Organisers of the Reading Festival have announced that Charli XCX, Dave and Florence + The Machine will headline the 2026 event at Richfield Avenue in Reading, Berkshire. The festival — which takes place from 27 to 30 August 2026 (with campsites open until 31 August) — will feature an entirely British and Irish headlining lineup for the first time in 25 years. The announcement has been framed as a move toward homegrown talent and away from a heavier reliance on US-based mega-stars.
According to reports from the BBC, other major acts set to perform include RAYE, Fontaines D.C. and Chase & Status. Music site NME confirmed that Charli XCX will make her Reading & Leeds headline debut following her recent rise in profile. Florence + The Machine is returning for what is currently scheduled to be her only UK festival appearance of 2026.
Local fans can now buy tickets using a Ticketmaster payment plan that requires a £20 deposit. The scheme allows people to secure their spot at the roughly 105,000-capacity site by paying the £20 deposit and spreading the remaining balance over seven monthly instalments (select the ‘Ticketmaster Instalments’ option at checkout). Organisers say the lower down payment is designed to help younger people manage the total cost across several months.
The Reading Chronicle noted the festival remains a major event for the town during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Local authorities and organisers continue to emphasise sustainability for the large crowd, including the festival’s ‘Look Out For Our Planet’ messaging that asks visitors to take their tents home after the event.
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