CMAT 'Truly Devastated' After LIDO Festival Rescheduling Forces Performance Cancellation
The Irish singer CMAT has publicly expressed her devastation after being forced to cancel her headline performance at London's LIDO Festival. The festival, originally scheduled for June at Victoria Park in east London, has been partially rescheduled to August due to concerns over the condition of the park grounds.
Festival Organizers Cite Park Ground Conditions
LIDO Festival organizers announced on Thursday that the event cannot proceed as planned in June to protect the ground conditions at Victoria Park. This decision has created a domino effect, impacting multiple headline acts including CMAT and indie rock group Bombay Bicycle Club.
The 30-year-old Dublin-born artist, whose full name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, took to Instagram to share her disappointment with fans. "I am very very sorry to tell you that due to issues with the ground at Victoria Park, LIDO Festival has to move to new dates in August, and as a result, I – like others on the bill – am no longer able to play," CMAT wrote in her emotional statement.
Multiple Headline Acts Affected
The festival had been scheduled to run from June 12 to 14 with a diverse lineup:
- June 12: CMAT headlining alongside Father John Misty, Katy J Pearson, and Junior Brother
- June 13: Electronic duo Maribou State scheduled to headline
- June 14: Bombay Bicycle Club set to top the bill
Bombay Bicycle Club also expressed their disappointment via Instagram, explaining that the cancellation resulted from "a knock-on effect of the work that was required after last year's events and the wet winter causing further issues." The band, consisting of Jack Steadman, Jamie MacColl, Suren de Saram, and Ed Nash, acknowledged the inconvenience for fans who had made travel plans.
Refund Process and Rescheduling Details
Organizers have confirmed specific changes to the festival schedule:
- The June 13 program headlined by Maribou State has been moved to August 31
- The remaining festival dates face cancellation due to artist scheduling conflicts
- All ticket-holders will receive automatic refunds from the promoter
CMAT emphasized in her statement that her LIDO show cannot be rescheduled and will not proceed. "I am truly devastated not to be able to play this festival," she wrote. "I realize this will cause issues for some of you who have bought tickets and may be travelling and for that I can only say sorry."
Environmental Considerations and Festival History
The LIDO Festival, which launched last year with strong sustainability commitments and environmental initiatives, made the difficult decision to reschedule based on what organizers described as the "paramount importance" of preserving the venue's condition. This move reflects the festival's ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility despite the significant disruption to artists and attendees.
The cancellation highlights the challenges outdoor festivals face when dealing with unpredictable weather conditions and venue maintenance requirements, particularly following wet winter months that can significantly impact park grounds.
