Pepsi MAX Presents Reading & Leeds Festival has revealed an historic 2026 line-up with Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C., and RAYE all set to headline the iconic August Bank Holiday weekender. In a landmark move, this marks the first all-British and Irish headline bill in 25 years, and the first time ever that Leeds Festival will host a Thursday night Main Stage headliner, kicking things off with Kasabian.
Joining them are newly announced acts including Skepta, Sombr, Role Model, Jade, Josh Baker, Kneecap, Kettama, Geese, Skye Newman, Adéla, Keo, and Chris Stussy (Reading only), with many more names still to come.
From RAYE’s meteoric rise to Dave’s festival-exclusive return, the 2026 edition celebrates artists at the height of their powers. Whether it’s Charli XCX’s singular pop evolution, Chase & Status’ only live show of the year, or Fontaines D.C.’s debut headliner slot, this is a year not to miss. Florence Welch returns to headline for the first time in over a decade, bringing her new album Everybody Scream to UK crowds for an exclusive performance.
Reading & Leeds 2026 is already shaping up to be a defining chapter in the festivals’ legacy, a powerful statement of homegrown talent, cultural moment, and global relevance.
Key dates to mark in your calendar: the PayPal Presale kicks off at 9AM on Monday 1st December, followed by the Festival Presale at 9AM on Tuesday 2nd December. General Sale begins at 12PM on Wednesday 3rd December. For tickets and more information, head to www.readingfestival.com or www.leedsfestival.com.
