British Music Stars to Dominate Reading and Leeds 2026
The Reading and Leeds Festival has announced its headliners for 2026, featuring a stellar lineup of British and Irish talent. Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye are set to take the stage, promising an unforgettable weekend of music.
Joining them at the top of the bill are Irish rock band Fontaines DC, electronic duo Chase & Status, and the iconic Florence + The Machine. The festival, held annually over the August bank holiday weekend, is shaping up to be a celebration of homegrown musical prowess.
Organisers have highlighted that this marks the first time in 25 years that the headliners at both sister festivals are exclusively British and Irish acts, a testament to the vibrant music scene in the UK and Ireland.
Exclusive UK Festival Appearances
Adding to the excitement, Charli XCX's appearances at Reading and Leeds will be her only UK festival shows scheduled for next year. Festival bosses have confirmed that all six headliners will make their sole UK festival appearances at the twin events.
The West Yorkshire site will also feature a Thursday headline performance for the first time, with rock band Kasabian set to kick things off.
A Diverse Lineup
The lineup extends beyond the headliners, featuring a diverse array of artists including Irish rap trio Kneecap, pop singer Jade, and grime artist Skepta. US singers Sombr and Role Model are also on the bill, ensuring a wide range of musical styles.
Other confirmed artists include up-and-coming singer Skye Newman, Manchester-based DJ Josh Baker, Irish producer Kettama, US rock band Geese, Slovakian singer Adéla, and rock band Keo. Dutch DJ Chris Stussy is scheduled to play Reading only, with more acts expected to be announced in the coming months.
Charli XCX's Anticipated Performance
Charli XCX has enjoyed a successful period, with her album "Brat" making waves and inspiring trends. Reading and Leeds promises a new era as she takes the stage next summer. Her new track "House," from her upcoming album "Wuthering Heights," is set to feature in Emerald Fennel's upcoming film adaptation.
Dave's Chart-Topping Success
Dave has solidified his position as a leading figure in UK rap, with his third record, "The Boy Who Played The Harp," reaching the top of the charts earlier this year. This achievement made him the first British rap artist to debut three albums at number one in the UK's official chart.
Florence + The Machine's Darker Album
Florence + The Machine, fronted by Florence Welch, released their first album in three years on Halloween. Welch revealed that the album is a "darker" exploration of "life and death."
Fan Excitement and Diversity
Longtime festival attendee Meg expressed her excitement about the lineup, noting that it feels tailored to her tastes. She also highlighted the significance of having three female headliners, addressing previous criticism about the festival's representation. In 2023, organiser Melvyn Benn acknowledged efforts to achieve full diversity but noted challenges in finding available female headliners.
This year's festivals featured headliners such as Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon, and Hozier.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The Reading and Leeds Festivals will take place at Reading's Richfield Avenue and Bramham Park in Leeds from August 27 to 30. Artists will rotate their performances across the days. Tickets will go on general sale on Thursday, with presales already underway.
