Chappell Roan @ Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh, 26 Aug

The energy crackles well before Chappell Roan takes the stage. Cowboy hats bounce through the crowd, glittering festival outfits swirl, and the hum of conversation buzzes like static across the Royal Highland Showgrounds. Food and drink queues snake around the site, but no one cares – anticipation is the only thing people are hungry for. Everyone knows they’re about to witness one of pop’s most dazzling performers.

When she finally appears, Roan seizes the moment in an instant. Cloaked in scarlet and gold like a mischievous court jester, every ruffle and flamboyant gesture adds to her carnival command. Behind her towers a storybook castle lit in vibrant hues, and animated fairytale visuals blooming across giant screens. Together, they pull the audience into a fantastical dreamscape. Her voice soars clean and powerful, while her bold crowd banter transforms the gig into a collective party.

The setlist is built for pure joy. Opener Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl draws everyone into her orbit, while Femininomenon flaunts her playful side. After Midnight drapes the space in sultry hooks before the high drama of Naked in Manhattan and the cheeky interaction of Guilty Pleasure. Casual sparks one of the loudest singalongs of the night, with arms thrown around shoulders, drinks aloft, and festival trinkets waved in unison. Then The Subway, Hot To Go – complete with the crowd’s gloriously chaotic attempt at *the dance* – and a cover of Heart's Barracuda kick the pace up again.

Chappell Roan at Royal Highland Showgrounds, Edinburgh. Photo: Hope Holmes

The show breathes for a moment with Picture You and Kaleidoscope, Roan pausing to thank the crowd and reflect on the journey that led her here. But the finale ignites quickly: The Giver and Red Wine Supernova pulse with euphoria, the crowd’s roar turning the Royal Highland Showgrounds into full-scale festival mayhem. Coffee keeps the momentum alive before Good Luck, Babe! sends the energy surging once more.

My Kink Is Karma glitters in its theatricality, before the night crescendos with the maximalist joy of Pink Pony Club. Strutting the runway, scattering kisses, and waving to every corner, Roan leaves no doubt she’s queen of her own queer kingdom. By the final note, strangers are singing as friends, the venue awash in colour, theatrical flair, and unrestrained pop pageantry. Chappell Roan isn’t just ascending — she’s already reigning.