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It’s officially festival season. In London, that doesn’t just mean looking forward to Glasto or Reading/Leeds, it basically means a huge outdoor music event happening in the city almost every weekend. Still, it’s rare that you get to try out a festival that’s entirely new.
This weekend marks the inaugural dates for LIDO festival at Victoria Park. Split across two weekends, it will play host to acts like Massive Attack, Jamie XX, and even Charli XCX. You can learn more about LIDO, and who you’ll see there, here.
It’s always tricky to navigate a brand new festival. Both literally – keep that park map close to hand to avoid getting lost – and more generally. What do you wear? What options are there for food? What bag can you bring? We don’t have all the answers, but do know what you are and aren’t allowed to bring through the gates at LIDO.
Here’s everything you need to know about LIDO’s bag policy, its list of banned items, and some general restrictions ahead of this Saturday’s gig.
What is banned at LIDO 2025?
Like any other event, LIDO has a list of prohibited items which exists to keep everyone involved safe. Unsurprisingly, no sharps or explosives will be welcome past the gates, but there’s a few more things to be aware of when you’re packing your bag.
- There are no chairs or stools allowed as this is a strictly ‘standing event’.
- Large umbrellas, such as golf umbrellas and parasols, are also prohibited.
- You cannot bring any food or drink except an empty bottle into the grounds.
- Oversized bags or suitcases cannot be brought into the festival.
- Large cameras or professional filming equipment may be confiscated by security. According to LIDO, the general rule for this is ‘if in doubt don’t bring it!’.
- No animals, except for assistance dogs, are welcome.
- There are also several things which are banned for safety reasons. These include:
Air horns - Selfie sticks
- Spray cans
- Chinese lanterns
- Dangerous or hazardous weapons/items
- Fireworks
- Flags
- Gas canisters
- Hand held communication devices such as radios, radio jammers/scanners
- Glass (of any kind)
- High-viz
- Klaxons and other similar items
- Laser pens
- ‘Legal’ highs as outlined by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
- Scooters
- Skateboards and bicycles
What am I allowed to bring into LIDO 2025?
That seems like a pretty long list of stuff you can’t have, but it’s not all bad. You’re welcome to bring a picnic blanket to sit on, although you may be asked to move if you end up settling in a busy spot. You can also bring an empty reusable water bottle – there are refill stations on site – or an unopened plastic bottle of up to 500ml.
You can also bring an umbrella provided it folds up and can fit in your bag. Banners are also welcome as long as they are A1 or smaller, not made of wood, and do not come attached to flagpoles. If you’re planning on bringing a banner of some sort, you can read the festival’s full guidelines on them here.
Bag restrictions
You may bring a small ‘over the shoulder’ bag per person. It is also worth noting that there is no cloakroom on site, so whatever you bring you’ll have to carry with you all day.
Are there any other restrictions at LIDO 2025?
For all acts except London Grammar, you must be at least 16 to enter. For London Grammar, that goes down to 14, but in all cases those under the age of 18 must come with an adult. Last entry is 8:30pm, and there is no re-entry: once you leave, you’re out.
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