Charli XCX Declares ‘Brat Summer’ Will Endure at LIDO Festival Headline Show
Charli XCX delivered an electric headlining performance at LIDO Festival on Saturday, leaving thousands in East London buzzing with exhilaration and a resounding sense that “Brat Summer” is here to stay. The British pop provocateur transformed Victoria Park’s historic Lido Field into a euphoric rave, punctuated by bold visuals, pulse-racing beats, and an unmissable sense of community among music lovers.
From the outset, Charli captivated the capacity crowd, turning the stage into a living, breathing nightclub with swirling strobes, swirling mist, and a bold on-stage waterfall. Throughout her set, the crowd dazzled in a wash of lime green outfits — a clear nod to the Brat era’s aesthetic — with sunglasses and smartphones held aloft, all eager to capture the magic of the night.
The show opened with an explosive rendition of the “365” remix, featuring British rapper Shygirl, as iconic green “Brat” curtains dropped to reveal Charli in an unmissable ensemble: cellophane-inspired cropped top, statement yellow bra, and studded leather hotpants emblazoned with XCX in sparkling diamantes. Thigh-high boots completed the bold look as she strutted confidently across the stage and runway, engaging the crowd with her signature energy.
“Where the f*** you at?” she shouted over the thundering bass, prompting the audience to join her in a call-and-response anthem. As she tore down the signature “Brat” curtains, the atmosphere intensified, with Charli reaching out to the front rows and sharing moments of connection as she launched into “Von Dutch”.
The spectacle continued with an immersive display of flashing lights in a monochrome palette, which required little additional set dressing. Charli’s presence alone commanded the space, her animated dancing and fierce attitude keeping fans enthralled. At one point, clouds of fog enveloped her as she alternated between scowling at the camera, headbanging, and collapsing to the stage.
As dusk descended, Charli called out to the revellers: “You ready?” and led the crowd through a series of club classics, hands raised in united celebration. The set featured a surprise cameo from YouTuber and presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg, who joined for a viral TikTok dance to the track “Apple”, as Charli paused to sip an Aperol Spritz — a moment which embodied the night’s playful, spontaneous spirit.
Injecting both humour and heartfelt moments, Charli introduced the song “Girl, So Confusing” by dedicating it to attendees and their best friends, reflecting on the ups and downs of friendship and reconciliation. She followed up with “Speed Drive”, her contribution to the Barbie movie soundtrack, billing it as one “for my girls who want to drive really, really fast”.
Throughout the night, Charli XCX reminded attendees that the event was curated to celebrate both her own work and the talents of artists she admires. Friends and collaborators The Dare, FiFi, Rose Gray, 070 Shake, and Gesaffelstein appeared across the day’s line-up, creating a festival environment that felt as intimate as it was star-studded. Actor Harris Dickinson, musicians Lily Allen, Paul Mescal, Shygirl, Will Poulter, and Lewis Capaldi were spotted in the crowd, adding to the festival’s celebrity allure.
There were playful and unplanned moments, such as a technical hiccup with the “365” remix. Charli laughed off the mishap before running backstage to correct it, returning with collaborators Bladee and AG Cook for a joyful performance that got the crowd moving. “My bad!” she grinned, hugging her friends and carrying on with infectious enthusiasm.
Nostalgia ran high as Charli revisited earlier hits, with the audience erupting as she performed fan favourites like “Vroom Vroom”. For the finale, a dramatic blackout gave way to a staged rainstorm as Charli stood drenched beneath cascading water, delivering a cinematic version of “Blame It On Your Love”.
The evening closed in dramatic fashion with “I Don’t Care (I Love It)”, a classic hit by Icona Pop, sending festival-goers into one final, communal singalong. As she departed, screens projected the question: “Is Brat Summer really over?” before answering with a message of defiant optimism: “It wasn’t just a summer thing. It’s a forever thing. Please don’t let it be over.”
The LIDO Festival’s latest edition proved not only a triumphant showcase for Charli XCX’s dynamic artistry but also a testament to the enduring appeal of Brat Summer — a feeling, as Charli told her fans, that she hopes will never truly fade.