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Reading & Leeds 2026 Unveils All‑British and Irish Headliners, Adds Leeds Thursday Main Stage

Presales open as organisers roll out a home‑grown headliner slate with a new Thursday Main Stage at Leeds.

Overview

  • Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C. and RAYE are confirmed as the six headliners.
  • Leeds’ Main Stage will open on Thursday for the first time, with Kasabian set as the inaugural Thursday headliner at Bramham Park.
  • Organisers note the first all‑British and Irish headliner bill in 25 years, with Charli XCX and Fontaines D.C. billed as sole U.K. festival appearances in 2026.
  • A staged ticket rollout is under way, with a PayPal presale live, a second presale on December 2, and general sale due at 12pm on Wednesday, December 3.
  • Early reaction online is mixed, with some fans welcoming the contemporary mix and others lamenting fewer rock and metal acts, as more names are still to be announced.