LIDO FESTIVAL 2025 PRESENTS... LONDON GRAMMAR // VICTORIA PARK, LONDON
Sun-soaked pop brings the summer vibes
★★★★☆ (4/5)
LONDON GRAMMAR CLOSING LIDO FESTIVAL 2025 AT LONDON’S VICTORIA PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: ELLIE KOEPKE
Last Sunday, a blazing Victoria Park played host to thousands of concertgoers as they saw out the last day of the inaugural Lido Festival. The entire day had been a scorcher, adding to the idyllic summer festival vibe, and there could have been no better way to round things off than with the enigmatic London Grammar taking centre stage for the grand finale.
Before London Grammar performed their headline slot the crowd was treated to an exceptional lineup of support acts. The ever-electric Róisín Murphy delivered her unique avant-garde stylings, blending musical experimentation with bold theatrics as she commanded the stage and made various costume changes. Neo-soul singer Celeste proved utterly captivating as her earthy vocals took on an ethereal beauty in the summer sun. The penultimate act, Maverick Sabre, left the crowd's spirits high as his irresistible groove-laden soul balanced striking melodies with gritty lyricism.
Then, as the sun’s golden hues bathed the main stage, London Grammar emerged. With an aura of effortless cool, the band commanded attention from the first note, with emotive vocals and complex instrumentals cutting through the hazy evening air with undeniable power.
The setlist managed to span the band's lengthy career, featuring heavily from 2021’s “Californian Soil” and 2013’s “If I Wait.” Weaving through soaring anthems and introspective ballads, each song ignited sing-alongs and dancing from a crowd hungry for the cathartic release of live music under a summer sky.
Gratitude poured from the stage as the band stressed how honoured they felt by the audience's passion. This connection between artist and crowd elevated the experience. It felt personal, a shared moment where music helped people escape their troubles and make new memories.
Ending with the powerful “Metal & Dust” the band took a quick leave from the stage before retiring for an encore. The anthemic “Strong” served as a poignant moment of the evening. Embodying the themes the band had attempted to deliver. While the final song “Lose Your Head” acted as a euphoric release, which allowed the band and the audience to let loose and revel in the setting sun.
The day had been a rousing success, underlining the brilliant first year of the festival itself. Allowing for artist-driven days to delight thousands of fans.
LONDON GRAMMAR CLOSING LIDO FESTIVAL 2025 AT LONDON’S VICTORIA PARK
PHOTOCREDIT: BUFOLA