All Points East returns to Victoria Park in East London for its 2026 edition as one of the capital’s most talked-about late-summer festivals. With a mix of powerhouse headliners, curated one-off shows, the returning In The Neighbourhood community programme, and the festival’s new partnership with Outbreak Fest for heavier music on one day, APE 2026 promises something for practically every music fan. This detailed guide covers dates, headline acts, lineups, tickets, what to expect on site, travel and accommodation advice, practical planning, accessibility, safety, sustainability, local area tips, and a full FAQ to help you make the most of All Points East 2026. (Cited sources are included for the festival’s key facts and announcements.)

Quick snapshot (need-to-know)

• Where: Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets, East London.
• Confirmed headline dates & artists (so far): Lorde — Saturday 22 August 2026; Deftones (Outbreak Fest day) — Sunday 23 August 2026; Tyler, The Creator — Friday 28 & Saturday 29 August 2026 (two-day headline).
• Format: APE runs a mix of ticketed headline weekend shows and a free/low-cost midweek community programme (In The Neighbourhood).
• Tickets: Tickets released via official All Points East / Ticketmaster outlets; day tickets, two-day passes and payment plans often available. Buy only from official sellers to avoid scams.

1. What is All Points East? — short history & identity

Launched in 2018, All Points East (APE) established itself as a multi-week festival series in Victoria Park, combining big headline shows on weekends with a free cultural programme during the week called In The Neighbourhood. Over successive editions APE has become known for bold, eclectic curation — from indie stalwarts and dance acts to experimental and emerging artists — and for staging one-off headliner shows that make August in East London a must-visit for local and international audiences. The festival is deliberately community-minded and frequently highlights local arts, family activities, film screenings and sustainability agendas alongside its music programming.

2. Dates & headline highlights (2026 edition)

Confirmed dates / headline shows announced so far (November 2025):

• Saturday 22 August 2026 — Lorde (headline). Lorde’s booking is presented as a major return to UK festival stages and anchors an all-female-led line up on her date.
• Sunday 23 August 2026 — Deftones (Outbreak Fest × All Points East). APE has partnered with Outbreak Fest to present a heavier alt/HC day featuring Deftones, IDLES, Amyl and The Sniffers, JPEGMAFIA and more.
• Friday 28 & Saturday 29 August 2026 — Tyler, The Creator (two-day headline). Tyler will headline two nights with stacked supporting bills across both days.

These announcements indicate a deliberately broad musical sweep — pop and alt on Lorde’s night, hardcore and alternative metal via Outbreak Fest, and hip-hop/alternative on Tyler’s two-day takeover. Expect more names and curated stages to be revealed as the festival build-up continues.

3. Full lineup — what’s been announced and what to watch for

APE’s programming strategy mixes big single-artist headline shows with curated weekend lineups. As of the latest announcements:

• Lorde (22 Aug) — supporting names include PinkPantheress, Zara Larsson, Oklou and a number of rising artists handpicked to complement Lorde’s alt-pop sensibility.
• Deftones / Outbreak Fest (23 Aug) — heavier alternative/metal and punk acts across a full day: Deftones, IDLES, Amyl and The Sniffers, JPEGMAFIA, Deafheaven, Show Me The Body, Basement, among others. This is Outbreak Fest’s London debut in partnership with APE.
• Tyler, The Creator (28–29 Aug) — Tyler headlines two nights with diverse support: Rex Orange County, Turnstile, Daniel Caesar, Baby Keem, Dijon, Ghostface Killah, Faye Webster, Danny Brown, Mustard & Friends and more across the two days.

Why this matters: APE’s model means each headliner day is a near-mini festival in itself: ticket buyers get a headline performance plus a curated supporting bill that often includes breakthrough acts you’ll see everywhere the following year. Expect late-announced special guests, producer/DJ takeover stages and daytime club-style activations (North Arena / South Arena style programming).

4. Tickets — types, pricing, resale and best-practice buying

Ticket types

• Day tickets: single-day access (typical choice for headliner fans).
• Two-day tickets / weekend passes: sometimes offered for stacked headliners (e.g., Tyler’s two nights may have a bundled option).
• VIP / hospitality: premium viewing platforms, faster entry and bar access (price varies widely).
• Payment plans: many festivals offer instalment options; check the official ticket page.

