Reading & Leeds unveils 2026 rebrand with huge headliners announcement 

Reading & Leeds has dropped the first wave of artists set to play its twinned stages in 2026, and, on this evidence, next year will be one of the festival’s biggest ever.

Both sites will play host to six mammoth headliners: guitar heroes Fontaines DC; cultural disruptor Charli xcx; rap luminary Dave; soul-pop powerhouse RAYE; ethereal force Florence + The Machine; and drum and bass faves Chase & Status. It’s the first time in 25 years R&L has had a full set of British and Irish headliners, and the August bank holiday weekender will also be a UK festival exclusive for all six acts. 

What’s more, Leeds will also have Main Stage performances on Thursday for the first time ever - a bill that’s due to be headed up by festival titans Kasabian. Also on the lineup across the weekend (at both Reading and Leeds) are the likes of Skepta, JADE, Role Model, Sombr, and Geese. 

There are many more names still set to be announced but, by our reckoning, that’s quite enough to be getting on with… 

Reading & Leeds 2026 will take place from 27th-30th August in Richfield Avenue (Reading) and Bramham Park (Leeds). Tickets will go on general sale at 12pm this Wednesday, 3rd December, here.

Check out the stacked 2026 lineup for both fests (so far!) below.