Major Staging Revamp for 2026
Reading and Leeds Festival has announced its most significant staging overhaul in 37 years. The changes, revealed by festival bosses on July 14, 2026, include several new stages and redesigned venues for the August Bank Holiday weekend event, which runs from Thursday, August 27, to Sunday, August 30, at Bramham Park in Leeds and Richfield Avenue in Reading.
Reading Festival has already sold out, with only Sunday day tickets remaining. Leeds Festival still has tickets available on its website.
The Grid: New Main Stage
The main stage, now called The Grid, will host this year's headliners: Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, Florence + The Machine, and Chase & Status. Additional acts include Sombr, Skepta, Role Model, Loyle Carner (Reading only), Blossoms (Leeds only), Declan McKenna, Jade, Maisie Peters, Keo, and more. Kasabian will make history as the first Thursday night headliner at Leeds Festival.
The Gallery: Immersive Covered Stage
A brand-new addition for 2026, The Gallery presented by Budweiser is a fully covered, immersive stage with cutting-edge LED lighting. Performers include Josh Baker, Geese, Kneecap, Skye Newman, Kettama, and Holly Humberstone, with Gunna, Chris Stussy, and Viagra Boys at Reading, and Jamie Webster, The K's, and Rose Gray at Leeds.
The Warehouse: Custom-Built Dance Venue
The Warehouse is a purpose-built dance music venue with viewing platforms in front of and behind the decks, plus massive screen production. It will host sets from Skepta b2b Prospa, Hybrid Minds, Hedex, Silva Bumpa, Rossi, Max Dean b2b Luke Dean, and Bou, marking the first custom-built experiential dance stage at the festival.
The Ballroom: Chandeliers and Draping
The Ballroom features chandeliers and draping, showcasing artists defining 2026. The lineup includes YT, Florence Road, Niko B, Paris Paloma, Bassvictim, Overpass, SPEED, Frost Children, Bleech 9:3, Westside Cowboy, Chloe Qisha, Radio Free Alice, dexter in the newsagent, WHATMORE, and Clementine Douglas.
The Canopy: Emerging Talent Stage
The Canopy is dedicated to emerging talent, featuring Violet Grohl, Villanelle, December 10, Camille Blackman, Kibo, Finessekid, Cruz Beckham, and The Breakers.
The Yard and Returning Favorites
The Yard (Reading only) offers an industrial club experience with repurposed shipping containers. Returning stages include LS23 and Piccadilly Circus, with full programs to be announced.
