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.

Author: Sophia Brooks