The skies opened up over LIDO and scarcely relented, transforming the festival into a challenge of endurance. However, what transpired in the soaked fields wasn’t merely about survival—it was a transcendental experience. At the heart of it all was Jamie xx, orchestrating and guiding a day that felt both meticulously crafted and emotionally raw.
The day got off to a rocky start. Jamie xx’s back-to-back set with Skrillex, one of the most anticipated early performances, took place not on the main stage but inside the sound engineering tent. Their sets burst with high-energy remixes, featuring a wild reimagining of the Sugarhill Gang’s ‘Apache (Jump On It)’ and the classic ‘Jump Around’ by House of Pain. At one moment, Skrillex amplified the energy, calling out: “Yo, good morning good afternoon — make some noise for Jamie!” However, with limited visibility and atmosphere, compounded by a tightly scheduled lineup, their performance struggled to land effectively.
But following this, LIDO began to rise. The Floor, Jamie’s club-themed stage, showcased his curatorial brilliance. DJ Harvey’s three-hour masterclass embodied everything the stage was meant to offer: hypnotic, soulful, and wonderfully odd, like stumbling into a forgotten club at daybreak. When he dropped ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’ into the mix, it was absurd, euphoric, and made complete sense at that moment—a surprising highlight that somehow felt sacred. Livwutang, Shy One, Wookie, and a frenetic back-to-back set with Nia Archives brought sweat, energy clashes, and vitality that made even the rain-soaked concrete feel vibrant.
—
—
LIDO prioritizes artists and grants them authority, presenting a festival entirely programmed by the headliners. They bring along their favorite artists, collaborators, fresh talents, and their unique styles to each day. From the performances to the artwork and stage design—every element reflects their personal touch. Named after Victoria Park’s Lido Field, the ten-day event features curated line-ups with a strong emphasis on sustainability, along with community activities throughout the week. This dedication is evident in how Jamie xx has shaped The Floor, making it the perfect space for shared, sweat-soaked connections.
Tim Reaper energized the junglist dancefloor ahead of the day’s second back-to-back set with the legendary Shy FX, whose fierce drum ‘n’ bass performance had the crowd skanking from beginning to end. The atmosphere was electric—pure vibes from the “ultimate junglist.” Just as it seemed the energy couldn’t peak any higher, he finished his set with ‘Original Nuttah’, inciting a full-blown frenzy in the audience.
One of the day’s most captivating moments arrived with the Bullet Tooth B2B Todd Edwards set. It felt wonderfully cross-generational: Bullet Tooth, riding high on the success of his recent release ‘Technique’, infused sharp, contemporary energy, while Todd Edwards—recognized as one of the founding figures of UK Garage—anchored the set in deep-rooted legacy. The close proximity to Romford, just 30 minutes from the festival site, added a unique resonance to the performance.
—
—
Then DJ Gigola took the stage with a set that felt transformative. “When I arrived and saw the rain, I thought, please don’t let me play outside,” she laughed afterward. But the tent’s cover worked in her favor. “The rain brought the energy in,” she stated, and that energy remained. Drawing from her roots in Berlin’s club scene, Gigola kept the audience engaged with bold transitions and a high-octane flow. “I always take my freedom,” she shared later, discussing the distinction between DJing and being an artist. “Tonight, the crowd was open. That made all the difference.”
On the main stage, Sampha delivered one of the night’s most moving performances. When ‘Blood On Me’ played, it resonated like a musical battle cry—urgent and cathartic, a moment that united the crowd through tension and release. Panda Bear’s set brought a touch of indie flair to the day, featuring a powerful ‘Defense’ and the beautiful Fleetwood Mac-like groove of ‘50mg’.
—
—
Ultimately, the night belonged to Jamie xx’s headlining performance—a set that served as the emotional and sonic highlight of the festival. He has never shied away from reimagining his own work, but the acid-twisted rendition of ‘Gosh’ was something entirely different: both menacing and euphoric, masterful. It might be the best version of the track yet — a decade of experimentation distilled into something primal and fresh.
Jamie also played an extended cut of ‘Life’ from ‘In Waves’, beginning with a beautifully raw acoustic intro—a recording that felt like a Spanish folk band gently playing the opening notes, full of warmth and restraint before the track
Charli XCX took the stage with AIR in Paris yesterday (June 7th) for a unique performance at the We Love Green Festival. It's a busy weekend for live music.
Last night (June 7th), at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, Bruce Springsteen was accompanied onstage by Paul McCartney during his performance. Bruce Springsteen & The E
At times, it seemed less like enjoying a pleasant public park during a Massive Attack concert and more like being physically ensnared within the thick syrup.
The skies poured over LIDO and hardly eased, transforming the festival into a challenge of stamina. However, what transpired across the soaked grounds was not merely