Laneway Festival has announced a philanthropic partnership with headliner Chappell Roan ahead of the festival’s 2026 tour across Australia and New Zealand. Festival organizers confirmed that proceeds from ticket sales will help fund programs that support transgender, gender-diverse, and non-binary people and their families.
The collaboration will channel contributions toward Transcend Australia and Transgender Victoria. Roan’s nonprofit, the Midwest Princess Project, will help oversee and support the initiative, expanding its advocacy and resourcing efforts beyond the United States.
Ticket proceeds to fund community programs
For each ticket sold, Laneway contributes $1 toward its Solar Slice Fund. The initiative, which focuses on sustainability and community impact, will direct its 2026 allocation toward the selected LGBTQ+ organizations.
Organizers said that partnering with Roan aligns with Laneway’s ongoing commitment to meaningful charitable partnerships. The festival emphasized that the joint effort aims to uplift communities directly connected to and represented within its fan base and music culture.
Transcend Australia, which provides peer support and advocacy for transgender and gender-diverse youth, welcomed the partnership publicly. The organization described the funding as a vital contribution toward strengthening peer networks, direct resources, and community care opportunities for young people and their families.
Transgender Victoria, a leading advocacy body in the state, will also receive financial support from the Solar Slice initiative. The organization works to empower transgender and gender-diverse communities through training, policy influence, and community education.
Chappell Roan expands philanthropic presence
The partnership marks another milestone for Chappell Roan, who continues to grow her artistic and advocacy presence globally. The Midwest Princess Project focuses on supporting LGBTQ+ communities—particularly transgender youth—through grants, mutual aid, and awareness-building programs.
Laneway Festival organizers described Roan’s involvement as a meaningful extension of her values, noting that her headline performance reinforces the festival’s culture of inclusivity.
Laneway Festival lineup builds excitement
The 2026 edition of Laneway Festival returns in February, with dates scheduled across major cities in Australia and New Zealand. Roan will headline with a 90-minute gothic fairytale-themed performance that organizers teased will be one of the festival’s major draws.
Other performers announced for the lineup include Alex G, PinkPantheress, Wolf Alice, Yung Lean & Bladee, Wet Leg, Role Model, and Geese. Several Australian acts join the bill as well, such as Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, The Belair Lip Bombs, Armlock, Blusher, and Djanaba. Triple j Unearthed winners will appear at Australian festival stops.
Tickets for Melbourne and Sydney have sold out, and remaining cities report limited availability.
Festival demonstrates broadened commitments
Laneway’s philanthropic collaboration reflects a growing trend among global festivals to embed advocacy and community support into event programming. Organizers emphasized that the initiative expands their mission while creating a tangible financial benefit for LGBTQ+ community organizations.
With Roan at the center of the partnership and a lineup showcasing diverse artists, Laneway Festival’s 2026 run is positioned to blend entertainment with meaningful community investment.
