P!NK’s long-running Summer Carnival tour rolled into the English capital on the 15th of June when it visited the grand setting of the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. With sold-out shows happening over both days of the weekend, excited and flamboyant fans took over north London en-mass for 48 hours in order to cast their adoring eyes on a legendary performance.
This tour started all the way back in June 2023, but doesn’t wrap up until November of 2024 in Miami, and was created to support her latest album Trustfall (having stopped at numerous venues across Europe, Australasia and North America during that time). Not only has it stretched out over an extended period, but it’s also broken a lot of records along the way.
Currently it’s the 8th highest grossing tour from a female artist, it’s smashed attendance records at numerous venues, and Pink’s become the first ever female headliner at many others. It’s therefore clear the Summer Carnival has made history, and it’s understandable why when you consider the show the excited masses lucky enough to have a ticket were able to witness!
The stadium setting was already impressive, but the stage setup, with its extended runway, tropical theming and colourful props, made it even more of a sight to behold…including the pink cowboy hats and vivid outfits in the audience!
And those sights continued as the show opened, with Pink emerging from a giant set of ruby-red lips, before bungee-jumping towards the ground in what was the first of many aerial stunts the American star has become synonymous with. This circus themed start was accompanied by the track “Get The Party Started”, and followed soon after by “Just Like A Pill”, “Raise Your Glass” and later on album titular track (and Fred Again produced) “Trustfall”.
All of this was supported onstage by groups of fun-loving dancers, upbeat choreography and plenty of exotic and brightly coloured props (including more than a few giant flamingos!), perpetuating the party atmosphere even more. The performance itself clearly demonstrated Pinks relationship with her fanbase. Littered with authentic and open interactions, both directly and indirectly, you really felt part of family just being in the vicinity.
This was epitomised by Pink signing autographs and accepting numerous gifts (mostly of the sweet variety) from fans right in the middle of the show, each time with a genuine enthusiasm which was truly heartwarming, as were the personal anecdotes scattered throughout the evening… sometimes brutally honest, but always adding to the affinity people feel for her, both as a person and an artist.
All of the initial chaos and fun-times were momentarily suspended for an intimate and beautiful performance of “Make You Feel My Love” by Tottenham’s very own Adele. And the heartstrings continued to be pulled when Pinks daughter Willow joined her on stage to bravely perform part of “Cover Me In Sunshine”, a track created during lockdown and clearly important to her on many levels, which was only increased with the pride she must have felt for her daughter for such a great performance.
The hits then continued to be rolled out, including the aforementioned “Trustfall”, with even more on-stage acrobatics, and “Blow Me (One Last Kiss)”… but the big finale was of course “So What”, where the final death-defying marvel was performed as Pink flew through the air, via the medium of wirework, suspended from the corners of the stadium.
This created the opportunity for all parts of the venue to get a close-up view of their idol… those furthest away from the stage in the standing areas, those at the back of the stands, and everyone at the top of the very top tier.
A dangerous feat which not only entertained, but was further evidence of Pinks desire to reach out, both emotionally, and in this case physically, to connect with her fans. Not something ‘big stars’ often do, but is the hallmark of a truly great person and performer.
Pinks Summer Carnival tour continues across Europe before heading back to North America in August.
Words + Photos by Andrew Roast
