Reading and Leeds 2.0 Festivals: Headline acts, ticket information and more
Reading and Leeds are two of the UK’s longest-running music festivals, and have hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years.
This year, the festival has rebranded, launching Reading and Leeds 2.0 - but what does this mean for the attendees?
Music News Blitz writer Grace Moore answers all questions about this year’s festival.
When and where are the Reading and Leeds Festivals?
Reading and Leeds are two festivals that run alongside each other every August in England.
This year, the festivals are taking place from Thursday, August 27, until Sunday, August 30 - which is a bank holiday weekend in the UK.
If you are an early entry ticket holder, you will be able to access the festival sites on Wednesday, August 26 - but there will be no live performances that day.
Reading Festival takes place at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Leeds Festival takes place at Bramham Park in Leeds.
Both festivals have the same line-up performing across the weekend, alongside a few special guests that differ between both Reading and Leeds.
What is Reading and Leeds 2.0?
In an attempt to refresh their brand, Reading and Leeds Festival has taken on a new aesthetic, alongside having a new sponsor, Pepsi, for this year’s event.
Reading and Leeds 2.0 is the festival’s way of creating a more exciting event.
This year, all the headlining acts are exclusive to Reading and Leeds, meaning they aren't performing at any other 2026 UK Festivals.
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Who are the headlining acts at Reading and Leeds?
There are six headliners performing at both Reading and Leeds Festivals. The acts and days are as follows:
Friday Leeds/Sunday Reading: Chase & Status Live, Florence + The Machine
Saturday Leeds/Friday Reading: Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C.
Sunday Leeds/Saturday Reading: Raye, Dave
As well as these main headliners, Leeds Festival attendees will also be able to experience a special performance from rock band Kasabian on the Thursday of the festival.
Which acts are not performing at both Reading and Leeds?
Reading and Leeds have some acts that are only performing at one of the festivals rather than both.
As well as the Thursday headline performance from Kasabian at Leeds, bands Arkayla and The Lathums will also be playing.
However, they will not be appearing at Reading Festival. There will be no live performances at Reading Festival on Thursday.
Indie rock bands Blossoms and The K’s will also join the lineup for Leeds Festival, performing on Friday.
At Reading Festival, attendees will get exclusive performances from Gunna, Loyle Carner and Chris Stussy as these acts will not be at Leeds Festival.
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What tickets are available to buy?
There are a range of tickets available to purchase for both Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Weekend camping tickets are sold out for Reading, however are still available for Leeds festival at a price of £325 per ticket, or £361 for early entry.
This year, Reading and Leeds are offering non-camping weekend tickets at a slightly lower price of £295.
A day ticket at Reading and Leeds this year will set you back £125. Leeds are also offering Thursday day tickets for £55.
Is there any more important information I need to know?
If you are travelling from afar to attend Reading and Leeds, you can book direct transport through Big Green Coach, making it easier to reach the festival grounds.
Campsite information will become available closer to the time of the festival, and it’s important to research this and decide which campsite is best suited to you.
Reading and Leeds have stated that there are still more acts to be announced, so keep an eye out on social media!
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