All Points East Festival London Canceled

All Points East Festival 2018
– All Points East Festival 2018
Frank Carter of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes diving into the crowd

The next major London festival announced that it won’t take place in 2020: All Points East, which was supposed to take place across two weekends in London’s Victoria Park, May 22-31.
Earlier this week, Pollstar posted a European lineup roundup in defiance of the current wave of festival cancellations. APE had just announced that Thom Yorke would join Massive Attack on the bill, May 24, for what promoter AEG described as “a unique acoustic solo performance with piano.”
However, given the uncertainty that still remain around the developments in the Covid-19 crisis, the promoters made “the difficult decision that All Points East 2020 will be cancelled,” as stated on the festival’s website.
“The decision was made following a constant review of recent Government actions and statements, and after further consultation with key partners and agencies it is clear that we are unable to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of those working at and attending the event,” the statement continues.
Alongside the enforced period of social isolation, the UK government has stated that emergency services will not be able to support major events.
APE’s promoters also believe that the projected strain that is being placed on the UK’s National Health Service “will push this institution and its staff to levels never seen before. It is therefore inconceivable for us to add any distraction to these organizations.”
The statements continues: “We are fortunate to work alongside the emergency services at our events and want to take this opportunity to express our company’s heartfelt gratitude and admiration for all their professionalism and dedication in tackling this crisis.
“We have a responsibility to our staff, fans, event workers, suppliers and sponsors and for this reason, we felt compelled to seek answers to all our questions before making this final decision. However, safety always comes first and what is happening across the world clearly takes precedent and there was simply no alternative.”
APE ticket holders will be contacted by the ticket agent they purchased from.
“We will be back with plans for 2021 shortly,” the statement concludes.
A request for comment on AEG’s other major London park festival British Summer Time Hyde Park was declined. Seeing that the festival takes place in July, there may still be hope. The current statement on the festival’s website states: “We are working hard to deliver BST Hyde Park 2020 but these are challenging and unprecedented times which remain fluid and ever changing and so over the past week we have been seeking further clarification on the government statements surrounding the emergency services and major UK events.  
“This consultation remains ongoing and as soon as we have the full information we will be making a further statement to all fans and partners in the coming days. The safety, health and wellbeing of everyone is our sole priority and we ask that you follow the relevant advice and take care of yourself and your loved ones. Thank you for your patience.”