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The set weighs heavy on the second coming that started with ‘Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die’. From the flame laden ‘Miss Jackson’, the arms aloft ‘Hallelujah’ and the shimmering ‘High Hopes’, Panic! put their pop foot forward. Choruses dialled all the way up, this is a performance purpose built to delight.

It’s still full of weirdo heart and bubblegum aspiration though. The band came through wanting everything, anything, and having no idea how to get it and that off center decadence still drives everything. They want to encourage ambition. They believe in belief. From the trip of ‘Nine In The Afternoon’, the want of ‘Mona Lisa’ to the everything-on-red lean of ‘Dancing’s Not A Crime’ and ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ sheer indulgent smirk, it’s a night dedicated to excess and dreams.

No one would have blamed Brendon for making this evening about himself. He’s paid his dues. But instead, this is an evening about everyone here.

There’s that cover of Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ performed because, “It’s one of the best songs ever written but the more honest reason is that I’m just jealous I didn’t write it”, the “anthem of acceptance and pride” that ‘Girls/Girls/Boys’ has become, backed by slogans reminding you that “your voice is power” and before ‘Victorious’, the message that, “you’re not just important to me. You’re important in general. I’m not trying to feed your ego, I’m giving you facts. You already won a race against a million tadpoles, so you’re number one in my book. You’re worth it. So when you come in contact with a stranger, you have a chance for a positive change. You affect that person. You affect me positively. We’re singing, we’re having a good time and I’ve never been happier and that’s because of you. You do have an impact.”

As ‘I Write Sins’ plays out, flickers of the circus ringleader from the video appear on screens behind Brendon. It’s a reminder of the journey, the growth and that this isn’t that band anymore. Everything changes, and that’s good. Anything is possible and that should be celebrated. Good job Panic! At The Disco know how to throw a party.

Article written by Ali Shutler

Photos by Corinne Cumming

By taking your cups and recyclable waste to the Greenpeace tent, you can earn £1 for every 10 you bring back. But earning money isn’t the only incentive. Apparently, most people who bring their waste to recycle don’t realise they can top up their wallets in exchange for plastic, paper and cans.

To stop "picking" at your savings and to do your bit for the environment, take your waste to the Greenpeace tent before 11:00pm. It’s situated to the left of the main stage, so it’s super easy to watch your favourite headliner and then dump your empty cups straight into their bins.

Glitter is a big thing here at Reading Festival, and fortunately GoGetGlitter and Oxfam are using biodegradable glitter. It’s good to know that if any comes off you while you’re dancing it won’t negatively impact the environment!