Reading & Leeds Festival continues to redefine the UK festival scene with new acts, new stages, and revolutionary camping upgrades.
he UK’s most anticipated festival weekend just got even bigger. Rockstar Energy Presents Reading & Leeds Festival has today unveiled a massive second wave of acts, with over 80 new names added to the already explosive 2025 lineup. Set to take place from 21st–24th August at Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds, the announcement cements Reading & Leeds as the place to witness music history unfold.
With a headline lineup featuring the only UK festival appearances from genre-shaping icons like Travis Scott, Chappell Roan, Hozier, and Bring Me The Horizon, this year’s edition is poised to be a cultural landmark. Now, the festival ups the ante with a genre-spanning roster of new talent and innovations that push the festival experience further than ever before.
Leading the New Wave
Among today’s biggest additions is Leigh-Anne, formerly of Little Mix, making waves with her breakout solo material. Rising stars Skye Newman and Bartees Strange also join the bill, alongside Waterparks, Demae, and an eclectic selection of performers across multiple stages.
The Chevron Stage, launched to wide acclaim in 2024, returns with fresh energy. Newly announced acts include Charlotte Plank, Still Woozy, and LYVIA, joining headliners AJ Tracey, Becky Hill, and Sammy Virji for a weekend of genre-bending sounds and late-night anthems.
Over on the Festival Republic Stage, indie-rock newcomers late night drive home and Sunday (1994) lead the charge, with Chloe Qisha headlining Thursday night in Leeds.
“You met us on Monday... now you get to chill with Sunday (1994) at Reading & Leeds,” quipped the band, putting their signature spin on the week.
New Stages. New Sounds. New Experiences.
R&L 2025 will also introduce two brand new stages, giving a powerful platform to the UK’s thriving underground electronic scenes. The Smirnoff Stage in Reading will spotlight breakthrough DJs and producers such as Riordan, IN PARALLEL, Lu. Re, and Stresshead. Leeds will host the Reload Stage, with performances from DJ Semtex, Disrupta, Saint Ludo, and more—creating communal spaces for club culture in full festival glory.
The Aux Stage returns bigger and bolder, championing internet creators and podcast powerhouses. Headlined by meme-queen-turned-superstar Brittany Broski, who will host two exclusive talks with Max Balegde (Reading) and Charley Marlowe (Leeds), the stage also welcomes chart-topping podcasts like JaackMaate's Happy Hour, Old & Bald, Josh & Moyo, and Climate Live. The acclaimed Unplugged Series also returns, delivering intimate sets and interviews with fresh musical talent.
BBC Introducing: The Next Generation
The beloved BBC Introducing Stage once again positions itself as a launchpad for the future of music. 2025’s lineup features Amie Blu, Ashley Singh, Phoebe Green, Keo, The Pill, Overpass, and many more. Each act brings a unique voice to a platform known for discovering the next big thing.
Artists are already buzzing.
“It feels like a dream!!” exclaimed Nxdia, while Overpass said, “We grew up going—now we’re on the lineup!” And Jack Dean, who’s making his festival debut, added: “My first time attending and I’m performing—absolute dream come true.”
Innovations Beyond the Music
In what’s being hailed as the biggest shake-up in UK festival camping history, Reading & Leeds is introducing five new campsites complete with enhanced facilities, tailored experiences, and complimentary add-ons. The upgrades are part of a major push toward sustainability, safety, and inclusivity, addressing the evolving needs of modern festivalgoers.
Festival Republic Managing Director Melvin Benn commented:
“Reading & Leeds never stands still. We’re always listening to our audience. This year’s changes—from electronic stage expansions to our revolutionary camping options—show that we’re not just adapting to the future of festivals, we’re helping shape it.”
Award-Winning and Trailblazing
Fresh off winning Music Week’s Festival of the Year and 2024’s Innovation Award at the UK Festival Awards, Reading & Leeds continues to set the bar. With its dynamic mix of pop culture icons, underground talent, and digital creators, 2025 promises to deliver not just another weekend of music—but a generational moment.
Reading & Leeds Festival 2025 takes place Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th August. Tickets are on sale now.
Published on 20 June 2025 by Ben Robinson
