Festivals
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Rockstar Energy Presents Reading and Leeds 2024 – line-up deep dive
Your complete guide to the names playing the UK's biggest twin festivals this August bank holiday
Reading and Leeds Festival is coming up fast and that list of names can be overwhelming. If you’re struggling to get your playlist in order, we’ve got you. From huge headliners and legacy artists to rising stars and names you’re about to hear everywhere, there’s a lot to contend with on this year’s line-up. Here’s a snapshot of what awaits you this August bank holiday weekend.
The headliners
blink-182
Main Stage, Friday (Reading) and Saturday (Leeds)
Almost three decades in, the American punk-rockers are still an unmissable live experience. A reference point for countless acts coming up, the group is still growing their legacy – whilst remaining one of the most relevant rock acts playing today. They’ve sold 50 million albums worldwide, with their latest, 2023’s One More Time… going to No.1 in the US. Catch them closing out the Main Stage on Reading’s Friday and Leeds’ Saturday night.
Gerry Cinnamon
Main Stage, Friday (Reading) and Saturday (Leeds)
From a self-released, crowd-funded album in 2017 to a UK No.1 sophomore project in 2020 – and now a spot on the Reading and Leeds line-up just in front of blink-182, Gerry Cinnamon has had quite the journey over the last seven years. The Scottish singer-songwriter brings his skillful, lyrical indie-rock to the Main Stage to show exactly how he’s been able to establish himself as one of music’s most exciting voices.
Fred Again..
Main Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
![Fred again.. - Delilah (pull me out of this) [Visualiser]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Cl6Rz1Uvi2M/0.jpg)
He must just be the biggest electronic music act in the UK. DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Fred Again.. has a reputation for creating unforgettable live experiences, and it’s well-deserved. Fresh off a Best New Artist nomination at the 66th GRAMMY Awards, he’ll be closing out the Main Stage on Saturday at Reading and Sunday at Leeds.
Lana Del Rey
Main Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
Lana Del Rey is undeniably one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her generation, and one who has received her flowers from hundreds of fellow artists. Praised for her cinematic sound and willingness to experiment, she’ll be bringing a varied and exciting discography to the Reading and Leeds Main Stage, with her setlist bound to include tracks from 2023’s GRAMMY-nominated Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.
Liam Gallagher
Main Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
A cross-generational artist if there ever was one, Liam Gallagher has decades of hits to pull from. From his work in Oasis to his prolific solo career, he remains one of the most recognisable figures in British rock, and one whose power to unite a crowd is matched by only a few. He’ll be playing old and new favourites on the Main Stage when he closes the Friday night in Leeds and the weekend in Reading.
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Main Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Catfish and the Bottlemen. The British indie rockers are a joyful, unifying live force, beloved by thousands for well over a decade, and were sorely missed in the scene during their hiatus. This year they made their return with the announcement that they would be taking to the Reading and Leeds Main Stage to reunite with fans. It’s a reunion you won’t want to miss.
The indie rockers
Dead Poet Society
Main Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
American rock band Dead Poet Society blend vintage and current sounds to create something unique in the indie rock space. In a line-up that’s always loved its indie rockers, they stand out, thanks to a critically acclaimed discography and tours with Badflower, Biffy Clyro and Highly Suspect. Catch them in action on the Main Stage.
Dream Wife
Festival Republic Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
Having released their third studio album Social Lubrication last year, Dream Wife remain one of the most exciting alt-rock acts in the UK and are always a riot live. With lyrics that swing between sincere and satirical and a theatrical, unpredictable sound, this is a group that knows how to put on a good show. See for yourself at the Festival Republic Stage.
The Wombats
BBC Radio 1 Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
![The Wombats - Let's Dance To Joy Division [OFFICIAL VIDEO]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ayuooyWPEUc/0.jpg)
It’s hard to have a conversation about UK indie rock without mentioning The Wombats. Over fifteen years in, their popularity has yet to wane, with social media introducing them to new audiences of young people every year. They’ll be bringing hits like ‘Let’s Dance To Joy Division’ and ‘Greek Tragedy’ to the BBC Radio 1 Stage.
The rap talent
Zino Vinci
Main Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
![Zino Vinci - Filth [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aHNPmEwXJOQ/0.jpg)
East London rapper Zino Vinci blends hip-hop and alt-rap with thoughtful melodies to create an interesting, individual sound that has kept his name on people’s lips. Breaking out in 2020, he’s spent the past four years honing his songwriting skills and gathering press interest – now he’s undoubtedly one to watch. You can see him open up the Main Stage on Saturday in Reading and Sunday in Leeds.
