Reading and Leeds Festival have announced their headliners for next year’s shows but some fans have expressed their disappointment at the line-up as they notice one major change
Reading and Leeds Festivals have unveiled their 2026 headliners, featuring some big names. However, the announcement has sparked a common query among music enthusiasts who’ve noticed something missing from the iconic festivals’ line-up.
The two major festivals have announced their 2026 headliners, with fans looking forward to performances from Charli XCX, Dave, Florence and the Machine, and Raye. It’s also been revealed that Kasabian, the band hailing from Leicester, will be headlining Leeds Festival on Thursday for the first time ever.
Festival-goers were also given a sneak peek at the special guests set to appear next year. This list includes Skepta, Role Model, Jade, Sombr, Kneecap, and Geese.
However, following the announcement, many festival attendees seem to have spotted something absent from both festivals’ line-ups. Music fans have taken to social media to point out the lack of rock and metal acts, genres traditionally associated with the festival.
One Reddit user, @Killerpig14, responded to the announcement by suggesting the festival was lacking in these genres, writing: “Looks like another year of no rock and metal acts”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Another fan, @Robotdogdoo, chimed in with: “Not a single 00’s metal or rock act on there. I’ve gotta say I’m a little disappointed.”
Other festival-goers have also expressed their disappointment, suggesting that the festivals have strayed from showcasing genres they previously championed, such as rock and metal. A third festival enthusiast, known on Reddit as @Qu4ckAttack, cheekily remarked: “Reading isn’t the rock fest of old.”
Another fan, @graceplatt, responded: “I guess they’re trying to satisfy their largest customer base, like those who have just finished their a-levels and haven’t broadened their horizons to rock/metal.”
Meanwhile, another festival attendee, @Consistent-Bat1632, chimed in: “Also they were doing so well incorporating rock back into RandL with BMTH and Limp Bizkit last year, but they’ve completely gone the other way this year it seems. Back to only mainstream I guess, was hoping for Muse.”
However, not all fans are disheartened by the alleged lack of rock and music on the festivals’ line-up. Joining the debate about the presence of rock and metal artists at next year’s Reading and Leeds Festivals, Reddit user @RandomName00_ stated: “Contrary to popular belief, an act isn’t worthwhile based on how many guitars they play, and festival organisers don’t have a responsibility to prioritise rock/indie.”
Yet, some fans have defended the Reading and Leeds Festivals’ line-ups, suggesting that one of the “most hyped” rock bands of recent times has made the announced list.
In the recent announcement for Reading and Leeds Festivals, American rock band Geese have been highlighted as one of the special guests for next year’s festivals, a move that has been met with applause from some fans. In response to criticism of the line-up on Reddit, a user going by the handle @Look_Alive commented: “Geese are one of the most hyped rock bands in quite a long time.”
The Reading and Leeds Festivals are scheduled to take place from 27th to 30th August 2026. Alongside the acts already announced, more names are expected to be added to the line-up in the lead up to the summer festivals.
