‘Brat laneway’: Fans speculate Charli xcx could headline Laneway festival as organisers drop dates, ticket prices

Laneway festival has dropped dates and prices for the highly anticipated 2025 event, with rumours swirling Australia could be in for a “brat summer”. The festival last week announced it would return in 2025, telling fans to stay tuned for more announcements. On Wednesday, organisers revealed the festival would kick off in New Zealand on February 6 before heading to Brisbane Showgrounds on February 8, Sydney Showgrounds on February 9, Flemington Park in Melbourne on February 14, Bonython Park in Adelaide on February 15, and Wellington Square in Perth on February 16. The festival will welcome audiences aged 16 years and over at all events, with tickets beginning at $189.90 for the pre-sale on October 15 (plus fees). The second release will cost punters $204.90, while the third and fourth will cost a respective $219.90 and $229.90. VIP tickets will also be available for $289.90. “We wanted to share the ticket prices for Laneway 2025 earlier than usual, so you can prepare well in advance,” an email sent out on Wednesday morning read. The line-up is set to drop next week; however, fans have been quick to speculate Charli xcx could headline the event. Rumours began to swirl after some pointed out an apple in the 2025 logo on Laneway’s website, with many believing it could be a nod to the English singer’s hit Apple. “WHY IS THERE AN APPLE ON THE 25? CHARI???” one person commented on Laneway’s Instagram post. “Brat laneway?” another wrote. Charli xcx’s latest release, Brat, became an instant hit, with bonus track Guess, featuring Billie Eilish, still coming in at 16 on the ARIA charts following its release in August. The album is at 23 on the ARIA charts. Apple is in at 36, while the hit has amassed more than 180,000,000 listens on Spotify as of Wednesday. The track quickly went viral on TikTok after TikTok creator Kelley Heyer created a dance to the hit that fans – as well as Charli xcx herself – have since adopted. The 360 singer has recruited fans to perform the dance on the big screen during her shows from her Sweat tour across North America, with Heyer picked for the New York date. Laneway festival has not confirmed any acts for the 2025 dates yet; however, Charli xcx previously headlined the 2020 festival, performing hits I Love It, Boys and Vroom Vroom alongside co-headliners The 1975. Stormzy, Steve Lacy and Dominic Fike headlined the 2024 event, while HAIM, Joji, and Phoebe Bridgers performed at the 2023 event. Fans have also expressed hope Chappell Roan will perform at the event. “Praying for chappell so bad,” one person commented. Others have called for Renee Rapp and beabadoobee. The line-up is set to be released at 8am on October 9.