21 Savage
Main Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
British-born, Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage has just topped the charts again with his third album American Dream, partially written and recorded whilst on tour with Drake. The Grammy-winning artist is one of the UK’s most successful musical exports and an internationally acclaimed rapper, songwriter and producer. He’ll be taking to the Main Stage over the Reading and Leeds weekend to play hits from across the last decade of his career.
KiLLOWEN
Chevron, Friday (Reading) and Saturday (Leeds)
Singer, songwriter, rapper and multi-instrumentalist KiLLOWEEN released his debut album Pub Therapy last year, and since then the young talent has had a rapid rise into the public eye. Following collaborations with SILK and Tommy Villiers, the West London rapper will be bringing his infectious energy and thoughtful lyricism to Reading and Leeds Chevron.
The pen game gang
Jessie Murph
BBC Radio 1 Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
At just 19, Jessie Murph is mature beyond her years as both a songwriter and vocalist. Introspective and emotive, her country-tinged pop has gained her over 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and her willingness to experiment with her sound keeps what she makes from ever sounding too familiar. Don’t miss her set on the BBC Radio 1 Stage – her voice has to be heard to be believed.
beabadoobee
BBC Radio 1 Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
From recording in her bedroom and releasing her songs on YouTube to 17 million monthly Spotify listeners, beabadoobee is one of the most successful acts to ever leverage the social media machine. Breaking out with her 2017 single ‘Coffee’, she’s gone on to release four albums of introspective, poetic songwriting, occasionally mixing up her sound but always coming back to her bedroom pop roots. She’ll bring tracks from her upcoming album This Is How Tomorrow Moves the BBC Radio 1 Stage.
Rachel Chinouriri
Festival Republic Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
Shortlisted for the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award, Rachel Chinouriri is a songwriter who continues to prove her chops. Not only has she opened for Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender and Kojey Radical, but she’s also just released her debut album, What A Devastating Turn of Events, to critical acclaim. Come and listen for yourself at the Festival Republic Stage.
The Japanese House
Festival Republic Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
Amber Mary Bain has spent nearly a decade writing the sort of lyrics you want to listen to on repeat, just to take them in. A year on from the release of her second album In The End It Always Does, she’s taking to the Festival Republic Stage to play tracks like ‘Touching Yourself’ and ‘Sunshine Baby’ for the Reading and Leeds crowd.
The TikTok sensations
Dasha
Main Stage, Friday (Reading) and Saturday (Leeds)
If your friends and family have just developed a sudden interest in line dancing, it might be Dasha’s fault. The rising country star had a runaway hit on her hands this year with ‘Austin’, the viral single from her debut country album, What Happens Now? Her discography is full of excellent storytelling and catchy country and Americana tracks. Catch her opening up the Main Stage for a little taste of Nashville.
Artemas
BBC Radio 1 Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
Artemas managed to find that elusive TikTok viral button, and it was pressed. The songwriter and producer has seen an enormous amount of success on the platform with alternative pop singles ‘if u think I’m pretty’ and ‘i like the way you kiss me’. In a short amount of time, he’s gained an enormous following, and is definitely one to keep an eye on. Find him at the BBC Radio 1 Stage.
Crawlers
Main Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
Since blowing up on TikTok with breakout single ‘Come Over (Again)’, Crawlers have toured with Mother Mother and My Chemical Romance, played a sold-out headline show at London’s O2 Academy Liverpool, and performed to packed crowds in festivals up and down the country. Now they’ll be taking to the Reading and Leeds Main Stage to play tracks from their debut album, The Mess We Seem to Make
The ones to know before everyone else
METTE
Chevron, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
Fresh off an opening slot at the Eras tour in London, Minnesota-born singer-songwriter METTE arrives at Reading and Leeds armed with an accomplished discography and years under her belt as a professional performer. Beginning her career as a backup dancer, she made the shift to recording artist in 2019 and since then has seen chart success with her blend of pop, dance and R&B. Don’t miss her slot at the Chevron.
Kingfishr
Festival Republic Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
At the intersection of Hozier and Mumford & Sons is where you’ll find Kingfishr. The Irish indie-rock trio have a knack for emotional, anthemic singles that get firmly lodged in your head, always with a loving nod to the folk tradition. They’re on a steady rise thanks to opening slots for George Ezra and Dermot Kennedy and a string of high-profile festival sets – don’t miss their performance on the Festival Republic Stage.
