The wait is finally over – Reading & Leeds Festival is on the cusp of a revolution! Melvin Benn, the mastermind behind this iconic event, is buzzing with excitement as he reveals the most significant overhaul in the festival's history. Dubbed 'Reading & Leeds 2.0', the dual event is set to dazzle fans from 27 to 30 August at Little John's Farm in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds. Benn's enthusiasm knows no bounds, confessing that these changes have reignited the same fire he felt when he first launched Leeds in 1999 – marking a bold new chapter for this beloved festival.
The revamp is nothing short of spectacular, with new and reimagined stages taking centre stage. The Grid, the revamped main stage, will host a veritable who's who of talent, including Florence + The Machine, Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, and Chase & Status. Kasabian is set to make history as Leeds' first-ever Thursday night headliners – talk about setting the bar high! Elsewhere, The Gallery will serve up emerging stars, while The Ballroom promises a truly unique experience with its show-stopping chandeliers and draping. And let's not forget The Canopy, dedicated to showcasing the best new music and introducing festival-goers to their next big obsession.
But it's not just about the stages – the entire festival is getting a fresh coat of paint. Welcome to The Warehouse, a brand-new dance venue that will have you moving to the rhythm of Hybrid Minds and Skepta. And with a new creative team at the helm, led by James Ponnusam, Benn promises a whole new aesthetic for both sites. Max Kafka and Jojo Mathiszig-Lee are also on board, bringing their expertise to bear in shaping this new chapter.
The line-up is a masterclass in showcasing UK and Irish talent – Benn's proud boast! Of course, there are some exclusive treats in store. For instance, Blossoms, Jamie Webster, and The K's will only appear at Leeds, while Loyle Carner, Men I Trust, and Gunna will make Reading their home turf. This clever curation adds an extra layer of excitement to each site – so why not consider attending both if you want to see the full picture?
Make no mistake, this is a festival in evolution mode. Benn's commitment to staying ahead of the curve is evident in the extensive changes that will enable Reading & Leeds to support even more elaborate productions from its headliners. And let's be honest – the fans are the ultimate winners here!