Meltdown set the blueprint for artist-curated festivals 30 years ago. In 2024, Charli XCX took that torch and ran with it—outdoors, no less—bringing her Lido edition to Mile End’s Victoria Park, also home to All Points East. True to form, the pop provocateur curated a genre-blurring, high-energy, gloriously chaotic day that defied expectations and celebrated her Brat era in full force.
Kicking off the event alongside iconic DJ and drag star Jodie Harsh, Charli’s Lido instantly set a euphoric tone. Harsh electrified the crowd with sharp-edged remixes, warming things up for what would become one of the busiest and most vibrant single-day festivals this summer. Such was the demand that by 6:30 pm, stages had to close to walk-up festivalgoers, with early birds who staked out spots at the secondary stage treated to standout sets by The Dare and Bladee.
While bands like The Japanese House added indie flavour, Lido was largely ruled by DJs—with none more commanding than Gesaffelstein. As the main stage’s penultimate act, the enigmatic Mike Lévy delivered an intense, cinematic set befitting his résumé, which includes co-producing Lady Gaga’s Chromatica.
At the heart of it all was Brat—not just an album but a full-blown cultural movement. In an age dominated by playlist singles, Brat sparked something rare: real album devotion. The park gleamed with neon green outfits and lyrics emblazoned across backs and chests, transforming Lido into a living tribute to Charli’s sixth LP. But it wasn’t just about aesthetics. Brat’s reach extended into social impact, too, with Lido offering confidential sexual health screenings and on-site sign-up for PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a life-changing medication for HIV prevention.
Charli herself strutted across the stage in impossibly tiny hot pants—pocketless, no doubt, because charisma this colossal travels light. Whether sipping a cocktail mid-performance during “Apple” or strutting like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell combined, she held the crowd spellbound, unaided by backing dancers—pure star power.
Though her set leaned heavily on rapid-fire electronic bangers and hyped-up crowd commands (“London, put your fucking hands up!”), Charli carved out space for vulnerability too. “Girl, so confusing” and “Sympathy is a Knife” added emotional depth, exploring complex relationships and raw feelings. Guests Bladee and producer A. G. Cook joined her for a raucous rendition of “Rewind,” pushing the energy even higher.
Naturally, Brat dominated the setlist, but Charli reminded everyone she’s more than just this era. “Speed Drive” (from Barbie: The Album) exploded with pink-tinted energy, and the night closed with a nostalgic full-circle moment—her 2012 breakout hit “I Love It” with Icona Pop.
Charli XCX’s Lido was a celebration of sound, self-expression, and community. It wasn’t just a festival—it was a declaration. A Brat summer, yes—but also a snapshot of an artist and audience in perfect sync, united by music, mischief, and the power of pop.
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