Festival Republic said it has given its Reading (Cap. 105,000) and Leeds Festival (90,000) the biggest staging and arena overhaul in the dual event’s 37-year history.

The changes include the roll out of new stages with new identities, with the main stage area now known as The Grid. The promoter said the new stage will feature an expanded backstage area for production and artist teams. This year The Grid will host acts including Kasabian in Leeds who will become the event’s first ever Thursday night headliner. Reportedly, Festival Republic has made a licensing application to bring the Reading event in line with Leeds, to enable it to be run over four days.

The Live Nation-owned operation said Reading & Leeds will also feature a new covered second stage called The Gallery, which will involve a spec including “innovative LED screen lights and immersive production”. The stage will replace the 40,000-capacity Chevron Stage that was first seen at the 2024 event and featured a  5,500 square metre canopy of LED lights stretched above the Reading & Leeds crowds.

This year’s events will also see the unveiling of The Warehouse, which hes been described as a brand-new purpose-built home for dance music with viewing platforms behind the decks, and featuring a huge screen production.

Another Reading and Leeds Festival first will be The Ballroom, a new concept with decorative elements including chandeliers and draping, that will host breakthrough acts. New acts will also be featured on The Canopy stage, while Reading will see The Yard created using shipping containers to provide an open-air space for music that reflects alternative club culture.

Longterm staging and structure partners at Reading and Leeds include Serious Stages and Special Structures Lab.

Among the headliners at the 27-30 August event will be Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Raye and Florence & The Machine.

LinkedIn