Charli XCX Declares "Brat" Summer a Timeless Celebration at Lido Festival
During her electrifying headlining performance at the Lido Festival in London on Saturday night, Charli XCX announced that “Brat” summer is not just a seasonal event, but a “forever thing.” Over a year since the release of her groundbreaking album, Charli captivated fans with an hour-long set that left a lasting impression.
As the show concluded, Charli shared a heartfelt message on the stage’s screen, illuminated by flashing lights: “Brat summer is over. But actually… I don’t think it is. So tell me the truth: Will you hate me if I stick around? Because honestly, I don’t know who I am if it’s over. And so… I’ve decided I want this to last forever. It wasn’t just a summer thing… it’s a forever thing. Please don’t let it be over.”
Adding to the excitement, Charli surprised the audience by inviting the elusive Swedish rapper Bladee for the live debut of their “Rewind” remix. However, the performance was not without its hiccups. The original version of “Rewind” began to play, prompting Charli to sing along, only to realize moments later that they had started the wrong track. “Wait, hold on. We gotta stop, we gotta stop. Are we doing the wrong version?” she exclaimed, leading to a brief pause while the crowd buzzed with confusion. Bladee, stepping in to engage the audience, remarked, “What’s up, London? Let’s try again.” After a quick hug between the two artists, the correct remix finally kicked off, with Charli humorously apologizing, “My bad!”
Bladee had just headlined the festival’s second stage as part of Charli’s curated “Partygirl” lineup, which also featured an array of talented performers including The Dare, who welcomed Pink Pantheress for their hit “Stateside,” and French DJ Gesaffelstein, who delivered a darkly mesmerizing set while covered in silver body paint. Other notable acts included The Japanese House, 070 Shake, A.G. Cook, Magdalena Bay, and Kelly Lee Owens.
In a playful moment during her set, Charli selected “Chicken Shop Date” host Amelia Dimoldenberg as the “Apple” girl, who delighted fans by performing the viral TikTok dance, much to their delight. Among the crowd were Paul Mescal and Harris Dickinson, set to portray Paul McCartney and John Lennon in upcoming Beatles biopics, adding to the star-studded atmosphere. Dickinson was there to support his girlfriend, Rose Gray, who performed on the festival’s club stage.
As Charli XCX continues her “Brat” festival tour, fans eagerly await her highly anticipated set at Glastonbury later this month. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of "Brat" summer—it’s here to stay!