Paris Paloma
Festival Republic Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
![Paris Paloma - boys, bugs and men [Official Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-9jcQsMwtWU/0.jpg)
If you haven’t come across Paris Paloma’s folky, poetic brand of female rage yet, then make this your opportunity. The sizes of her headline shows have increased rapidly over the last couple of years – now is your chance to get acquainted with her before her UK tour later this year, which includes a stop at London’s KOKO. You can find her on the Festival Republic Stage playing tracks from her upcoming debut studio album.
The hidden gems
Swim School
BBC Radio 1 Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
Scottish indie rockers Swim School have been ones to watch for a couple of years now, with breakout tracks ‘delirious’ and ‘kill you’ gaining them a passionate fanbase. Praised for lyrics that tackle industry misogyny and uncomfortable emotions head on, the band have toured with Inhaler and Pixies and been endorsed by BBC Radio 1 Next Wave. You’ll be able to witness them in action on the BBC Radio 1 Stage.
IYAMAH
BBC Introducing Stage, Friday (Reading) and Saturday (Leeds)
Brighton musician IYAMAH’s creative neo-soul makes her a standout – the singer-songwriter draws on R&B, reggae and African drumming influences in her fourth studio album, In Two Worlds. She’s already toured with Mahalia and headlined the Jazz Café and Omeara, but there’s still plenty of rising left for her to do. You can see what she’s doing over at the BBC Introducing Stage.
Daydreamers
BBC Introducing Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
It’s very early days for London indie-pop outfit Daydreamers – they’ve only had two single releases so far, but a huge amount of eyes (and ears) on both. Their debut single ‘Call Me Up’, released this April, already has over 5.5 million listens on Spotify, with the band receiving praise for their sunny, joyful sound. They’re off to a pretty good start, so definitely don’t miss the chance to check in on their progress at the BBC Introducing Stage.
The vibiest DJs
Nia Archives
Chevron, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
Fresh off the release of her debut album, Silence Is Loud, Nia Archives is busy proving that she’s the hottest name in UK jungle right now. The producer, DJ, singer and songwriter is the definition of self-taught and self-made, finding her sound on a bootleg version of Logic Pro and experimenting with SoundCloud releases until the public – and the press – took notice. She’ll be bringing her new jen jungle to the Chevron.
Skrillex
Chevron, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
![Skrillex - First Of The Year (Equinox) [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2cXDgFwE13g/0.jpg)
Skrillex is an internationally recognised electronic music sensation. The winner of eight Grammy awards, the DJ and producer has released three studio albums and collaborated with Kanye West, Ed Sheeran, FKA Twigs and PinkPantheress, among many other huge names. He’ll be spinning in the Chevron.
The ones you really can’t miss
G-Flip
BBC Radio 1 Stage, Friday (Reading) and Saturday (Leeds)
Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist G-Flip is a fantastic live act – their versatility alone is impressive. Cycling between drums, guitar and bass, all whilst maintaining lead vocals, G is always a force onstage, and boasts a superb pop-rock catalogue as well. If you don’t want to miss them belting their high-energy songs from behind a drum kit, make sure you catch them on the BBC Radio 1 Stage.
RAYE
Main Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
Breaking the record for the most BRIT wins in a single year at the 2024 ceremony, RAYE has had what can only be described as an astronomic rise. The skilled songwriter behind hits from Beyoncé, Little Mix and Rihanna and the voice that dominated TikTok for months after the release of her debut album, Raye is nothing short of a star. Don’t miss her set on the Main Stage.
The Last Dinner Party
Main Stage, Saturday (Reading) and Sunday (Leeds)
They were the hottest rising stars on the festival circuit last summer – now they’re returning as undeniable success stories after the release of their No.1 debut album Prelude To Ecstasy. If you like glamour, drama and artsy baroque pop, make sure to catch their set on the Main Stage.
Reneé Rapp
Main Stage, Sunday (Reading) and Friday (Leeds)
From theatre kid to Broadway star to pop phenom, Reneé Rapp has been on a takeover this year. Her debut album Snow Angel, which yielded hits like ‘Tummy Hurts’ and ‘Pretty Girls’, has been praised as one of the best pop releases of last year, and her enigmatic live presence has been well documented all over social media. She’ll be taking to the Main Stage with her characteristic blend of pop, R&B and standup comedy.
The Prodigy
Chevron, Friday (Reading) and Saturday (Leeds)
One of the most successful electronic groups of all time, the Prodigy have sold over 25 million records worldwide and released seven successful studio albums. They’ll be bringing hits from their last three decades of music to the Chevron for an unmissable set.
Reading and Leeds festival 2024 takes place between 23-25 August. Find tickets here
