The 2026 Way Out West festival in Gothenburg is underway, and a leading Swedish critic is questioning the scheduling of two major acts. In a piece for Dagens Nyheter, journalist Kajsa Haidl asks why performers Zara Larsson and Lily Allen are playing before the festival is fully in motion.
Haidl’s column, published on Thursday, suggests that placing these artists so early in the day's lineup is a misstep. The critique comes as the festival runs its first full day of concerts, with coverage from Swedish outlets including SVT and Expressen providing schedules and live reports.
The timing of the shows is a central point of discussion. According to Dagens Nyheter, Haidl argues that the festival risks losing momentum by having such prominent names perform before the event reaches its peak energy. The column implies that the order of performances may not match the audience's expectations for a headline-level act.
Other Swedish media have weighed in on the festival's opening day. Göteborgs-Posten published a review of Thursday’s best and worst concerts, while Omni noted one critic’s view that it would be "unreasonable" to skip Larsson’s set. These reports indicate that the festival’s programming choices are generating debate beyond just the schedule itself.
Way Out West is known for blending music with a focus on sustainability and social issues, but this year’s early lineup has drawn attention for its structure. The festival continues through the weekend, with more performances expected to shape the conversation.
What to watch next: whether festival organizers adjust future schedules in response to the criticism, and how audiences respond to the remaining headliners.
