Charli XCX, Dave and Raye to Lead All-British and Irish Line-Up at Reading and Leeds 2026

Reading and Leeds Festival has unveiled a star-packed line-up for 2026, announcing that British chart toppers Charli XCX, Dave, and Raye will headline next summer’s twin events. Organisers say this marks the first time in 25 years that the top acts at both festivals are exclusively from the UK and Ireland. They will be joined at the top of the bill by Irish rock favourites Fontaines DC, electronic duo Chase and Status, and the acclaimed group Florence and the Machine.

All six headliners will be making their only UK festival appearances of the year at Reading and Leeds, adding an extra layer of anticipation for fans. Charli XCX, in particular, has been on a remarkable rise, following the global impact of her album Brat, which dominated charts and helped spark a cultural trend that defined much of the musical conversation this year. Festival organisers say she will usher in a new era when she takes the stage next August. Her latest track House, taken from her upcoming album Wuthering Heights, has already generated excitement and will feature in Emerald Fennell’s upcoming film adaptation.

Dave continues to cement himself as one of Britain’s biggest rap artists. His recent album, The Boy Who Played The Harp, debuted at number one and earned him the distinction of becoming the first British rapper to have all three of his albums open at the top of the UK charts. His headline set is expected to be one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend. Raye, whose rise has been equally meteoric, will be bringing her blend of pop, soul, and artistry that has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Florence and the Machine, fronted by Florence Welch, recently released their first album in three years on Halloween. Welch described it as a darker project exploring themes of life and death, and fans will be eager to see how this new material translates to the festival stage. Fontaines DC and Chase and Status, both widely acclaimed in their genres, round out the group of major headliners.

For the first time, the Leeds site will host a special Thursday night headline slot, with Kasabian set to kick off the weekend. They will be joined throughout the festival by a diverse range of artists, including Irish rap trio Kneecap, pop singer Jade, grime star Skepta, as well as US performers Sombr and Role Model. Rising talents such as Skye Newman, Manchester-based DJ Josh Baker, Irish producer Kettama, US rock band Geese, Slovakian singer Adéla, and rock outfit Keo have also been confirmed.

This year’s festival will run from 27 to 30 August at Reading’s Richfield Avenue and Bramham Park in Leeds, with artists rotating between sites. Presale tickets are already available, and general ticket sales begin on Thursday.