Music

Here are some reasons to get excited about Reading and Leeds

With Saturday at Reading Festival now sold out, here’s some more reasons to get your hands on those remaining Reading and Leeds tickets before it’s too late.

Let’s be fair, there are loads of obvious reasons to get yourself down to Reading and Leeds Festival this year. The huge headline trio is the big one. Catching Kasabian, Eminem and Muse over one bank holiday weekend is definitely something to be celebrated. We could go on and on about the big names on the bill, and we will, but we’ll save that for later. For now, we’ve handpicked some of the smaller acts gracing the stages across the three days for some extra special festival loving.


Bear’s Den
The London outfit has a huge cult following, with their most recent Red Earth & Pouring Rain launching them into the official UK Top 10 album chart. They even celebrate a prestigious Ivor Novello Award nomination for their songwriting. Bear’s Den will be playing Reading on Friday 25 August and Leeds on Saturday 26 August 2017.

Bear's Den - Dew On The Vine (Official Video)

Danny Brown
The underground hip-hop sensation released Atrocity Exhibition last year to widespread acclaim. Its off-kilter hip-hop proved to have a huge crossover appeal, and has sat comfortably on many end-of-year lists as 2017 dawned. We don’t give it too long until he’s rivalling Eminem for a headline slot. Danny Brown plays Reading on Friday 25 August and Leeds on Saturday 26 August 2017.

Danny Brown - When It Rain [Official Video]

Marmozets
The northern rockers have already graced the main stage at Reading and Leeds back in 2015. They’ve spent some time away from the live circuit, and are making a return come the festival in August. The band recently hinted that it might even be their actual first live show of the year. Marmozets will be playing Reading on Saturday 26 August and Leeds on Sunday 27 August 2017.

Marmozets - Captivate You [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Geovarn
The soulful Tottenham based producer, singer and rapper Geovarn will bring his sultry vibe to Reading and Leeds as one of the festival’s many newcomers. Not only evidence of the festival’s ever-expanding style, it’s further proof that there’s much to be found all across the site. Geovarn will be playing Reading on Saturday 26 August and Leeds on Sunday 27 August 2017.


The Hunna
The Hunna made their Reading and Leeds debut last year on the Festival Republic Stage, and we’d imagine a considerable jump up following the release of last year’s 100. The video for their latest track Piece By Piece is undisputed evidence of their status right now. Expect masses sing-alongs as they reach Reading on Sunday Sunday 27 August and Leeds on Friday 25 August 2017.

The Hunna - Piece By Piece (Official Video)

Dillon Francis
It’s the festival’s dance and urban representation that’s grown from strength to strength. Between the past years’ Radio 1 Dance Stage and the Radio 1Xtra Stage, the type of music on offer across the site has dramatically increased. Those looking to move their bodies need look no further than the likes of Dillon Francis, appearing at Reading on Friday 25 August and Leeds on 26 August 2017.

Dillon Francis - Candy (Official Music Video) ft. Snappy Jit

Ray BLK
Winner of the BBC Sound of 2017 poll, and one of this year’s most hotly tipped artists, Ray BLK will bring her notable voice to Reading and Leeds for the first time. It’s another brilliant example of the dual-site festival putting their support behind some seriously promising emerging talent. Ray BLK will be playing Reading on Sunday 27 August and Leeds on Friday 25 August 2017.

RAY BLK - My Hood ft. Stormzy (Official Music Video)

While She Sleeps
Reading and Leeds haven’t forgotten the heavier end of the spectrum either. In fact, far from it. Their Pit and Lock Up Stage have in recent years brought some of the best from the world of alternative rock, and 2017 is no different. While She Sleeps are gearing up to drop their You Are We full-length, and these fields are about to ripped apart. They play Reading on Saturday 26 August and Leeds on Sunday 27 August 2017.

While She Sleeps - Silence Speaks ft. Oli Sykes

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the line-up as it stands on the poster below, and grab tickets to Reading and Leeds before they sell out on Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Reading and Leeds