Reading and Leeds Festivals line-ups explained

The Reading and Leeds Festivals are a pair of annual music festivals that take place in Reading and Leeds, England. The events both happen on the bank holiday weekend in August (on Friday, Saturday, Sunday), and share the same bill (occasionally with one or two exceptions). The festival's origins date to the Beaulieu Jazz Festival (1956–1961) which became the National Jazz Festival in 1961 (The National Jazz and Blues Festival in 1963) and settled in Reading in 1971. In 1999 a second leg was added at Leeds.

The following is a list of acts that have played at the festival.

1961

Main stage

Richmond Saturday Richmond Sunday

1962

Main stage

Richmond Saturday 28 JulyRichmond Sunday 29 July

1963

Main stage

Richmond Saturday 10 AugustRichmond Sunday 11 August

Notes

The third NJF Festival saw the first non-Jazz acts appear, notably the Rolling Stones and Long John Baldry on the Sunday afternoon. The Sunday afternoon session featured the final heats of the National Amateur Jazz Contest featuring twelve jazz bands chosen from semi-finals held across Britain.

1964

Main stage

Richmond Friday 7 August Richmond Saturday 8 August Richmond Sunday 9 August
  • The Rolling Stones
  • The T-Bones (incl. Gary Farr)
  • Val McCallum and the Authentics
  • The Grebbels
  • Night Shift

Notes

The Festival expanded to three days with the addition of a rhythm & blues themed Friday evening session. The Sunday afternoon session featured the fourteen best jazz bands from a National Amateur Jazz Contest chosen from regional contests held nationwide.

1965

Main stage

Richmond Friday 6 August Richmond Saturday 7 August Richmond Sunday 8 August

1966

Main stage

Windsor Friday 29 July Windsor Saturday 30 July Windsor Sunday 31 July

Notes

The Festival moved to the larger Windsor Racecourse venue in 1966 after five years at Richmond Athletic Ground. Cream were billed as 'Eric Clapton – Jack BruceGinger Baker' as the band were still unnamed when promotional posters & advertising were printed.

1967

Main stage

Windsor Friday 11 AugustWindsor Saturday 12 August Windsor Sunday 13 August

Marquee stage

Windsor Saturday Windsor Sunday

Notes

Pink Floyd pulled out on Saturday evening due to singer/guitarist Syd Barrett's health problems and were replaced by The Nice. The Nice also acted as backing band for P P Arnold. A second "Marquee" stage was added on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Four bands played sets each night, three of which also appeared on the main stage on the same day.

1968

Main stage

Sunbury Friday 10 August Sunbury Saturday 11 August Sunbury Sunday 12 August

1969

Main stage

Plumpton Friday 8 August Plumpton Saturday 9 August Afternoon Plumpton Saturday 9 August Evening Plumpton Sunday 10 August Afternoon Plumpton Sunday 10 August Evening

1970

Main stage

Plumpton Thursday Plumpton Friday Plumpton Saturday Plumpton Sunday

Village stage

Village Stage Saturday Village Stage Sunday

Notes

The 1970 Festival was a four-day event for the only time in its history, with a South of England Local Talent session in the main arena on the Thursday evening. A 'Village' stage was added on Saturday and Sunday running from later afternoon to mid-evening.

1971

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

In 1971 the Festival moved to its permanent home at Little John's Farm on the south bank of the River Thames in Reading, a venue it has remained at ever since (with the exception of two years in the 1980s when the Festival was banned by the Conservative Party controlled Reading Borough Council).

1972

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1973

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

Roy Buchanan and Bert Jansch were scheduled to appear, but they did not play.

1974

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1975

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1976

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1977

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

Frankie Miller, Widowmaker, Racing Cars, Blue, Tiger, and Hand Reef all made appearances, but their place on the lineup is unclear.

1978

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1979

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

Thin Lizzy were scheduled to headline on Saturday but cancelled. After the Fire and The Ramones were also scheduled to play but cancelled.

1980

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

Angel City withdrew and were replaced by Grand Prix, Q-Tips also pulled out, being replaced by White Spirit. Gary Moore's G-Force were also originally scheduled to play but cancelled. Headboys (replaced by Quartz) and Ozzy Osbourne's Blizzard of Ozz (replaced by Slade) were also cancellations, while The Pencils pulled out at the last minute when all of their equipment was stolen the night before.