Pricing guidance

Historic ticket ranges for APE weekend headline shows typically sit in the mid-range of UK festival pricing (day ticket examples from prior years: approx. £60–£90 depending on headliner and package). VIP and hospitality packages cost extra (often double or more than GA). Time Out’s 2026 overview flags similar ranges and the availability of payment plans.

Resale & authenticity

• Buy only from official sellers (All Points East official site, Ticketmaster, authorised local vendors). Avoid secondary sellers that are not partnered with the festival: ticket fraud and inflated pricing are common. Official resale via Ticketmaster (if offered) is the safest alternative to third-party brokers.

Tips for scoring tickets

1. Presale registration: sign up for mailing lists and artist presales — many headline tickets go via fan clubs or festival presale windows.
2. Have accounts ready: create or check your Ticketmaster/AXS account and stored payment details before sale day.
3. Use mobile + desktop: use both devices if you can — sometimes different queues open faster on one platform.
4. Payment plan terms: read cancellation and refund rules — plans sometimes restrict resale.

5. Getting to Victoria Park — transport, timings and local tips

Location

Victoria Park sits in East London (E3) within Tower Hamlets — close to Betrothal Green, Mile End and Hackney Wick, with a range of transport options into the park.

By public transport

• Tube / Overground: Betrothal Green (Central Line) and Cambridge Heath / Hackney Wick (Overground) are commonly used rail stations. Plan for extra travel time: festival crowds can create local congestion.
• Bus: Several London bus routes serve Victoria Park’s perimeter — useful if tube lines are full.
• Train: Liverpool Street is the nearest major mainline hub; from there connect by tube/overground or bus.
• Cycle: London’s cycle network makes biking to the festival feasible; use designated bike parking if offered.

Driving & parking

• Driving is not recommended due to restricted local roads, limited festival parking and congestion. If you must drive, pre-book official parking (if available) and expect local road closures.
• Rideshare/taxis: designate a local pickup/dropoff point outside the immediate park perimeter to avoid traffic bottlenecks.

Arrival timing

• Gates typically open early afternoon (often 2–3pm for major headliner days) and headliners play in the evening. Arrive early if you want front-stage positions or to experience multiple acts.

6. What to pack & what’s allowed (practical festival kit)

Essentials

• Valid ticket (mobile or print) and ID.
• Portable charger (power bank), cash/card (most stalls are card-friendly but small vendors may prefer cash).
• Refillable water bottle (many festivals provide water refill stations).
• Weatherproof jacket / poncho — London weather is famously changeable.
• Comfortable shoes and hat/sunscreen for daytime.
• Ear protection if you’re near loud stages (especially relevant for Outbreak Fest day).
• Small backpack or bum bag — keep hands free and valuables secure.

Not allowed

• Large umbrellas, professional cameras without accreditation, drones, illegal substances and glass containers. (Always check the festival’s official prohibited list before arriving.)

Accessibility & medications

• Bring necessary medications and a copy of prescriptions. APE provides medical tents and staff — check the accessibility info for queuing assistance or dedicated viewing platforms.

7. Food, drink & site facilities

Food & drink

• Expect a broad mix of food traders covering global cuisines, vegan/veggie stalls, late-night street food and festival staples. Many festivals now feature sustainably sourced menus and local vendors. Cashless payments are standard at bigger vendors.

Bars & alcohol

• Licensed bars will operate during set hours. Festivals often have age-restricted areas — bring ID.

Toilets & hygiene

• Standard festival toilet blocks and additional accessible toilets will be positioned across the site; handwashing stations and sanitiser are commonplace.

Lockers / charging

• Lockers and phone-charging facilities are often offered via third-party providers; pre-book if you plan to store valuables.

