The Reading and Leeds Festival 2026 lineup has been officially announced, revealing a music-heavy roster led by a powerful group of British and Irish artists. Charli XCX, Raye, and Dave will headline the twin festivals next summer, marking the first time in 25 years that the headline acts are exclusively from the UK and Ireland.
The festivals will run across the August bank holiday weekend, taking place from 27 to 30 August 2026 at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds. Organisers confirmed that the performances will be the only UK festival appearances next year for all six headliners.
Charli XCX and Raye Lead the Charge
Five-time BRIT Award winner Charli XCX will take the stage for what is currently her only UK festival booking for 2026. Known for her trailblazing hyper-pop sound and critically acclaimed recent releases, she is expected to deliver one of the most anticipated performances of the summer.
Raye, who previously performed at Reading and Leeds in 2024, returns to the festival with significantly increased star power after her breakout year, which included major chart wins and award recognition. Meanwhile, rapper Dave rounds out the top billing, continuing his reputation as one of the country’s most influential contemporary artists.
Massive Lineup Announced
Joining the headliners are:
Fontaines D.C.
Chase & Status
Florence + The Machine
Kasabian — set to headline a new Thursday night slot in Leeds
Kneecap
Jade
Skepta
Sombr
Role Model
Skye Newman
Josh Baker
Kettama
Geese
Adéla
Keo
Additionally, Chris Stussy will perform exclusively at Reading, with more artists still to be announced in the coming months.
The announcement highlights the festival’s growing support for domestic talent, in contrast to recent years when stars like Chappell Roan, Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon, and Hozier headlined.
Tickets and Availability
Presales are currently open, and general ticket sales begin Thursday. Fans are expected to respond quickly, as headline exclusivity often drives significant demand and early sell-outs.
Artists will rotate performance days between locations, which is standard scheduling for the dual-site festival format.
A Big Year Ahead for Live Music
The renewed focus on British and Irish headliners marks a notable moment for Reading and Leeds, which continues to evolve its programming to reflect global music shifts and rising homegrown talent.
With a rapidly expanding list of artists and strong early interest, Reading and Leeds Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the standout live events of the year.
