Everybodies favourite Joe feels like a lock-in for the 2026 edition.
March 8th update: Overpass and James Marriott confirmed as in by reliable sources.
Original article: Predicting the Reading and Leeds line-up has become an increasingly fraught experience in recent years. For starters there is a lot of competition on the bank holiday weekend. All Points East grows from strength to strength and has nabbed some top talent. Victorious Festival in Porstmouth also offers an outlet to a lot of guitar bands who may have at one point seemed more like a fit for the festival. Across the channel Rock En Seine is also taking place. Traditionally, there used to be a lot of crossover with Rock En Seine but that has become a less useful indicator in recent editions. Whilst the headliners of all the mentioned events are likely ruled out, artists from lower down the bill have the potential to turn up, if they have two free days between Friday and Sunday
We also have to ask, what does the Reading 2.0 rebrand mean? No difference to the style of last year which was already a massive shift on previous years? A further lean towards pop or dance music?
So Who is Definitely In?
Everybody announced in the first wave:
Respected sources say both Corella and Cardinals are 100% in for the festival, great news for fans of both young and exciting bands.
Who is probably in?
Steve Harington himself, Djo, has a two day window on Saturday and Sunday following on from All Points East on the 22nd of August, Rock en Seine on the 27th and Forwards Festival on the 28th. It would mean playing four days in a row, is that logistically too much? He would be a superb fit with Reading and Leeds and would likely be a highlight of the weekend.
Llorde is not going to be doing a full set as she is headlining All Points East and Forwards Festival. However, with Charli XCX headlining it does give room for one of her high profile collaborators to make a guest appearance. As she will be in the country could it be Llorde that pops up to do ‘Girl So Confusing?’
Biffy Clyro are at Rock En Seine on the 28th. They have a good relationship with Reading and Leeds and could fit the bill for ‘The Icons’ slot that Bloc Party filled last year. Franz Ferdinand are at Rock En Seine and could also fit the Icons slot.
Wet Leg have a totally clear schedule and have had a massive year following the release of their second album. It would seem there is a very high chance of them appearing. Wolf Alice are in Belfast on the 29th but would be a very good fit if they are not hauling a massive set around.
Every year Reading and Leeds bring over big American talent that does not always jump out at you as a huge act, but tend to be awesome live performers and have a lot of albums under the belt. Joyce Manor could definitely fit that kind of slot this year.
Dave has a lot of superstar collaborators, could one of them join the bill lower down and then hook up with him later in the day? Perhaps Tems? In terms of young rap talent Esdee Kid would be a massive signing, other than All Points East on the 23rd of August he has a totally clear window.
Who is definitely out?
Well, lots of bands. Amongst them we can say for definite that Bastille are out as they are busy on both Friday and Saturday. Headliners of Victorious Festival would seem unlikely but then Kasabian are appearing at Leeds on Thursday so does that make The Black Keys a possibility for Reading and Leeds?
Sadly Turnstile will not be appearing as they are at All Points East and Rock En Seine across the weekend.
You feel Central Cee would only be coming back as a headliner at this point so can be ruled out unless for an appearance with Dave.
Who would you like to see performing at the festival this year?
Tell us your favourites in the comments.
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