Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, reflects on the communal experience created by Reading & Leeds festivals and how the landscape of UK festivals is evolving with Gen Z audiences.
Introduction
Each summer, the youth contingent flocking to Reading Festival and its northern counterpart, Leeds, remains overwhelming. The dual sites welcome a combined 170,000 ticket-holders each year, the majority of whom are teenage fans experiencing their first-ever festival. The weekender event has long known and upheld its role, overlapping with GCSE results week – the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma – and therefore functioning either as a celebration or a distraction from disappointment.
History of Reading & Leeds
Headed by Melvin Benn, Festival Republic has been shaping the festival landscape since 1989, with Reading & Leeds holding a prominent place in the UK festival scene. The Leeds site was introduced in 1999 and has seen monumental performances from Oasis, Kendrick Lamar, Metallica, and more over the years.
Growth and Innovation
For 2025, Reading & Leeds is undergoing a camping overhaul, introducing new campsites with gender-inclusive spaces and wellness activities. Over 50% of ticket-holders have already booked into these new areas, showcasing a shift towards more inclusive festival experiences. The lineup for 2025 is headlined by Travis Scott, Bring Me The Horizon, and the co-headliners Hozier and Chappell Roan.
Bold Bookings and Engagement
Benn emphasizes the importance of bold bookings and engaging performances to create lasting memories for festival-goers. The festival aims to provide a platform for artists like Chappell Roan to connect with their audience and make a meaningful impact with their music.
Sustainability Initiatives
Looking ahead, Benn discusses plans to enhance sustainability standards at all large-scale festivals under Festival Republic's umbrella. By prioritizing environmental practices and engaging fans in eco-friendly initiatives, the festivals aim to lead by example in promoting a greener future for live events.
Published on 30 July 2025 by Ben Robinson
