Laneway 2026: The Festival of Icons
Laneway Festival Melbourne 2026 - Words: Katie Dannock - Photos: Jean Ngooi
As soon as I entered the festival space, I could instantly feel the excitement in the air. So many beaming faces, photos taken with friends and long lines at the merch tent. Fans were dressed head to toe in outfits inspired by their favourite musicians; star hair clips and sparkly tops, cowboy hats and boots, drag and full glam, British tartan and lots and lots of pink, a visual that signified the variety of music we were all about to witness.
The first set of the day I caught was Blusher, who opened up the Never Let It Rest main stage with the energy of a headliner. The hyper-pop trio from Brunswick performed with such charm and passion, dancing around in their sportswear outfits topped off with lacey feminine details. Bubbly choreography combined with an addictive discography made it impossible to stand still. The girls looked like they were having the best time on that stage, I wanted to join them. They performed their cover of Kesha’s Your Love Is My Drug, which fit so perfectly with the rest of their set, as well as LAST MAN STANDING and Accelerator, which were the standouts.
Over at the Dean Turner stage, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers were ready to rock. The whole band was putting on a show, with lead vocalist Anna Ryan singing and screaming with such enthusiasm. The set was powerful and fuelled with female rage, audiences moving along to relatable lyrics of hits such as I Used to Be Fun and Girl Sports. The clear favourite was their performance of BALCONY, a super playful song which placed at #61 on the Triple J Hottest 100.
The best way to catch a break from the hot summer sun was in the Everything Ecstatic tent while experiencing Oklou’s otherworldly set. There was much anticipation to see the French singer and producer, who creates atmospheric and dreamy experimental pop and electronic music that feels so out-of-reach yet so comforting. Hearing the trance-like Harvest Sky live made me feel like I was levitating up to the ceiling. Oklou’s music brought a fresh sound to the festival space with melodies that dance around you like stars and a performance that left the crowd craving more.
Tucker Pillsbury, known as Role Model, was up next back at the main stage, his cheeky grin radiating light to the crowd as he opened with Writing’s On The Wall. His raw lyrics of love and heartbreak combined with his signature indie, pop and country sound made for a very human show. Everyone was eager for Sally When The Wine Runs Out to see who Melbourne’s Sally was going to be. The audience’s cheers erupted as Rhian Teasdale from Wet Leg danced onto the stage. Tucker finished up his set with the lively Deeply Still In Love, which had both himself and the crowd dancing their boots off.
The hype for Wet Leg only continued, the band opening with Catch These Fists, a punchy tune showcased by frontwoman Rhian singing with flexed arms, looking like the coolest person ever. She moved around and commanded the stage with confidence, making the most of the runway design by striding out towards the crowd, glowing in the golden hour sun. The band is constantly raising the bar for the indie rock scene, with Chaise Longue growing as a crowd favourite thanks to its quirky lyrics and grungey guitar riff, and mangetout establishing itself as a classic.
Up next was the glorious Wolf Alice, my most anticipated act of the day. Displayed in front of a giant sparkling star backdrop, the English rock band opened with Bloom Baby Bloom, which truly set the scene for what was to come. Ellie Rowsell’s voice melted over the dynamic instrumentals, singing with equal parts vigour and elegance. The whole band humbly showed off their range and talent, from the snappy Formidable Cool to the divine The Sofa, which had everyone waving their arms in unison. They polished off an unforgettable show with Don’t Delete The Kisses, a song that floats around you like a memory and wraps its arms around you like a warm embrace. I may have shed a tear or two. By the end of the set, I could confidently assume Wolf Alice had gained some new fans.
The time had come for pop queen Chappell Roan to bless the stage, with a theatrical introduction of smoke and dragons. Her band amped up the audience for her grand entrance, dressed in a gorgeous custom McQueen lace white gown with a veil headpiece as she performed Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, launching straight into character with high kicks and parades around the medieval castle-themed stage. With each hit came new outfit transformations, slowing things down for emotional performances of Casual and Coffee, and bringing back the dancefloor with Red Wine Supernova and HOT TO GO!, the latter inspiring a sea of arms spelling out the song title with united choreography. It was a slight reinvention of the recordings we’ve all come to love, with the incredible live band bringing out the rock elements of each song while Chappell maintained her signature glittery pop sound.
The pink-decorated audience was singing their hearts out to every song, further solidifying the grand cultural impact of this music as a celebration of love and self-expression. As the twinkle of the intro to Pink Pony Club began, there was a moment of stillness, as if the crowd was experiencing the same second of realisation that we were all witnessing history. Hearing everyone cheer the lyrics as one served as a reminder of the importance of music and live performance. It’s where we all come together, different styles, different tastes, but all with an appreciation for one thing we connect to so deeply.
This year’s Laneway Festival felt quite special. It was a beautiful blend of acts, both emerging and established, fuelled by passion and brilliance. The lineup felt like a collection of icons from all sides of music coming together in the one spot, all experienced by enthusiastic fans engaging with their art.
It’s where we all belong, and where we will keep dancin.
Lineup:
Chappell Roan, Alex G, Benee, Cavetown, The Dare, Geese, Gigi Perez, Jensen McRae, Lucy Dacus, Malcolm Todd, Mt. Joy, Oklou, PinkPantheress, Role Model, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Wet Leg, Wisp, Wolf Alice, Yung Lean & Bladee, 9Lives, Armlock, Blusher, Djanaba, Lontalius, Mokotron, Ringlets, Shady Nasty, The Belair Lip Bombs, Womb + more.
Thursday 5 February 2026 – Western Springs – Auckland, NZ (18+)
Saturday 7 February 2026 – Southport Sharks – Gold Coast, QLD (16+)
Sunday 8 February 2026 – Centennial Park – Sydney, NSW (16+)
Friday 13 February 2026 – Flemington Park – Melbourne, VIC (16+)
Saturday 14 February 2026 – Adelaide Showgrounds – Adelaide, SA (16+)
Sunday 15 February 2026 – Arena Joondalup – Perth, WA (16+)
