It's Brat summer forever as Charli xcx takes victory lap

One year on from the birth of the cultural phenomenon, the agenda-setting performer and her fans are still holding on tight to the moment she created, writes Lauren O'Neill

- Lauren O'Neill

Twenty twenty-four, the internet declared very quickly after the touch-paper June release of Charli xcx's Brat, was the year of Brat summer drink spilling, cig smoking and chaos merchantry in wraparound sunglasses, with a little bit of time for reflection on life and love on the night bus between parties.

The album and all it symbolises became a total cultural phenomenon, resonating with restless post-Covid audiences in a way that few, including Charli xcx, could have predicted. A year later, its behemothic impact can still be felt, proven as 35,000 people pack into east London's Victoria Park for xcx's PartyGirl edition of Lido Festival, with a hand-picked lineup including AG Cook, Magdalena Bay, The Dare, 070 Shake and Bladee.

In spirit, the day feels a lot like a victory lap for Charli xcx. It's a thrill to see this performer and the community of artists around her, who reflect the diversity of her influences, hit the heights they have long deserved.