Reading & Leeds Expand 2026 Lineup With Fresh New Acts And Dance Stage Announcement

Reading & Leeds have confirmed over 60 new names for their 2026 lineup, continuing to build out this year’s festival with a noticeable focus on newer and emerging acts. It’s a lineup update that leans just as much on discovery as it does scale.

The latest wave expands on an already packed bill, with previously announced headliners including Charli xcx, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C. and RAYE. This new drop shifts attention slightly, bringing in a mix of established crossover names and artists continuing to build momentum.

Declan McKenna, Maisie Peters, James Marriott and Holly Humberstone lead the additions, while a wider group of newer voices including Clara La San, Paris Paloma, Julia Wolf and Arthur Hill point to the festival’s ongoing investment in emerging talent. Elsewhere, artists like Niko B and Kingfishr further reflect that direction.

Alongside the lineup expansion, Reading & Leeds have also announced The Warehouse, a new purpose-built stage dedicated entirely to dance music. Designed to deliver a more immersive, club-style experience, the space will combine upgraded sound design with advanced lighting production.

The stage’s lineup reflects that shift. Hybrid Minds, Mall Grab, Hedex, Rossi. and Omar + are all set to appear, while special back-to-back sets will see Skepta join Prospa in Reading and East End Dubs in Leeds. Max Dean b2b Luke Dean and Bou are confirmed for Reading only.

There are also a handful of notable firsts and unexpected appearances across the weekend. Violet Grohl is set to perform at a festival for the first time, while Cruz Beckham and The Breakers also feature on the bill. RAYE’s siblings, Absolutely and Amma, have also been added.

Reading & Leeds 2026 will take place from 27th–30th August, with tickets on sale now. Links below.

www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestival.com