Charli XCX delivers an electrifying set at Glastonbury festival

Charli XCX set the stage ablaze—both literally and figuratively—during her headlining performance at the Glastonbury Festival on Saturday night. Taking the spotlight on the Other Stage, the avant-garde pop sensation kicked off her set with the Shygirl remix of “365,” smoothly transitioning into “360.” But the real spectacle unfolded just before she launched into “Von Dutch,” when a vibrant neon green curtain emblazoned with the title “Brat” erupted into flames, creating a dramatic visual that perfectly matched the night’s electric energy.

The Thrill of Performance

As the stage lights shifted to a fiery red, Charli embraced the chaos, reveling in the moment as the crowd erupted in cheers. The performance maintained its momentum, showcasing her signature blend of electrifying pop with a dash of playful irreverence.

This time, Charli’s ensemble featured pink accents paired with striking red boots, marking a bold departure from her usual all-black attire and emphasizing her evolving style.

During the performance of “Apple,” Charli invited fellow Glastonbury artist Gracie Abrams to join her on stage, where the two executed the viral TikTok dance, drawing wild cheers from the audience.

“I’m known to have the heart of a stone but this is very fucking emotional right now,” she confessed, reflecting on her experience headlining the Other Stage, especially with Neil Young performing at the Pyramid Stage. Her gratitude was palpable as she expressed appreciation for the fans: “Thank you so much, you’re cool as fuck.

But not as cool as me, bitch.”

Highlights and Crowd Engagement

The set featured standout tracks like “Party 4 U” and “Vroom Vroom,” which finally got the crowd moving. Even notable figures like Harry Styles and Eddie Redmayne were spotted dancing in the exclusive section, showcasing the widespread appeal of Charli’s music.

Throughout her performance, she continued to engage the audience, dancing joyfully in the artificial rain during “Track 10” and wrapping up her set with the iconic “I Love It.” Surprisingly, she didn’t bring out any special guests this time, despite her recent trend of collaborations, including appearances by Billie Eilish and Lorde at prior festivals.

As her set came to a close, a message displayed on the screens clarified that the fiery backdrop was all part of the performance: “We had to do it and it looked cool. I think you all have proven to me that ‘Brat’ is forever.” This statement underscored the song’s significance and the strong bond she has built with her fanbase.

Festival Rounds and Future Plans

This summer, Charli has been making waves at various festivals, including Primavera Sound in Spain, where she curated her own lineup at London’s Lido Festival, featuring collaborations with artists like Bladee. Back at Coachella in April, she surprised attendees by bringing out a trio of collaborators, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic performer who continually pushes boundaries.

At Lido, Charli made a poignant declaration, saying, “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.” This sentiment encapsulates her desire to keep the momentum of her artistic journey alive beyond the summer festival circuit.