Reading Festival 2026: Your Essential Guide to Dates, Lineup & Tickets
Get ready for one of the UK's most iconic music weekends, as the Reading Festival 2026 is set to deliver another unforgettable August Bank Holiday. Running simultaneously with its sister event in Leeds, Reading Festival continues its legacy of showcasing the most exciting names in music. This year marks a historic moment, celebrating 25 years of exclusively British and Irish headliners. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your experience.
Headline Acts & 2026 Lineup
The festival has unveiled a powerful and eclectic mix of headliners, blending massive pop stars with groundbreaking rock and electronic acts. The main stage will be headlined by:
Charli XCX: Making her highly anticipated headline debut, riding the wave of her acclaimed "BRAT" album era. Expect a high-energy, pop-forward spectacle.
Dave: The celebrated rapper returns to top the bill after his legendary 2022 headline set, promising sharp lyricism and commanding stage presence.
Fontaines D.C.: The Irish post-punk band brings their visceral and poetic live performance for their first scheduled show following their 2024 tour.
Florence + The Machine: A monumental return for Florence Welch and her band, headlining for the first time since 2012. Prepare for powerful vocals and anthemic hits.
RAYE: Following the monumental success of "My 21st Century Blues," RAYE makes her deserved leap to a headline slot, showcasing her soulful and genre-defying sound.
Chase & Status: The drum & bass titans return for their third headline performance, guaranteed to deliver a heavy, bass-shaking closing set.
Other confirmed artists for 2026 include Skepta, Kneecap, Sombr, Role Model, JADE, and Geese, with many more acts to be announced in the coming months.
Essential Festival Information
📅 Dates & Location
Reading Festival 2026 will take place over the UK August Bank Holiday weekend, from Thursday, 27 August to Sunday, 30 August 2026. The event is held at its traditional home of Little John’s Farm on Richfield Avenue in Reading.
🎫 Tickets & Pricing
Tickets for Reading 2026 are now on sale. Options typically include:
Weekend Ticket (with camping): Full access from Thursday to Sunday.
Weekend Ticket (no camping): For those staying off-site.
Day Tickets: For single-day attendance (subject to availability).
The general on-sale began in December 2025. It is always advisable to purchase tickets only from the official festival website or authorized agents to avoid scams.
🗺️ Travel & Accommodation
Getting There:
Train: Reading Station is the closest major hub, just a 15-20 minute walk from the festival site. It is well-connected from London and across the UK.
Car: Parking passes are available for purchase in advance. Expect heavy traffic around the site, especially on arrival and departure days.
Coach: Official coach travel packages are often available from major cities.
Staying There:
Festival Camping: Several campsites with different atmospheres (like family-friendly or quiet zones) are available on-site with a weekend camping ticket.
Off-Site Accommodation: Reading offers a range of hotels, hostels, and B&Bs. Book these early as they sell out quickly.
Planning Your Festival Experience
What to Pack
Essentials include a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, waterproof clothing, sun protection, comfortable shoes, a portable phone charger, cash/card, and a refillable water bottle. Check the festival's prohibited items list before you go.
On-Site Facilities & Accessibility
Reading Festival is committed to being accessible for all. Key facilities include:
Accessible Camping & Viewing: Dedicated accessible campsites with amenities and raised viewing platforms at the main stages.
Support Services: Essential companion tickets, a sensory calm space, BSL interpreters for headliners, and hearing loops.
General Amenities: Extensive food stalls, bars, market traders, lockers, phone charging stations, and welfare tents.
Important Note: The festival's policy states that all under-16s must be accompanied by a ticket holder aged 18 or over at all times.
Final Tips for Reading Festival 2026
Plan Your Schedule: When the full stage times are released, highlight your must-see acts but be open to discovering new artists.
Travel Light on Site: Only bring essentials to the stages. A small backpack is perfect for water, a phone, and a raincoat.
Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Use the free water points and explore the diverse food options available.
Connect with Friends: Establish a clear meeting point in case you get separated, as mobile networks can be busy.
Reading Festival 2026 is shaping up to be a historic edition with a phenomenal lineup. By planning your tickets, travel, and packing list in advance, you can focus on what matters most—enjoying an incredible weekend of live music.