8. On-site layout & stages — reading the map

APE typically splits its main action across a South Stage and North Arena format (or similar site divisions) with curated arenas and a main headline stage. Expect:

• Main stage: headline sets in the evening.
• Secondary stages: cross-genre programming, daytime and late-night DJ sets.
• Club / takeover arenas: special promoter or label takeover stages (e.g., Mustard & Friends takeover, electronic nights).

Maps and set times are published on the official All Points East website and social channels in the weeks before the festival — download the map and mark must-see acts.

9. In The Neighbourhood — community & free programming

A defining feature of APE is In The Neighbourhood, the midweek cultural programme that runs alongside the ticketed weekend shows. This usually includes:

• Free community events: family activities, workshops and local performances.
• Film screenings & theatre: outdoor cinema and curated performances.
• Sports & local engagement: participatory events and local-artist showcases.

If you’re in London before or after the headline weekends, check the APE calendar for free/low-cost events that give a different, community-led festival experience.

10. Safety, crowd management & medical provisions

Festivals in London follow strict safety protocols. Typical APE safety measures include:

• On-site stewards and security: visible staff and stewarding teams throughout the day.
• Medical tents & first aid points: easily locateable on the site map.
• Bag searches & prohibited items checks: expect security screening at entry.
• Extreme weather or emergency procedures: festivals communicate evacuation or shelter plans via public address systems and social channels.

If you attend on the Outbreak Fest day (heavier music), follow guidelines about boots/safety and stay hydrated in mosh pits. Ear protection is strongly recommended.

11. Accessibility / family planning / young attendees

Age restrictions: APE typically has a minimum age for certain shows (often 14+ or 16+ for headliners); check specific event pages. Parents and family-friendly events are part of the midweek programme.

Accessibility support: The festival provides accessible viewing platforms, accessible toilets and a dedicated welfare team. Book accessible tickets early and contact the festival’s access team for assistance with mobility needs, visual/hearing impairments or companion tickets.

Family areas: If you’re bringing children, see the In The Neighbourhood schedule for workshops and family slots rather than the busiest headline days.

12. Sustainability & local impact

All Points East public materials emphasise a commitment to sustainability and local benefit. Expect:

• Waste management & recycling infrastructure, including composting where possible.
• Local vendor prioritisation and community partnerships.
• Noise control & neighbourhood liaisons: the festival negotiates with local councils and residents to manage sound and traffic.

If you care about low-impact attendance, travel by public transport, use refill stations, and support local traders on site.

13. Budget planning — how much will the day cost

A day at All Points East will typically include:

• Ticket: £60–£120 (approx. range depending on headliner and package).
• Food & drink: £15–£40 (depending on meals/number of drinks).
• Merch & extras: £20–£60 (artist merch, merchandise queues can be long — budget accordingly).
• Transport: £5–£20 (London travelcards, depending on zone and mode).
• Extras: lockers, charging and convenience costs.

Total day budget (mid range): £120–£250 per person for GA. VIP/Hospitality days will be higher. Pre-book where possible (travel passes, lockers) to reduce on-the-day payments.

14. Insider tips — make the most of APE 2026

1. Plan an itinerary: with multiple stages and simultaneous acts, pick 3–4 must-see artists and plan gaps for food and walking time.
2. Arrive early for front positions: gates open early; if you want to be front and centre for the headliner, arrive at gate opening.
3. Use quieter stages to discover gems: smaller stages often host breakthrough artists you’ll thank yourself for seeing later.
4. Stay hydrated & ear-safe: especially at Outbreak Fest day — the music is loud and energetic.
5. Follow official social channels: the festival announces last-minute set time changes and surprise guests via Instagram
6. Charge strategy: bring a fully charged phone + power bank; pre-download maps and set times to save battery.

15. Accommodation — where to stay

Victoria Park is easily reachable from central London and Docklands. Accommodation options:

• Nearby neighbourhoods: Hackney, Bethnal Green, Mile End, Shoreditch, Stratford. These areas are well-connected with short bus/tube rides.
• Budget: hostels and budget hotels in Stratford or Shoreditch can be cheaper, but book early for festival weekends.
• Mid-range & boutique: Hackney and Shoreditch offer boutique hotels and rentals ideal for groups.
• Staycations & day trips: if you live locally, avoid the accommodation cost entirely by commuting.

