Thousands of young Aussies flocked to the Brisbane Showgrounds for Laneway Festival, and it wasn’t just the music that had everyone talking as fresh fashion trends stole the spotlight.
With temperatures soaring past 31 degrees, more than 40,000 festival goers embraced Saturday’s sunny weather with short skirts and vibrant hair.
Oversized black boots and cowboy boots emerged as the standout fashion trend of 2025, likely influenced by headliner Charli XCX’s signature style and the surge in country music’s popularity last year.
Another rising trend saw men embracing midriff-baring shirts – a stylish and practical choice for staying cool in the heat.
The festival kicked off at 12pm, with the final performances wrapping up around midnight, making the 18th edition of Laneway a full day of celebrations.
This year’s sold-out lineup was headlined by Charli XCX and featured singer-songwriter Clairo, dance music star DJ Barry Can’t Swim, and British indie sensation beabadoobee.
Laneway’s national tour continues with stops in Sydney today, followed by Melbourne on February 14, Adelaide on February 15, and Perth on February 16.
NSW Police Eastern Beaches Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Paul Simpkins warned festival-goers they will be conducting a high-visibility operation in Sydney.
‘Prohibited drugs are illegal and potentially life-threatening, especially when combined with alcohol, so I urge everyone to behave responsibly.
‘If you or one of your mates feels unwell, please seek professional medical attention at one of the medical tents on-site.
‘Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the festival safely. We will not tolerate anyone who intends to jeopardise that safety or thinks they are above the law.’
His comments follow the NSW Government’s announcement, made at the end of last year, about plans to start a pill testing trial at music festivals.
The drug checking services will allow people attending music festivals to test small samples of substances intended for personal use for purity, potency, and adulterants.
The NSW government said while drug possession will remain illegal, the trial will grant amnesty to people seeking to check drugs for their own personal use.
In 2022, Canberra launched ‘s first-ever six-month pill testing trial.
Over its first two years, the fixed-site drug testing service detected methamphetamine in a fake diet pill and identified a synthetic opioid estimated to be 25 times more potent than fentanyl.
Laneway Festival started in 2005 as a small indie music event in a Melbourne laneway.
Over the years, it’s become known for showcasing cutting-edge indie, alternative, and electronic artists, often featuring acts before they hit mainstream success.
The founders, Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio, wanted to create an intimate festival focused on emerging artists and a community vibe.
The event quickly gained popularity, attracting bigger crowds and expanding to other n cities, then eventually to New Zealand and even Singapore.