Reading & Leeds Festival: Two 2026 Headliners Already Locked In

Excitement builds as Reading & Leeds festival boss reveals two of next year’s headliners are already secured, promising an epic 2026 lineup.

A Sneak Peek at Reading & Leeds 2026

If you’ve ever been caught up in the electric buzz of Reading & Leeds, you’ll know there’s something truly special about these twin festivals. Well, the wait for next year’s headliners might just be a little shorter than we thought. Melvin Benn, the mastermind behind the iconic events, has let slip that two of the three headliners for 2026 are already booked. That’s right—while 2025 is still underway, plans for next year are well underway.

Crowd enjoying AJ Tracey’s set at Reading 2025

2025 Lineup Recap: Setting the Stage

As the 2025 festival rages on this weekend, the lineup sparks serious nostalgia and fresh energy alike. Friday’s headliners at Reading include Chappell Roan and the soulful Hozier, while Saturday boasts legends like Bring Me The Horizon and Limp Bizkit tearing up the stage. The weekend wraps up with Travis Scott delivering a signature closing performance Sunday night.

The festival’s atmosphere is charged with anticipation and vibrant diversity, from the revamped camping areas designed for solo festival-goers, eco-conscious fans, and the LGBTQ+ community to the contagious camaraderie in the crowds.

Melvin Benn’s Insider Scoop

Speaking to festival media on opening day, Melvin Benn shared insights on the meticulous preparations behind the scenes. What truly caught fans off guard was his revelation that two headliners for 2026 are already locked in—something he admits he can’t remember happening before this early stage in the planning.

“I’ve already got headliners for two of the three nights booked already for next year, and I’m really confident about the artists,” Benn said. “I feel like we’re in a stronger position than I can remember for an awfully long time.”

He added with a smile of optimism that securing the third night isn’t far off either. Changes introduced in 2025, especially around camping, are designed to make fans want to come back year after year. But ultimately, it’s the headliners that draw the crowd—and Benn promises those will be “great headliners.”

Teasing Future Stars

While Benn played it coy about revealing the names of the 2026 headliners, he did drop a tantalizing hint: there are two or three current acts from this year’s lineup who might one day fill those coveted top spots.

“Yes, there are two or three on the bill this year that I think are future headliners,” he teased. “But I’ve stopped predicting that to the public because I think it’s a burden on the artists to say, ‘You’re tipped as being a future headliner… but will you be?’ One of the things that we do here is give acts a chance to go through the ranks. Let them start on one of the smaller stages and come all the way through.”

This nurturing approach resonates deeply with festival fans, who love discovering new talent growing into stars right before their eyes.

Lambrini Girls energize the crowd at Reading 2025

Highlights from Reading & Leeds 2025

The weekend has already given us some unforgettable moments. Hozier’s Friday set wasn’t just a musical performance—it was a passionate call for justice and equality, with the artist speaking out in support of Palestine Action, Kneecap, and free speech.

Chappell Roan’s set also lit up the crowd with an energetic, hits-packed performance that earned rave reviews. One glowing review captured the spirit perfectly:

“Throughout the performance, there’s a feeling of camaraderie and community in the crowd. Strangers become new acquaintances, the ‘Hot To Go’ dance unites everyone in clumsily trying to remember the moves and in the right order, and before ‘Red Wine Supernova’, everyone raises pink cowboy hats and pink bandanas aloft. It feels like tens of thousands of like-minded people who’ve all got the same memo and have been brought together with the same intentions.”

Join the Festival From Anywhere

If you’re not lucky enough to be at Reading or Leeds this weekend, don’t fret. You can still catch all the action from the comfort of your own home with liveblogs and broadcasts covering the festival’s full lineup and happenings.

FAQ

• How early are headliners usually booked for Reading & Leeds?
  Usually, headliners are confirmed closer to the festival dates, but this year’s early bookings are exceptional, marking a strong position for 2026.
• Who are some potential future headliners at Reading & Leeds?
  While names are kept under wraps, Melvin Benn hinted that several artists on this year’s lineup are strong candidates to headline in the future.
• What changes were made to camping at Reading & Leeds 2025?
  The festival introduced revamped camping zones tailored for solo campers, eco-conscious visitors, and the LGBTQ+ community to enhance the festival experience.
• Can I watch Reading & Leeds festival from home?
  Yes! There are liveblogs, TV broadcasts, and radio coverage available so fans worldwide can enjoy the festival remotely.
• How does Reading & Leeds support emerging artists?
  The festival allows new acts to progress through smaller stages, giving them a platform to grow into headlining performers over time.

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