1981

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

Thompson Twins, Midnight Oil, Outlaws, The Marshall Tucker Band and Alex Harvey Band were originally scheduled to play but cancelled. Stan Webb's Chicken Shack pulled out due to illness and were replaced at short notice by Atomic Rooster.

1982

Main stage

Reading Friday[2] Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1983

Main stage

Reading Friday[3] Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1984

The 1984 Festival was cancelled when the Conservative Party took control of Reading Borough Council. The announced line-up was due to be:

Main stage

Reading Friday[4] Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1985

No festival held this year

1986

Main stage

Reading Friday[5] Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1987

Main stage

Reading Friday[6] Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1988

Main stage

Reading Friday[7] Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1989

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Mean Fiddler stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1990

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Mean Fiddler stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

1991

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Mean Fiddler stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

etc.

etc.

etc.

Comedy stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

etc.

etc.

1992

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Melody Maker stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Comedy stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
  • Frank Sidebottom
  • The Doug Anthony Allstars
  • Frank Skinner

1993

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Melody Maker stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Comedy stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
  • Frank Sidebottom
  • John Thomson
  • Simon Day
  • Mark Maler
  • Ian Cognito
  • John Mann
  • Logan Murray
  • John Maloney
  • Jenny LeCoat
  • Sean Med
  • Eddie Izzard

1994

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Melody Maker stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Comedy stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

Soundgarden were due to play but cancelled when Chris Cornell was diagnosed with polyps on his vocal cords.

1995

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Melody Maker stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Carlsberg stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Comedy stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
  • Eddie Izzard
  • The Tracey Brothers
  • Mike Pinder Sextet
  • Raymond & Mr Timpkins Revue
  • Mark Hurst
  • Ian Stone
  • Paul Thorn
  • Woody Bop Muddy
  • Dermot Carmody
  • Phil Davey

1996

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

NME stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Dr. Martens Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Notes

Despite being billed as headliners on the Friday night, Rage Against the Machine played their set before The Prodigy

1997

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Dr. Martens Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Melody Maker stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Vans Warped Tour stage

1998

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Melody Maker stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Dr. Martens Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday

Carlsberg Export stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Vans Warped Stage Full Evolve StageBig Beat Boutique
  • Roni Size Reprazent
  • Freestylers
  • DJ's Frost and Bryan Gee
  • Bill Ryley
  • J-Raqs
  • More Rockers
  • Flynn and Flora

Notes

Curve were due to play on the Melody Maker stage on the Sunday but were replaced by Theaudience at short notice.

1999

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Monday

Radio 1 Evening Session stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Monday

Carling Premier stage

Liberty 37 (unknown position)

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Monday

Also included Big Leaves, Black Box Recorder, Cha Cha Cohen, Chicks, Cube, Cyclefly, Dark Star, Dawn of the Replicants, Experimental Pop Band, The Jellys, Jim's Super Stereo World, Linoleum, Llama Farmers, Medal, Mercedes, The Motorhomes, Muse, Peeps Into Fairyland, Quasi, Rico, The Rocking Horses, Rosita, Seafood, Silt, Sonia Fariq, Stroke, Venni, The Webb Brothers, Witness

Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday

Vans Warped Tour stage

Reading Sunday
Leeds Monday

Notes

Orgy were due to open the Main Stage Reading Sunday/Leeds Monday, but pulled out days before the event. Lit filled in their spot.

2000

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Monday Leeds Sunday Leeds Saturday

Radio 1 Evening Session stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Monday Leeds Sunday Leeds Saturday

Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Monday Leeds Sunday Leeds Saturday

Carling Premier stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Monday Leeds Sunday Leeds Saturday

Notes

Rage Against the Machine played their last UK gig at Reading before their break-up. They played their last gig three weeks later. Originally booked play on the mainstage Eminem had to pull out a few weeks prior for legal reasons in America. Elastica pulled out of their Leeds appearance.

