The first thick drops of summer rain hit as Brooklyn crossover icons Turnstile tear into one of their biggest punk anthems, ‘Holiday’, and no one flinches. After hours of sweaty 27-degree heat and non-stop energy, the downpour feels less like a problem and more like a benediction. Shirtless bodies glisten, Doc Martens stamp into the mud, and the crowd erupts in ecstatic release.
Outbreak Festival, the loudest day of LIDO’s debut nine-day residency in East London’s Victoria Park, offers something rare in the capital’s festival landscape: genuine subcultural energy with just enough polish to keep things moving. For those visiting London in search of an authentic British music festival without the faff of camping or leaving Zone 2, this is the one to watch.
Born in 2011 in Sheffield and having carved out a serious presence in Leeds and Manchester, Outbreak made its London debut this year under LIDO’s broader umbrella. It brought with it not just a taste of hardcore music, but a whole buffet of alternative scenes: emo, metalcore, noise, industrial, and even hip hop. The crowd at Outbreak might have been more heavily inked than club queen Charli XCX playing a day later (or at least, that’s what we’d wager), but their vibes were just as immaculate.
For visitors to London, Outbreak is a shortcut to understanding what the UK underground really looks like. You don’t need to know every name on the bill to enjoy it – in fact, that’s half the point. This year it was Turnstile’s headline set that was the thunderclap closer (quite literally when the storm broke), but the lineup throughout the day rewarded those with wide ears and open minds.
Cult hip-hop icon Danny Brown landed with an air of refinement that showed he’s long outgrown his chaotic, clownlike roots. Fleshwater turned emotional turmoil into a shimmering 90s grunge revival, and Model/Actriz’s industrial disco sent limbs flying with their sweaty, post-punk abandon. Victoria Park, utilising approximately 40% of the footprint normally reserved for All Points East later in the year, felt tight and intimate – sometimes too much so. The smallest tent, “The Club,” was often one-in-one-out by late afternoon. The festival could benefit from a few tweaks here so fewer people miss out.
But overall, having attended London festivals for literally decades, it somehow felt different. Perhaps the most refreshing aspect was what wasn’t there. People were here to connect, not just document. Phones were out, but not in the same obscene numbers we’ve become accustomed to at other FOMO-inducing events. And thankfully, someone shut the advertising off, too. No sponsor messages blared between acts. No forced branding exercises invited us to come in and take selfies. It made a noticeable difference. You weren’t being sold something while you waited for the next wave to hit.
Spanning nine days, LIDO’s M.O. is to offer something of a counter-point to London’s other juggernaut festivals like BST Hyde Park and All Points East (or rather, capture more market share, as all three are ultimately owned and operated by promoters AEG).
It’s a carefully curated blend of the big and the boutique, featuring five ticketed headline events (Jamie xx, Massive Attack, Charli XCX, Outbreak, and London Grammar) and four free community-focused days in between. Where other London festivals can feel like corporate showcases, LIDO wants to be something else entirely: artist-led, environmentally conscious, and tied to its East London roots. There are battery-powered stages, partnerships with local music colleges, and a notable lack of plastic tat. In its first year, it seems to have nailed its brief.
VERDICT: All in all, Outbreak’s London debut didn’t just survive the leap from the North – it thrived. Yes, there were teething problems: tents too small for the demand, a few confused queues, and a heatwave that didn’t quite know when to quit. But those were small issues in a day that offered genuine thrills, serious heart, and a sweaty handshake with the UK’s most exciting subcultures. A welcome addition to London’s already packed summer schedule – and one that can more than hold its own.
TOP Tips for London Day Festivals
- Plan ahead musically. It can be tempting just to show up for the headliner, but believe us the joy is in discovery. Look up the artists before you go and add a few to your playlist. Go in knowing two or three names and leave with ten new favourites.
- Get there early. At LIDO/Outbreak in particular, smaller tents fill fast and once you’re out, you’re out. Don’t expect to breeze into the buzziest set ten minutes before it starts.
- Pack light. A4-sized bags only, no camping gear (duh), no umbrellas. A light raincoat and a refillable bottle will do you fine.
- Hydrate. Especially if it’s sunny. There are refill stations – use them.
- Expect volume. This is not a gentle day out. Earplugs are wise.
- Bring energy, not attitude. This crowd is passionate and surprisingly welcoming. The only rule is: be present.
Getting There
- Tube: Mile End (Central, District, Hammersmith & City) or Bethnal Green (Central Line) are your best bets. Both are about a 10-15 minute walk from the park.
- Bus: Routes 8, 277, 339, 388 and more stop close by. Plan for walking the final leg.
- Bike: There are plenty of docking stations nearby, but expect demand to be high at closing time.