We may currently be preparing for Christmas, but all eyes are now on next summer’s music festivals.
Glasgow’s TRNSMT festival finally announced its lineup last month, with Kasabian, Lewis Capaldi and Richard Ashcroft closing the stage over the three days.
That followed most of the big festivals in the UK showing their hands - including the likes of Download, the Isle of Wight Festival and Latitude.
With Glastonbury on a fallow year in 2026, arguably the biggest event of the year in the UK is the Reading and Leeds Festivals, which will take place from August 27-30.
Dating back to 1961, when it was known as the National Jazz Festival, the event was first only held in Reading but since 1999 encompasses twin festivals taking place over the same weekend with a near-identical lineup.
The Reading part is held at Little John's Farm on Richfield Avenue in central Reading, while the Leeds portion is held in Bramham Park, near Wetherby.
Many of the biggest names in music have headlined over the years, including Nirvana, Oasis, Blur, Fall Out Boy, Metallica, The Cure, Guns N’ Roses, Beastie Boys and Pink Floyd.
And now the wait is over to find out who will be headlining in 2026 - with the first wave of performers announced today, including the all-important headliners.
Here are all 18 acts confirmed for 2026 so far - tickets are on sale from 12noon on Wednesday, December 3, here.
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14. Chris Stussy
Also on the decks at Reading and Leeds will be DJ Chris Stussy. | Getty Images for Heineken

15. Geese
One of the breakthrough acts of 2025, courtesy of album 'Getting Killed', American rockers Geese will be at Reading and Leeds. | Contributed

16. Skye Newman
English singer-songwriter Skye Newman recently had her first top 10 hit with 'Family Matters'. She'll be playing it at Reading and Leeds 2026. | Contributed

