Laneway festival review – Chappell Roan’s medieval fantasy headlines blockbuster affair

Chappell Roan at Laneway Auckland: ‘She could easily sell out arenas, but Laneway’s six stops are the only chance to catch her this time.’ Photograph: Ragan Henderson

A year ago, Sydney’s Centennial Park was overtaken by an abrasive Brat green as Laneway punters partied with headliner Charli xcx – but in 2026, the mood was more pink princess. Specifically a medieval-midwest pink princess.

For the second year in a row, the festival is headlined by one of the world’s biggest acts – pop maximalist and ballad belter Chappell Roan, who closed out the day to a sea of ornate, delicate and impressively impractical costumes mirroring her own brand of fairytale couture.