Reading and Leeds 2026: British and Irish acts lead the bill
For the first time in 25 years, Reading and Leeds will be headlined exclusively by British and Irish artists, including Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye.
Next summer, Reading and Leeds Festival will showcase a top lineup entirely made up of British and Irish artists. Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye lead the headliners, with Fontaines DC and Florence + The Machine also on the top bill for both sites over the August bank holiday weekend. Organisers say this milestone signals a shift toward homegrown talent at the two iconic festivals.
Headline and main acts
Charli XCX, a five-time Brit Award winner, will perform at Reading and Leeds as part of her limited UK festival appearances for next year. Dave, whose latest album topped charts, and Raye are set to headline alongside Florence + The Machine. Kasabian will headline the Thursday night at the Leeds site, marking a first for the festival. Other acts across the weekend include Kneecap (an Irish rap trio), Jade, Skepta (grime), plus Americans Sombr and Role Model. The lineup also features Skye Newman, Manchester DJ Josh Baker, Irish producer Kettama, US rock band Geese, Slovak singer Adéla, and rock band Keo. Reading will host Dutch DJ Chris Stussy, with more acts to be announced.
Venue and dates
The events run from 27 to 30 August, at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds. Performances rotate across days, so fans should check the daily line-ups. General tickets go on sale next Thursday; presales are already available.
Fan reaction
Fans have welcomed the focus on homegrown talent and the strong female representation among the headliners. Organisers have faced earlier criticism about diversity, but say the 2026 plan broadens genres and origins.
Expert comment
Expert: John Harris, a music industry analyst, notes that a strong, locally sourced lineup can boost attendance and cross-genre appeal while keeping the festival relevant on a global stage.
Short summary
The 2026 Reading and Leeds lineups emphasize homegrown talent, with Charli XCX, Dave, Raye, and Florence + The Machine headlining. Kasabian will lead Thursday in Leeds, and a mix of Irish, American, and European acts fill the rest of the slate. Tickets go on sale soon, with presales already open. The shift toward British and Irish headliners marks a notable moment in the festivals’ history.
Key takeaway: The 2026 Reading & Leeds will feature exclusively British and Irish headliners for the first time in 25 years. BBC News