2001

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 Evening Session stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The End Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday
See Concrete Jungle Stage

The Concrete Jungle stage

Reading Saturday
Leeds Sunday

Carling stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

This was the year that the Concrete Jungle Stage made its debut. Weekend tickets cost £80, day tickets £35. The Strokes were moved from the Radio One stage to the Main Stage.

2002

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 Evening Session stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Third stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday
The Boutique Stage Concrete Jungle StageDance Stage

Carling stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

Guns N' Roses played only in Leeds as they had a prior touring commitment in London on the day of the Reading event. In Reading they were replaced by Raging Speedhorn who appeared much lower on the bill. A weekend ticket cost £90, a day ticket was £39. Reel Big Fish pulled out of Leeds for undisclosed reasons. Antipop Consortium cancelled their Dance Stage appearance after they disbanded earlier that month. Feeder were invited by Melvin Benn to headline the main stage on the first day at Reading and the second day at Leeds. They later turned this down, as they did not want to play such a high-profile slot so soon after the death of their drummer Jon Lee in January of that year. As a result, Feeder would instead headline the Radio 1 Evening Session Stage.

2003

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Smirnoff Dance Arena

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Concrete Jungle stage

Reading Saturday
Leeds Sunday

Carling stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club played as a replacement for The White Stripes, who pulled out after Jack White was in a car crash with his then-girlfriend, Renée Zellweger. Although they played second on the Main Stage, it was billed as with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, reflecting their smaller status. Jay-Z also pulled out, with The Darkness moving further up the bill to replace him. The Libertines were without Pete Doherty, who was at that time estranged from the band; he also missed their 2004 appearance. Other drop outs included Courtney Love, Lostprophets and Godsmack. A weekend ticket cost £95, a day ticket £40.

2004

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Dance Arena

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday
See Concrete Jungle Stage

Concrete Jungle stage

Reading Saturday
Leeds Sunday

Carling stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

On the Radio 1 Stage, the Super Furry Animals headlined on the Leeds Saturday, with Graham Coxon second. This order was reversed when the bands played the Reading Friday. New Found Glory pulled out a few weeks before the festival. A weekend ticket cost £105, a day ticket £45.

2005

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Dance Arena

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday
See Radio 1 Lock-Up Stage

Radio 1 Lock-Up Stage

Reading Saturday
Leeds Sunday

Carling stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

In 2005 My Chemical Romance played Reading and Leeds on the same day, in an alteration from the original schedule, due to the MTV Video Music Awards. The Transplants were originally booked to play the festivals but pulled out in mid-August due to illness. Jimmy Eat World also pulled out due to other commitments. Other drop outs included Willy Mason, Simple Plan and Fall Out Boy (also due to the VMAs). A weekend ticket cost £125, a day ticket £60.

2006

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Dance Arena

Reading Sunday
Leeds Friday

Radio 1 Lock-Up Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday

Carling stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Nokia Tent

Reading Saturday
  • Modern Clichés

Notes

Shortly after the first line-up announcement, Feeder and Yeah Yeah Yeahs switched days, meaning that Yeah Yeah Yeahs would play Reading on Friday and Leeds on Saturday, and that Feeder would play Reading on Saturday and Leeds on Sunday. Audioslave pulled out of their slot due to the band being busy recording new material, The Shins pulled out for undisclosed reasons, and From First to Last pulled out due to the then lead singer (Sonny Moore) needing throat surgery, Paramore had to pull out because their singer (Hayley Williams) had throat problems and were replaced by Sonic Boom Six lower in the bill. Story of the Year and Bleeding Through also pulled out for undisclosed reasons. Flogging Molly played twice at both festivals, once in the punk tent and once on the main stage. Tickets were £135 for a weekend ticket and £60 for a day ticket.

2007

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Dance Arena

Reading Saturday
Leeds Sunday

Radio 1 Lock-Up Stage

Reading Friday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Friday

The Carling stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

Kaiser Chiefs played a secret slot on the Carling Stage at the Leeds leg of the event under the pseudonym of 'Hooks for Hands'.Peeping Tom were due to perform on the dance stage, but pulled out.+44 also dropped out. A weekend ticket cost £145 (plus a maximum of £7 booking fee).

