The last time Zara Larsson played Way Out West was in 2019. Back then, it was hard to find her fans, but this year you can spot them right on the festival grounds in Gothenburg. The glitter, dolphin key chains and hibiscus flowers in their hair speak for themselves.
Four loyal Zara fans made sure to get to the front of the line. They had arrived six hours before the festival grounds opened, hoping to be invited on stage and do the viral dance with the star.
I manifest to become Zara Larsson's "Lush life-girl," says Amelie Johansson.
She's not alone. 13-year-old Tiffany and Vilda have been practicing together at school and bought a one-day ticket just to see Zara's only festival gig in Sweden this summer.
She has brought up several people sometimes, says Tiffany.
Accidentally bought the wrong ticket
Outside the festival area, Alexander Björkman is strolling around. He is holding a homemade "tickets for sale" sign.
"I bought a youth ticket, which I discovered too late," he says, smiling a little sadly.
Zara Larsson is one of the reasons he wants to go, but artists like Oklou and Moby are more attractive.
"It's Oklou I listen to the most," says Alexander Björkman.
On the first day of the festival, Zara Larsson will perform just before 7 pm, while The xx and Cobrah are two of the acts that will close the evening.
She (Zara) should have finished, to save the funniest thing for last, says 17-year-old Julia Ljungquist.
Many are surprised
The surprise that Larsson doesn't finish, when she takes on the Way Out West audience for the third time, is recurring.
We were surprised at first, we thought she would have the last slot, says Arash Paknia.
Even though the 21-year-old is scheduled to take a plane to London early Friday morning, he had to buy a day ticket to the festival in order to see Larsson perform.
"I'm going to sleep for three hours," says Arash.
