Frequently Asked Questions

1. Event Logistics & Schedule

Q1: What are the specific dates for the 2026 events, and how long will the "build" and "break" periods last? Answer: To minimise disruption, we have optimised our build-and-break schedule. The "build" (setup) will begin approximately 15 days before the first show, and the "break" (take down) will be completed within 10 days of the final performance. We are committed to returning the park to full public use as quickly as possible.

Q2: Why are there more event days this year compared to previous years? Answer: In line with the updated Major Events Policy approved by Tower Hamlets Council, the park is permitted to host up to 12 major event days per year, for which AEG currently operates 11. This allows us to bring a more diverse range of artists and support the local economy while ensuring the council can continue to reinvest event revenue into the maintenance and improvement of Victoria Park itself.

2. Park Access & Impact

Q3: Will the entire park be closed during the festivals? Answer: No. Only the specific event site in the eastern park will be ticket-controlled. The majority of Victoria Park, including the West Side, the boating lake, and the playgrounds will remain open and accessible to the public throughout the duration of the events.

Q4: How are you protecting the grass and the park’s biodiversity? Answer: We take our stewardship of "The People's Park" seriously. We use specialised ground protection flooring in high-traffic areas and have an independent ecological impact assessment conducted before and after the events. Under the agreement with the Victoria Parks Management Team any damage to the grass is professionally repaired at the event organisers' expense immediately following the site break.

3. Noise & Community Disturbance

Q5: How will you manage noise levels for residents living directly adjacent to the park? Answer: We employ a team of independent acoustic consultants who monitor decibel levels in real-time at multiple perimeter locations. We strictly adhere to the noise limits set by the Tower Hamlets Environmental Health department. If you feel levels are exceeding these limits, we provide a Community Hotline (available during the event) for immediate investigation and adjustment.

Q6: What time will the music end each night? Answer: In accordance with our licensing agreement, all amplified music will conclude by 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and by 10:30 PM on Sundays.

4. Transport & Traffic

Q7: Will there be road closures in the surrounding area? Answer: To ensure the safety of both attendees and residents, temporary managed road closures will be in place on specific streets (such as Grove Road) during the "egress" period (when the show ends). These are typically short-lived (1.5 - 2 hours) and managed by professional traffic marshals. Residents will maintain access to their properties via stewarded closure points, though brief delays may be expected at busy times dependent on footfall.

Q8: How will you prevent festival-goers from parking on local residential streets? Answer: All Points East and LIDO are "public transport only" events. We provide no public parking on-site (with the exception of Blue Badge facilities). We work closely with the Council to enforce strict parking permit checks in the surrounding Controlled Parking Zones and actively message all ticket holders to use the Tube, Overground, or cycling facilities.

5. Public Safety & Anti-Social Behavior

Q9: How will you prevent littering and public urination in the streets surrounding the park? Answer: We deploy "Community Response Teams" who patrol the external perimeter and key walking routes to Mile End and Bethnal Green stations. These teams focus on litter picking and monitoring for anti-social behavior. We also install additional temporary toilets outside the park gates and key strategic locations along the walking route to Mile End for use by departing guests.

Q10: What is the policing and security plan for the 2026 events? Answer: We work closely with our private security contractor to ensure the safety and security of the event and surrounding areas. Our plans are subject to sign off by the Metropolitan Police and they support the event to deter crime in the local area. We work closely with Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers (THEOs) who have the authority to enforce public bylaws and issue fixed penalty notices.

6. Community Benefits

Q11: What is "In The Neighbourhood," and is it really free? Answer: Yes! In The Neighbourhood (ITNH) is our mid-week community event programme. It is 100% free to enter and features a program designed in collaboration with local businesses and residents, including outdoor cinema, yoga, kids' workshops, and local talent stages.

Q12: How do local businesses benefit from these festivals? Answer: We prioritise local procurement. From our food traders to our merch suppliers, we actively seek out Tower Hamlets-based businesses. Additionally, the influx of visitors provides a significant boost to local pubs, cafes, and shops. In 2025, the festivals generated millions of pounds for the local economy.

Q13: Can local residents get discounted tickets? Answer: Yes. We operate in partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets a Resident Ticket Ballot for free specifically for those living in the immediate postcodes surrounding the park.

7. Sustainability & Accountability

Q14: What are you doing to make these festivals "Green"? Answer: We uphold our commitment "Zero Waste to Landfill". This includes a ban on single-use plastic (we provide free water refill stations), the use of innovative power solutions to reduce carbon emissions, and a requirement for all traders to use compostable packaging.

Q15: How can I provide feedback or complain during the event? Answer: We operate a dedicated resident hotline during our tenancy and the event period. All complaints are logged and shared with the Council. We also host a post-event debrief meeting with local residents to discuss what worked and what can be improved for the following year.