THE GROUND WORKS STORY
Keeping Victoria Park Moving
Here’s what we’ve been up to.
First up: we gave the ground a serious makeover
After the 2025 event, extensive restoration works got underway across the park.
We carried out verti-draining across 141,653 m² - essentially giving the ground thousands of little channels to help air, water and nutrients get where they’re needed.
We also applied pre-seed fertiliser and replanted more than one tonne of specialist grass seed across 43,408 m² of the occupied event space.
Alongside that, areas of compacted ground were treated and spot-seeded to help give the grass the best possible chance to bounce back.
Then we went again
We didn’t stop there.
Ahead of the 2026 festival season, we carried out a second phase of major groundworks, including a further 110,952 m² of verti-draining and over-sowing with 2.77 tonnes of amenity grass seed.
In other words: a lot of holes, a lot of seed and a lot of effort went into getting the park fighting fit.
And then came the watering...
Grass seed needs water. Quite a lot of it, actually.
To give the newly seeded areas the best possible start, we ran an intensive watering programme, five days a week, using dedicated tractor-pulled water tankers and bowsers.
So why is it still dusty?
This is the frustrating bit.
Despite all of the work above, the prolonged drought and record-breaking temperatures we've experienced this summer have made it incredibly difficult for the ground to recover as we'd hoped.
The park is still very dry, and when dry ground meets thousands of dancing feet, dust is unfortunately an inevitable outcome.
Our brilliant crew are continuously working behind the scenes to get the park ready for the event. As a result we’ve added extra infrastructure and ground protection across key walking routes, busy areas and in front of stages to help manage the high levels of footfall and keep dust to a minimum.
What can you do?
If you’re coming to All Points East, we recommend being prepared for dusty conditions.
A bandana, face covering or similar can be a handy addition to your festival kit if you’d like a little extra comfort.
Sunglasses are also a pretty good shout. And, as ever, staying hydrated is important - especially when it’s hot.
The bigger picture
The work doesn’t end when the festival gates close.
Following this year’s events, we will continue to work alongside specialist teams and Tower Hamlets to monitor Victoria Park and support its long-term recovery and health.
Because All Points East is lucky enough to call this place home - and we want it to remain a brilliant green space for the people who live here, visit here, play here and enjoy it long after the last encore.
The numbers at a glance
41,653 m²
Verti-drained after the 2025 event
1+ tonne
Specialist grass seed replanted after 2025
110,952 m²
Further verti-draining ahead of 2026
2.77 tonnes
Amenity grass seed used in 2026
6 weeks
Of intensive watering
5 days a week
Watering programme from 22 June–31 July
A whole lot of grass
And a whole lot of love for Victoria Park.
