The day featured a diverse mix of talent, including The Japanese House, The Dare, Bladee, and of course, Charli XCX herself, making it one of the most talked about events of the weekend.
The first act I saw that day was The Japanese House. They kicked off their set with ‘Touching Yourself’, instantly electrifying the crowd. Fans were jumping up and down with joy, especially those at the barrier proudly wearing band merch. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. By the time they played their third song, ‘Something Has to Change’, the energy had only grown. The performance was incredible, the blend of electric guitars and rich bass lines elevated the whole experience. Later in the set, ‘Sunshine Baby’ had the crowd on a high, with people climbing on each other’s shoulders singing along and swaying to the music.
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Next up was The Dare, one of the most highly anticipated sets of the day. The demand to see him was so overwhelming that the stage had to be closed off once it reached capacity. For many who made it in, it was the highlight of the night.
From the moment he stepped on stage at 6:35 PM, The Dare transformed the tent into a full-blown club. His set was packed with pulsing beats and strobe lights that kept the energy sky high.
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He owned the stage, constantly moving so that every corner of the crowd could experience the show up close. His energy was unmatched, he interacted with fans throughout, even catching a girl’s bra mid song during ‘Sex’, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The energy was wild, pure chaos in the best way possible.
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The atmosphere hit another level when he brought out PinkPantheress to perform ‘Stateside’. Fans were stunned, screaming and even crying with excitement - a totally normal reaction to an unexpected PinkPantheress appearance. The Dare closed his set with his viral hit ‘Girls’, leaving the crowd hyped and wanting more.
The final act that night was the one everyone had been waiting for, Charli XCX. When she hit the stage, opening with ‘365’, the crowd erupted. The tension and excitement that had been building throughout the day finally exploded, and it felt like the entire park was shaking with energy.
Her presence was magnetic. Dressed in a show-stopping outfit that blended futuristic edge with pop star glamour, Charli commanded the stage from the very first beat. The lights strobed in sync with the music that pulled the crowd deeper into her world.
One of the most unforgettable moments came early in the set during her viral track ‘Apple’. Amelia Dimoldenberg, the iconic host of Chicken Shop Date, made a surprise appearance on stage as the apple dance girl. The venue absolutely exploded, fans screamed and jumped in total disbelief, it was surreal and iconic it felt to witness that live.
From there, Charli moved through her set with power and precision, performing hits like ‘Von Dutch’, ‘Guess’, and ‘Girl, So Confusing’. Each song was paired with striking visuals that made the entire show feel like a euphoric fever dream.
Then came another surprise that sent shockwaves through the audience, Bladee appeared on stage to perform ‘Rewind' with Charli. The reaction was pure chaos, a mix of gasps, screams and cheering. It was the first time they’d ever performed the track live together, making it an exclusive moment for everyone in attendance. Even when there were a few technical difficulties, Charli and Bladee kept the vibe fun and light, laughing through it while the crowd cheered them on.
Hands were in the air from start to finish with people dancing like it was the last night of their lives.
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One of the most breathtaking highlights came during ‘Track 10’, a cult favorite among longtime Charli fans. She danced under a cascade of water pouring down on the stage, it was cinematic and dramatic and somehow she kept singing flawlessly while completely drenched. It was the kind of bold theatrical moment only Charli XCX could pull off.
To close the night, she hit the crowd with her banger ‘I Love It’. As the final chorus rang out, the stage lit up with a burst of pyrotechnics, leaving everyone breathless and euphoric.
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It was an unforgettable day at Victoria Park. The energy, the performances and the crowd all came together to make it a truly special experience. From start to finish, the festival delivered and it’s safe to say everyone left with amazing memories.
Olivia Brown
Images: Olivia Brown