Tip: book months ahead for August festival weekends — London events push prices up early.

16. Aftershows & what to do in East London around the festival

East London’s nightlife and cultural scene is rich — if you have energy after the festival:

• Shoreditch clubs & bars: DJ sets and afterparty venues are abundant.
• Live venues: check quick club shows and local venues around Hackney or Dalston for late-night sets.
• Dining: Brick Lane or Broadway Market for late bites pre/post festival.
• Cultural day: use daytime to explore nearby museums, street art, and canal walks in Hackney Wick.

Artists and promoters often host official or unofficial aftershows — follow artist social feeds for ticket drops.

17. Media & press — coverage expectations

Major outlets (Time Out, RadioX, Official Charts, NME and The Independent) cover APE announcements, reviews and breakdowns of the lineups and headliners. Expect live reviews, set-time coverage and social media recaps for headline nights. If you plan to blog or report, secure press accreditation early through the official media portal.

18. Potential pitfalls & how to avoid them

• Counterfeit tickets: only buy from official outlets — Ticketmaster or allpointseastfestival.com.
• Last-minute line-up changes: festivals can change due to illness or logistics; have a flexible plan.
• Transport delays: London transport may be stretched on festival weekends — leave early and check service updates.
• Weather: prepare for heat and rain — pack sun protection and a waterproof layer.
• Personal safety at night: travel in groups for late departures and use official taxi ranks.

19. How APE 2026 fits into the UK festival landscap

All Points East sits alongside London’s summer festival staples (BST Hyde Park, Wireless, Lovebox) but retains a boutique-curatorial identity: it mixes stadium-scale headline draws with a festival of discovery. APE’s programming tends to spotlight artists on the rise as well as established names who create appointment-style headline shows. This makes APE both a discovery festival and a headline destination — a hybrid that keeps it relevant year after year.

20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When does All Points East 2026 take place?
A: The festival runs across late August 2026 with headline shows on confirmed dates (Lorde 22 Aug; Deftones/Outbreak Fest 23 Aug; Tyler The Creator 28–29 Aug) and additional events across the month. Check the official site for the full calendar.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Buy from official sellers: allpointseastfestival.com, Ticketmaster, or authorised partners. Avoid unverified resale sites.

Q: Can I bring a refillable water bottle?
A: Yes — refill stations are commonly provided; check the festival’s latest policy on permitted items.

Q: Is the festival family-friendly?
A: APE offers family programming (In The Neighbourhood). Check specific dates and age restrictions for headline shows; some headline nights may be age-restricted.

Q: What’s the weather like in London in August?
A: Warm and changeable — expect sun and carry a lightweight waterproof. Festivals often recommend layers and sun protection.

Q: Are refunds available?
A: Refunds and transfers are governed by ticket terms; check the seller’s policy — many festivals have strict no-refund policies except for cancellations.

21. Final thoughts — is All Points East 2026 worth it?

If you love a festival that balances blockbuster headline acts with discovery-driven supporting bills and community programming, All Points East 2026 looks set to deliver. The confirmed headliners span pop, alternative, hip-hop and heavy music — Lord, Def tones (via Outbreak Fest partnership), and Tyler, The Creator — which is an intentionally wide-ranging statement of intent from the organisers. For Londoners and international visitors alike, APE offers the chance to see singular headline performances in a park setting while also sampling new artists across dynamic secondary stages. Book early, plan travel and stay flexible — APE’s mix of big-name nights and smaller stage surprises makes it one of the capital’s most versatile August festival experiences. Time

Sources (selected)

• All Points East — official site (About, ticketing, In The Neighbourhood).
• Time Out — All Points East 2026 overview (dates, ticket info, context).
• Official Charts — Lorde headline announcement.
• Radio X — Lorde & supporting lineup details.
• FrontView / news outlets — Deftones / Outbreak Fest headline announcement.
• Skiddle, Music press & TicketNews — Tyler, The Creator two-day headline announcement and supporting acts.
• Ticketing pages (Ticketmaster / Ents24) — ticket offers and date listings.