2008

The line-up for the Reading and Leeds 2008 festivals was announced on 31 March 2008, and tickets were made available thereafter.[8] [9]

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1/NME Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Dance Arena

Reading Sunday
Leeds Friday

Radio 1 Lock-Up Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday

Alternative stage

BBC Introducing Stage

!BBC Introducing Stage
  • Attack Attack!
  • The Bacchae
  • The Cherry Cob Cartel
  • Darlins
  • Be The SplitScreen
  • Dinosaur Pile Up
  • Eureka Machines
  • Fangs
  • FFERS
  • Flashguns
  • Fox Cubs
  • General Fiasco
  • The Humour
  • Hungry Ghosts: Concur
  • Ipsum Facto
  • The Joy Formidable
  • Kid ID
  • The Last People on Earth
  • Loqui
  • The Maybes
  • The New York Fund
  • Out of Animals
  • Our Fold
  • Pulled Apart by Horses
  • Razzmatazz Lorry Excitement
  • Situationists
  • Skeletons
  • Sole
  • Islocus
  • That Fucking Tank
  • These Monsters
  • Thomas Tantrum
  • Tiger Shadow
  • Tripwires

Notes

2009

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday Leeds Saturday

Radio 1/NME Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday Leeds Saturday

Lock Up Stage/Dance Arena

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday Leeds Saturday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday Leeds Saturday

The Alternative stage

Comedy: Doug Stanhope, Tim Minchin, Brendon Burns, Jack Whitehall, Junior Simpson, Sarah Millican, Tom Stade, Hugh Lennon, MC Matt Read, MC Martin Bigpig, Steve Gribbin, Kevin Bridges, Holly Walsh, Stephen Grant, Markus Birdman, Stuckey & Murray, Jessica Delfino, Dan Nightingale, Gary Delaney, Mark Olver, Daniel Townes, MC Dave Twentyman, Joey Page, Doc Brown, Jamie Kilstein, Joe Bor, Tomb.

Spoken Word: Aidan Moffat, The PeteBox, Kae Tempest, Mik Artistik, John Berkavitch

Debate: ID Instigate Debate

Late Night Entertainment: Smash N' Grab, Swap-A-Rama, Transgressive Records

Film: Le Donk screening plus Q&A session with Mark Herbert and special guests from the film, 3D Night Of The Living Dead, This Is Spinal Tap, Anvil! The Story of Anvil.

Dance to the Radio stage

Leeds Thursday

Notes

2010

The line-up for the Reading and Leeds 2010 festivals was announced on 29 March 2010, and tickets were made available thereafter.[13] [14]

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday Leeds Saturday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday Leeds Saturday

Lock-Up Stage/Dance Arena

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds SundayLeeds Friday Leeds Saturday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds SundayLeeds Friday Leeds Saturday

Notes

2011

The line-up for the Reading and Leeds 2011 festivals was announced on 21 March 2011, and tickets were made available thereafter.[15] [16]

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Lock-Up Stage/Dance Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

Weekend tickets cost £192.50 before booking fees.Pulp headlined over The Strokes at the Leeds Festival.Mouthwash pulled out due to the split up of the band, they were replaced by Fighting Fiction.The Twilight Singers pulled out and were replaced by Young Legionnaire. OFWGKTA pulled out of the Leeds Festival due to the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, but still performed at the Reading Festival. Jane's Addiction were due to headline the NME/Radio 1 Stage but cancelled both their appearances at the last minute – after arriving at the Reading site – due to frontman Perry Farrell falling ill. Rise Against played a secret acoustic set on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading after their mainstage slot.

2012

The initial line-up announcements for the festivals were made on 12 March 2012 – with the tickets made available for purchase shortly afterwards.[17]

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Lock Up/Dance Stage

Lock-Up Dance Stage Lock-Up
Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

2013

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Lock Up/Rock Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

2014

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit/Lock Up

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

2015

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit/Lock Up

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

Tyler, the Creator had originally been booked to play on the NME Stage, but was forced to cancel these shows after being refused entry into the United Kingdom. Modern Baseball had planned to play the Lock Up Stage, but withdrew the week before the festival due to the lead singer's decision to focus on tackling his depression. Mastodon had originally been booked to headline the Pit stage, but pulled out when they cancelled their European tour, citing a 'personal family matter.[23] ' It was later revealed that this was due to bassist Troy Sanders' wife being diagnosed with breast cancer.[24]

