Charli XCX and Raye announced as headliners for Reading and Leeds Festival 2026

Next summer, the Reading and Leeds Festival will be headlined by British stars Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye. Joining them are Irish rockers Fontaines DC, electronic duo Chase & Status, and Florence + The Machine, all performing over the August bank holiday weekend.

Organisers highlight that this marks the first time in 25 years the headline slots at the twin festivals are exclusively occupied by British and Irish performers. Charli XCX, a five-time Brit Award winner, will be performing her only UK festival shows next year. Raye, who first appeared at the festival last year, returns as a headliner.

The festival organisers confirmed that all six headliners will not perform at any other UK festivals in 2025. For the first time, Reading will host a Thursday headline act, featuring rock band Kasabian. Other performers include Irish rap trio Kneecap, pop singer Jade, grime artist Skepta, US singers Sombr and Role Model, up-and-coming vocalist Skye Newman, Manchester DJ Josh Baker, Irish producer Kettama, US rock band Geese, Slovakian singer Adla, and rock band Keo. Dutch DJ Chris Stussy will appear exclusively at Reading, with additional artists yet to be revealed.

Last summer, US pop star Chappell Roan and rapper Travis Scott were among the headline performers, alongside metal band Bring Me The Horizon and singer-songwriter Hozier.

The 2025 events will take place at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds from 27 to 30 August, with performers rotating between the two locations. Tickets go on general sale this Thursday, following ongoing presales.

Analysis: A Landmark Moment for British and Irish Talent at Reading and Leeds Festivals

The 2025 edition of the Reading and Leeds Festivals is shaping up to be a landmark event, particularly for British and Irish performers. This will be the first time in 25 years that all headline acts at both festivals are exclusively from the UK and Ireland. For fans of homegrown talent, this is a noteworthy shift, highlighting the growing prominence of local artists on the global stage. Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye are set to headline, with Charli XCX marking her only UK festival appearance of the year. These artists have been carefully selected, ensuring that the festival’s headliners are not only diverse but also reflective of contemporary British music.

This year's lineup also includes an exciting mix of genres, with acts ranging from the indie rock of Fontaines DC to the electronic beats of Chase & Status. The inclusion of a Thursday headline act, rock band Kasabian, is also a first for the festival, offering something new to attendees. With the addition of artists like Skepta, Kneecap, and Jade, the festival is diversifying its sound and pushing boundaries within the UK music scene.

In terms of exclusivity, the fact that all six headliners will not perform at any other UK festivals in 2025 is a bold move by the organisers. This makes Reading and Leeds a unique destination for festivalgoers seeking rare performances. The anticipated rotation between the two locations – Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds – ensures a dynamic experience for fans attending both sites.

Ultimately, the 2025 festival promises to be a celebration of British and Irish music, showcasing the best of both emerging and established talent. The addition of international acts like Dutch DJ Chris Stussy and US artists such as Sombr and Role Model adds an extra layer of excitement, ensuring the festival remains one of the most anticipated events on the music calendar.

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• Charli XCX and Raye to headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2026