Pepsi MAX presents Reading & Leeds Festival have today shared six huge headliners for 2026. Taking to the stage next August Bank Holiday weekend are Charli xcx, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C. and RAYE, as the festival platforms an exclusively British and Irish set of headliners for the first time in 25 years. For the first time in the event’s history, Leeds Festival will also welcome performers to the Main Stage on Thursday, and joining the line-up at Bramham Park in August will be Thursday headliners Kasabian. Also appearing across the weekend are: Skepta, Sombr, Role Model, Jade, Josh Baker, Kneecap, Kettama, Chris Stussy (Reading only), Geese, Skye Newman, Adéla and Keo.
The 48hr PayPal presale starts at 9AM on Monday 1 December.
The 24hr Festival presale starts at 9AM on Tuesday 2 December, sign up for access via www.readingfestival.com / www.leedsfestival.com.
Tickets go on general sale at 12PM on Wednesday 3 December via www.readingfestival.com / www.leedsfestival.com.
Charli xcx has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit, and her forward-thinking approach has reshaped pop culture in the process. BRAT summer might be over but Reading and Leeds is ushering in a new era as she takes to the stage for her only UK festival performance of the year.
Chase & Status have become a powerhouse in electronic music. As pioneers of UK dance music, they show no signs of slowing down, and for the first time ever they will headline Reading and Leeds next summer, delivering their only live show of 2026.
Dave’s UK festival exclusive performance at Reading and Leeds follows the recent release of number one album ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’, as he cements himself as one of the most talented rappers of his generation.
After the release of her brand new, highly anticipated album ‘Everybody Scream’, Florence + The Machine returns to Reading and Leeds for the first time since 2012 for her only UK Festival performance.
Since their inception, Fontaines D.C. have become one of the most important bands of their generation. Their debut Reading and Leeds headline performances will be their only UK festival shows of 2026, which marks yet another monumental milestone in their career.
Multi-award winning, British singer-songwriter RAYE boasts eight Top 20 UK singles, five billion global Spotify streams, and holds the record for the most Brit awards won in a single night. Next year’s UK festival exclusive headline performance at Reading and Leeds will be one for the history books.
Speaking during her first appearance at Reading Festival in 2024, RAYE said:
“You know what listen guys, I’ve done it, I came to Reading & Leeds when I was 16 when I finished my GCSE’s, I was in the dance tent living my life…you know what I mean. I had a dream, and look at me now, it’s all possible”
Also announced today are: Skepta, Sombr, Role Model, Jade, Josh Baker, Kneecap, Kettama, Chris Stussy (Reading only), Geese, Skye Newman, Adéla and Keo.
The PayPal pre-sale starts at 9AM on Monday 1 December.
The Festival pre-sale starts at 9AM on Tuesday 2 December, sign up for access via www.readingfestival.com / www.leedsfestival.com.
Tickets go on general sale at 12PM on Wednesday 3 December via www.readingfestival.com / www.leedsfestival.com.
ENDS
For all Reading and Leeds media enquiries please contact Shannon Cotton at Festival Republic
Scotton@festivalrepublic.com
Hi-res press assets can be found here.
To register your interest in covering Reading Festival or Leeds Festival please fill out the accreditation form here.
ABOUT FESTIVAL REPUBLIC
Festival Republic, part of the Live Nation Entertainment Group, is the UK’s leading festival and event promoter, boasting a portfolio of well-known brands including the country’s biggest music festivals Reading & Leeds, as well as Latitude, Wireless, Wilderness, The Great Escape and Electric Picnic in Ireland. It also hosts shows at London’s most iconic outdoor music venues: Finsbury Park, Crystal Palace Park and Gunnersbury Park. For details on Festival Republic and its events, visit www.festivalrepublic.com
ABOUT PEPSICO
As an official & long running partner of Reading and Leeds Festival, Pepsi MAX is turning up the volume on enjoyment! Join us next summer to celebrate your passion for music in the best way possible. We are here to craft unexpected and unrivalled moments of enjoyment for those who are Thirsty For More from life! Pepsi MAX: Maximum Taste, no sugar. https://www.pepsi.co.uk/
ABOUT PAYPAL
PayPal is making it easier for music lovers to secure their spot at Pepsi MAX presents Reading and Leeds Festival with exclusive presale access. Starting on Monday 1 December 2025 at 9AM, a limited number of tickets will be available exclusively to PayPal customers for up to 48 hours*.
*Starts 9AM, Monday 1 December 2025 and ends when sold out or by 9AM,
Wednesday 3 December 2025, whichever comes first. T&Cs apply.