Organisers of Reading and Leeds have revealed the biggest staging and arena overhaul in the festival's history for its 2026 edition. The changes include new and revamped stages across both sites.
The dual-site event is scheduled for August 27 to 30 at Little John’s Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds. Headliners include Florence + The Machine, Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye and Chase & Status, with Kasabian set as the first-ever Thursday night headliner at Leeds.
Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, described the updates as the start of “Reading & Leeds 2.0”. New venues comprise The Grid for main stage acts, The Gallery for live music, The Warehouse for dance, The Ballroom with chandeliers and draping, and The Canopy for emerging artists.
Benn told NME the overhaul reflects the strength of UK and Irish music on the bill. He noted plans to test appetite for a potential four-day event and confirmed Wireless Festival will return after its recent cancellation.
Additional acts exclusive to each site include Blossoms and The K’s at Leeds, plus Loyle Carner and Gunna at Reading.