London’s vastly ambitious ten-day event returns for a second year with an eagerly-anticipated programme of entertainment.
It seems to be a staple in the British festival calendar that before we reach the very heart of summer, we’re treated to an array of one day events in and around the capital. British Summer Time in Hyde Park has led the way over the past decade, but recently new names are coming to the fold. One such festival that burst onto the scene last year was All Points East, a vastly impressive mix of one-day events that has attracted the likes of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Catfish & The Bottlemen, LCD Soundsystem, Lorde, The xx, Bjork and The National to the capital.
Now returning for its second year, organisers have delivered an equally impressive bill of names. With just one month to go for what promises to be an unmissable two weekends of music set in East London’s iconic Victoria Park, All Points East is leading London’s live music scene as a beacon of entertainment perfect for all.
This year’s festivities will kick off in spectacular fashion as electronic pioneers The Chemical Brothers headline the opening night. Elsewhere on the bill on Friday 24th May are Primal Scream, Hot Chip, Jon Hopkins, critically acclaimed poet Kate Tempest, DJ Peggy Gou and rapper Danny Brown alongside many more.
Returning to the capital for the first time in four years are New York indie rock heroes The Strokes on Saturday 25th May, who bring the likes of Interpol, The Raconteurs, Johnny Marr, Fat White Family, Courtney Barnett and Jarvis Cocker with them. Whilst the day is sold out, it acts as a reminder of All Points East’s capabilities of attracting the very best of live talent from across the world, whilst also acting as a reminder to pick up tickets for any of the five remaining shows, which all look capable of selling out in quick succession.
Ending the first weekend on Sunday 26th May is an iconoclast of alternative music. Christine & The Queens makes the short trip from her native France to Victoria Park for a captivating blend of melodic pop infused with alternative and electronic influences. Electronic pioneer James Blake, indie favourites Metronomy, and Maribou State top the best of the rest to round up an impressive first weekend.
As if one weekend of high-profile live music wasn’t enough, the event’s second weekend is equally, if not more, impressive as British rock titans Bring Me The Horizon top the bill on Friday 31st May. With what looks to be a defining moment in their career to date, the show will be an idyllic moment to catch their latest record ‘amo’ being played in the capital, whilst Run the Jewels, Nothing But Thieves, IDLES, Yonaka and Architects are noticeable highlights on the line-up.
Family favourites and past Glastonbury headliners Mumford & Sons bring their Gentleman of the Road tour to Victoria Park on a uniquely-crafted day, put together by the band themselves. The festival’s first collaboration with an artist will see the soulful vocals of Leon Bridges, Dermot Kennedy and Jade Bird play alongside grime legend Dizzee Rascal, rock staples The Vaccines and BRITs Critics’ Choice Award winner Sam Fender for a diverse yet rich-in-depth celebration of music.
Ending 2019’s showcase will be the captivating Bon Iver. A live rarity, their ethereal shows have gone down in legend and with the sun setting on the weekend and the event as a whole, their set on June 2nd is a must-see whilst the likes of Mac DeMarco, First Aid Kit, John Grant, Ezra Furman and Charlie Cunningham provide ample coverage across all stages during the day.
Whilst it is so easy to be lost in the depth of 2019’s All Points East line-up, it’s worth noting that a vast selection of events are being offered by the festival in-between the weekends. A host of opportunities will be taking place in the neighbourhood from Monday 27th to Thursday 30th May, including an outdoor cinema, street food, a craft beer fair, live music and a series of creative workshops, panels and talks.
As the Easter sun acts as an early indicator of what we have in store for the summer, 2019’s All Points East will be a highlight in the festival calendar. Taking place across the Bank Holiday weekend as well, there’s no excuse to miss this wonderfully curated day of live music, food and other entertainment.
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