With Massive Attack and Air set to take the stage today, June 6, in London’s Victoria Park, the debut of the LIDO Festival is underscored by a commitment to sustainability and innovative technology. AEG Presents has positioned the festival as both London and the global promoter's most environmentally conscious undertaking to date, with a capacity of 35,000 attendees over its five-day run.

This year, the festival's main stage will be uniquely powered by a 1 MW battery developed in partnership with Grid Faeries and Ecotricity. In a pioneering move for the industry, this battery will be connected to the grid and charged using renewable energy. This setup is expected to drastically reduce reliance on traditional generators, with a projected 50% cut in generator capacity and a significant reduction of 48 tonnes in CO2 emissions compared to traditional diesel.

The focus on sustainability extends beyond energy use; the day's programming will also feature entirely meat-free options, with food vendors exclusively offering plant-based or vegetarian choices. This initiative is part of a broader trend within the festival circuit, with Massive Attack leading the charge for decarbonising live music events following their recent ACT 1.5 concert in Bristol, which garnered attention as the UK's lowest carbon show of its scale.

As the festival gets underway, a dedicated team of sustainability experts is implementing months of preparation to bring these eco-friendly initiatives to life. Key figures include AEG Europe’s sustainability director Sam Booth, who emphasised the significance of LIDO in AEG's wider sustainability strategy. "This event brand aims to stand out in the sustainability space," Booth stated, highlighting the ease of pushing such innovations in a new festival compared to an established one.

The LIDO festival experience is designed to enhance not only environmental performance but also the overall enjoyment for attendees. Several measures, such as the absence of single-use plastics and the use of compostable serveware, will contribute to a cleaner festival environment. Vendors will display “eco labels” to inform festival-goers about the carbon footprint of each food item, thereby encouraging mindful consumption.

In addition, waste management efforts aim for a target of recycling 60% of waste generated at the festival's inaugural run. Segregation efforts will be reinforced by back-of-house teams, ensuring that recyclable materials are properly sorted. Partnerships with organisations like A Greener Future will facilitate thorough evaluations of LIDO's sustainability practices and provide a carbon analysis post-event.

Booth reflected on the comprehensive sustainability efforts, commenting, "Jim King and his team have done an amazing job of building sustainability into the DNA of the festival." The festival is not merely a statement about the future of live performances, he asserted, but also a practical approach that promises enhanced experiences for fans, reduced litter, and less noise and air pollution from generators.

As attendees gather to enjoy immersive performances from headliners like Jamie xx, Charli XCX, and London Grammar over the next two weekends, LIDO Festival presents a significant leap toward greener event practices, one that sets a benchmark for future festivals. Both attendees and organisers are poised to witness a new era in how live music can harmonise with environmental responsibility.

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Source: Noah Wire Services