2016

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit/Lock Up

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

Parkway Drive had pulled out of Leeds due to 'family issues', this meant that Skindred played for a full hour while a new band called Judas played the rest of the time slot. A$AP Rocky pulled out of Leeds festival at the last possible moment due to travel problems. He was however capable to perform at Reading. Fetty Wap was due to play on the NME stage, but had to pull out from doctors orders due to a severe ear infection. HAIM were supposed to play on the NME stage but cancelled their European tour to focus on finishing their second album. G-Eazy who was one of the headliners for the Radio 1Xtra stage pulled out of the festival for unforeseen circumstances, and was replaced by Wiley. Travis Scott was also a headliner for the Radio 1Xtra stage, cancelled all remaining UK tour shows also due to unforeseen circumstances, he was replaced by Stormzy. Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots was pulled down into the crowd during their performance of "Car Radio", at Reading 2016 and their set was cut short.

2017

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

NME/Radio 1 Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit/Lockup

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

The band PWR BTTM were lined-up to perform on The Lock Up stage, but after allegations went viral that band member Ben Hopkins had initiated sexual abuse, the festival pulled them from the line up. Several artists dropped out of Reading & Leeds for currently unknown reasons, this included Bishop Briggs, Katy B, A2 and K.I.D. On the first day of the festival, Royal Republic, who were the opening act on the main stage for Friday at Leeds, cancelled for personal reasons, they were replaced by the Xcerts. Don Broco performed on The Lock Up stage under the name 'The Prettyboys' as a secret set. Queens of the Stone Age and Wolf Alice also had secret sets at the festival.

2018

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit/The Lock Up

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Skepta was billed to headline the Radio 1 tent on Sunday but was removed from the lineup, with "logistical issues" being cited as the reason. He was not replaced, but Diplo was bumped up to headline rather than sub the stage. Other notable removals were Ski Mask The Slump God who pulled out due to touring commitments and was replaced by Bhad Bhabie and Brunswick who was also due to play the Dance Stage but was replaced by Madam X, Skinny Girl Diet were due to open the Radio 1 Stage on Sunday but were replaced by Twisted Wheel, Famous Dex was to play the Radio 1 Stage on Sunday but pulled out and Playboi Carti cancelled not long before the festival for personal reasons. He was due to perform on the Radio 1 Stage.

2019

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit/The Lock Up

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Notes

English indie rock band Blaenavon was to be a headlining act on the Festival Republic Stage, but on 20 June pulled out due to 'on-going health issues'. Crystal Fighters was announced as their replacement. G Flip, who was also due to perform on the Festival Republic Stage, also pulled out of the festivals for unknown reasons. UK drill rapper Loski has also been removed from the line-up. This may be because the rapper was arrested for being in possession with a firearm. Fellow UK drill rapper Unknown T was also removed after he was charged with murder and violent disorder after allegedly stabbing 20-year-old Steven Narvaez-Jara during a party. Geko was also supposed to perform on Radio 1Xtra Stage. It is unknown why he was removed. Brunswick who was also due to play on the Radio 1 Stage last year, was pulled from the line up again this year for unknown reasons. Two days before his performance at Leeds, Lil Uzi Vert pulled out of the festival for 'unforeseen circumstances'. Acts were pushed up, Yungblud and Mayday Parade swapped places, and SWMRS was upgraded from Festival Republic to the Main Stage. Comethazine and Masicka were replaced by DJ Grevious and M Huncho. King Princess was due to perform on the NME Stage, but had to pull out due to illness. Aitch was moved from the Radio 1Xtra tent, and took their slot. Drenge performed a secret slot on the BBC Introducing stage, Enter Shikari performed a secret acoustic slot on the same stage. This was the band's third set through the festival.

Juice Wrld was scheduled to perform at Reading on the Friday of the festival but a minute before his scheduled appearance, the crew announced that he had been cancelled due to "flight issues".

Blade Brown wasn't able to perform at Reading due to being stuck in traffic.

