Reading and Leeds Festivals have unveiled a landmark line-up for their 2026 edition, headlined exclusively by British and Irish artists for the first time in a quarter of a century. The iconic twin festivals will return to Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds over the August Bank Holiday weekend, from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th August 2026.
A Historic Moment for the Festivals
The announcement marks a significant chapter in the events' storied history. The headline bill, featuring Charli XCX, Chase And Status, Dave, Florence And The Machine, Fontaines D.C., and RAYE, represents the first time in 25 years that the top slots have been filled entirely by talent from the British Isles. This move celebrates a powerhouse era for homegrown music.
In another major change, Leeds Festival will open its Main Stage a day early on the Thursday, with Kasabian inaugurated as the first headliners of the weekend at Bramham Park. This expansion offers festival-goers an extra day of music.
From Dream to Headline: RAYE's Full Circle Moment
For megastar RAYE, the booking fulfils a profound personal ambition. The singer made her Reading and Leeds debut in 2024, a moment she emotionally marked on stage. She recounted attending the festivals as a 16-year-old after her GCSEs, dreaming of one day performing. "I had a dream, and look at me now, it’s all possible," she told the crowd, a statement that now resonates even more powerfully as she steps up to a headline slot.
Charli XCX’s ascent to headline status follows her monumental summer, where her Glastonbury set attracted one of the festival's largest crowds and her sixth album, ‘BRAT’, achieved unprecedented commercial success, elevating her to the pop elite. Recently, on her Substack platform, the Cambridge-born artist offered a candid reflection on the surreal privileges and occasional embarrassments of pop stardom, noting the challenges of navigating fame and public perception as a woman in the industry.
Full Line-Up and Ticket Details
Beyond the historic headliners, the 2026 weekender promises a diverse undercard. The bill includes Skepta, Sombr, Role Model, Jade, Josh Baker, Kneecap, Kettama, Chris Stussy (Reading only), Geese, Skye Newman, Adéla, and Keo.
Festival pre-sale begins at 9am on Tuesday, with access via registration on the official festival websites. Tickets will then go on general sale at 12pm on Wednesday. Fans are urged to sign up promptly at www.readingfestival.com or www.leedsfestival.com to secure their chance to witness this historic line-up.
The 2026 announcement sets a new benchmark for the festivals, championing domestic talent at the highest level and promising an unforgettable Bank Holiday celebration of British and Irish music culture.
