Reading Festival / Leeds Festival
Reading, UK / Leeds, UK
24-26 August 2018
As usual, the August bank holiday weekend plays host to the oldest continuing music festival in the world and this year’s Reading festival (along with it’s slightly younger sister Leeds Festival) promises to be the best way to finish your summer with a bang. Reading and Leeds share the same line-up, just on different days, so whether you will be enjoying the music and the mud in the north or the south, here is who to check out;
Main Stage
Fall Out Boy headline (Reading Friday / Leeds Saturday) so remember to bring your angst and eyeliner for the kings of emo, but it’s The Wombats who should really be able to take the crowd with them, their latest album “Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life” could have been created for a live festival stage.
Skindred (Reading Saturday / Leeds Sunday) like to remind people that they are more than “just” a live band - but what a live band they are, mixing reggae, rock, metal and rap they will certainly get you jumping. Trash Boat have an early slot but will start your day on the right (loud) note.
The Vaccines and the Courteeners (Reading Sunday / Leeds Friday) should give you your indie fix but the highlight of the main stage for me will be Billy Talent, if you don’t know these Canadian rockers with a punk sensibility don’t miss the chance to see them, you’re in for a treat.
BBC Radio 1 Stage
Nothing but Thieves (Reading Friday / Leeds Saturday) will please the crowds with their anthemic indie, and if you like The Ramones be sure to check out SWMRS.
Deaf Havana (Reading Saturday / Leeds Sunday) will suit you if you are in a group who can’t agree about which bands to see as their music has a broad appeal, but if what you really want is all guitars all the time then go for West Thebarton.
Let’s Eat Grandma (Reading Sunday / Leeds Friday) provide something completely different but have the potential to offer an awesome set with everything from synths to saxophones. If you need things a bit punky and political try Skinny Girl Diet.
The Pit / The Lock Up
Royal Republic (Reading Friday / Leeds Saturday) will provide those willing to venture away from the big stages with a fast-paced and fun time and while Trophy Eyes are not exactly feel good, they will still get you dancing.
If you like your drumming as loud as your vocals Blood Youth (Reading Saturday / Leeds Sunday) are for you. The mysterious internet presence of I Don’t Know How But They Found Me should pique your interest whether or not you are into their synth pop sound, during their set anything could happen.
Hollywood Undead (Reading Sunday / Leeds Friday) will probably be the most polished outfit on this stage and at the opposite end of the spectrum are Lowlives for those looking for some grunge.
Festival Republic Stage
The Horrors (Reading Friday / Leeds Saturday) will keep things interesting here as will Wild Front.
Starcrawler (Reading Saturday / Leeds Sunday) have a bit of an 80s glam rock vibe with some punk thrown in and Pretty Vicious will just rock you out.
Hippo Campus (Reading Sunday / Leeds Friday) are perfect if you need to calm down from the heavy rock in Reading or start things slowly in Leeds and Demob Happy will get you back up again.
If you are worn out from rocking there are some stellar stand-up comedy acts to be found on the Alternative Stage and there are also plenty of smaller dance based tents to enjoy across both festivals. There is certainly something for everyone here, so whatever you choose, enjoy the last weekend of the summer at Reading and Leeds.