sweeper by the end of the day.
Local Insights and Weather Forecast
A local resident noted: "I went for a walk in Victoria Park a couple of days ago, it will most definitely be worse than last year." However, relief may be on the way. BBC Weather forecasts intermittent showers from midday Thursday until around 6pm Friday, with temperatures reaching 19C, which could help settle the dust before Jorja Smith and Tems' opening set. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be dry with sunny intervals.
The following weekend (August 28-30) could see rain, with forecasts indicating showers during Tyler, The Creator and Twenty One Pilots' performances.
Advice for Festivalgoers
Attendees are advised to dress appropriately to combat mud and puddles, and to be mindful when moving around the site. Festivalgoers are also encouraged to bring sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, breathable clothes, and a face covering to protect against potential dust.
All Points East returns to Victoria Park this Friday, August 21, with a lineup including Lorde, Deftones, and Tyler, The Creator. Stay updated with MyLondon for the latest news.
