Laneway Festival 2026: Chappell Roan Headlines Amidst Rain and Memorable Moments

The Laneway festival in Sydney for 2026 concluded with a memorable performance by Chappell Roan as its headliner, following Charli xcx in 2025. Roan closed the event, with many attendees embracing her aesthetic by wearing elaborate costumes.

Roan acknowledged the dedicated fans, stating directly from the stage:

"I applaud the bitches in drag."

The festival experienced steady rain throughout the day. Despite the weather, a notable midday crowd gathered for the Australian pop trio Blusher. Other acts on the diverse lineup included The Dare, Benee, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, and Oklou.

Standout Performances and Special Guests

The festival featured a variety of unique moments. Geese performed against PinkPantheress, adding another layer to the day's musical tapestry.

Role Model's performance included a guest appearance during the song "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out." In Sydney, this guest was the Wiggles, including Jeff Fatt, who is 72. This unexpected moment generated significant crowd interaction with the familiar chant:

"WAKE UP JEFF!"

Chappell Roan's Theatrical Finale

Chappell Roan's set featured staging inspired by "The Dark Crystal," complete with stairs, pyrotechnics, and dragon visuals. The audience actively participated, singing along to popular songs like "Hot to Go" and "Femininomenon."

The show was noted for its impressive volume, creating a stark contrast with the previous year's closing act. Roan, who could potentially sell out arenas, limited her performances to Laneway's six stops across Australia and New Zealand, making these festival appearances exclusive.

Festival Strategy and Notable Acts

The festival's strategy of booking prominent acts appears successful, contributing to its post-Covid prosperity. This approach has allowed Laneway to maintain its status as a significant event on the music calendar.

Earlier in the festival, PinkPantheress performed mid-festival on a smaller tented stage, despite having 26 million monthly Spotify listeners. Her performance was high-energy, though the enclosed stage limited visibility for many fans. It's worth noting that Walker has previously stated she is not comfortable on stage, making her energetic performance in a challenging setup even more significant.