2020

The 2020 Festival was cancelled for health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announced line-up was due to be:

Main stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit/The Lock Up

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Festival Republic stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday
  • M Huncho
  • DigDat
  • Tiffany Calver
  • PA Salieu

2021

See main article: 2021 Reading and Leeds Festival.

2022

The 2022 Festival is due to be held on 26–28 August 2022. As of 21 August 2022, the announced line-up consists of the following.

Main Stage East

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Main Stage West

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Pit / Festival Republic Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

BBC Radio 1Xtra stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

2023

The 2023 Festival is due to be held on 25–27 August 2023. As of 21 August 2023, the announced line-up consists of the following

Main Stage East

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Main Stage West

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1 Dance Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

The Festival Republic Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

Radio 1Xtra Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday
  • K-Trap
  • Lacey Kar
  • Songer
  • Dreya Mac
  • Lost Girl
  • J-Fado
  • Aman
  • Nemzzz
  • Lil Macks

BBC Introducing Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday
  • Alt Blk Era
  • Antony Szmira
  • RoseMode
  • Charlotte Plank
  • Frankie Beetlestone
  • Charlie Moss
  • Cole Blue

The Alternative Stage

Reading Friday Reading Saturday Reading Sunday
Leeds Saturday Leeds Sunday Leeds Friday

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Stallion. UK Festival Guides.
  2. Web site: Reading Rock Festival 1982 . Ukrockfestivals.com . 28 June 2014.
  3. Web site: Reading Rock Festival 1983 . Ukrockfestivals.com . 28 June 2014.
  4. Web site: Reading Rock Festival 1984 . Ukrockfestivals.com . 28 June 2014.
  5. Web site: Reading Rock Festival 1986 . Ukrockfestivals.com . 28 June 2014.
  6. Web site: Reading Rock Festival 1987 . Ukrockfestivals.com . 28 June 2014.
  7. Web site: Reading Rock Festival 1988 . Ukrockfestivals.com . 28 June 2014.
  8. Web site: Leeds Festival 2008 :: LINE-UP POSTER . 2008.leedsfestival.com . 19 September 2011.
  9. Web site: Reading Festival 2008 :: LINE-UP POSTER . 2008.readingfestival.com . 19 September 2011.
  10. Web site: The Pigeon Detectives to play surprise Leeds Festival set | News . NME . 20 August 2008 . 28 June 2014.
  11. Web site: Slipknot pull out of Reading And Leeds Festivals | News . NME . 20 August 2008 . 28 June 2014.
  12. Web site: Them Crooked Vultures play surprise Leeds Festival show. 31 August 2009. 28 August 2009. NME.
  13. Web site: Leeds Festival 2010. Festival Republic . 29 August 2011.
  14. Web site: Reading Festival 2010. Festival Republic . 29 August 2011.
  15. Web site: Line-up – Leeds Festival 2011 . Leedsfestival.com . 19 September 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111002151411/http://www.leedsfestival.com/2011/lineup/ . 2 October 2011 .
  16. Web site: Line-up – Reading Festival 2011 . Readingfestival.com . 19 September 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110925022945/http://www.readingfestival.com/2011/lineup/ . 25 September 2011 .
  17. Web site: The Cure, Kasabian and Foo Fighters to headline Reading and Leeds. Digital Spy. 12 March 2012.
  18. Web site: Green Day bring Reading Festival to a standstill with surprise set. NME. 28 August 2012.
  19. Web site: Reading Festival 2014 Lineup . Skiddle.com . 28 June 2014.
  20. Web site: Leeds Festival 2014 Lineup . Skiddle.com . 28 June 2014.
  21. Web site: Iggy Azalea pulls out of Reading And Leeds Festivals to attend MTV Video Music Awards | News . NME . 23 August 2013 . 28 June 2014.
  22. Web site: Diiv | Diiv Pull Put of Reading & Leeds Festival Appearances . Contactmusic.com . 23 August 2013 . 28 June 2014.
  23. Web site: Mastodon cancel Reading + Leeds performances . Gigwise.com . 9 July 2016.
  24. Web site: MASTODON's Troy Sanders Reveals Wife Was Diagnosed With Breast Cancer . Metal Injection . 13 October 2015 . 9 July 2016.