The iconic twin festivals of Reading and Leeds have unveiled a powerhouse lineup for their 2026 editions, with a major expansion adding an extra day to the traditional weekend. The August Bank Holiday weekend events will be headlined by some of the biggest names in contemporary music, offering exclusive UK festival performances.
Star-Studded Headliners and Exclusive Appearances
Charli XCX, Dave, and RAYE are among the top-billed acts confirmed for the main stages. They will be joined by rock giants Fontaines D.C., the anthemic Florence + The Machine, and dance music titans Chase and Status. For pop sensation Charli XCX, her Reading and Leeds slot will mark her only UK festival appearance in 2026, making it an unmissable event for her fans. Similarly, rapper Dave's performances are also exclusive to the festivals.
Festival Expansion and Supporting Acts
In a significant change, the 2026 festivals will extend beyond the weekend, kicking off with a Thursday event. The honour of headlining this inaugural Thursday slot goes to British rockers Kasabian. The lineup is further bolstered by a strong undercard featuring grime pioneer Skepta, rising stars Jade and Role Model, Irish rap group Kneecap, and bands Geese and Sombr. Organisers have confirmed that more acts will be revealed in the coming months.
Key Dates for Ticket Sales
Fans eager to secure their place at the 2026 Reading and Leeds festivals need to mark their calendars. A presale begins on Tuesday 2 December 2025, offering an early opportunity to buy passes. General sale for all tickets follows on Wednesday 3 December 2025. With exclusive performances and a newly expanded format, demand is expected to be high for what promises to be a landmark year for the UK's premier twin-site festival.
