Reading & Leeds 2026 is due to begin next week, and the latest forecast points to a run of mixed weather at both festival sites, according to NME. After a summer marked by heatwaves in the UK and across Europe, the outlook now includes showers, cloud and slightly cooler conditions.
For Reading, Wednesday is expected to bring thundery showers, followed by light rain on Thursday and Friday. Saturday should be the driest day, with sunny spells and a moderate breeze, before light rain returns on Sunday.
Leeds is also forecast to see mostly wet conditions through the week, with light rain on Wednesday and Thursday. Rain is expected to continue into Friday and Saturday, with Sunday bringing showers and cooler temperatures.
This year’s festival will feature headline sets from Florence + The Machine, Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., Dave, RAYE and Chase & Status. Leeds has also been granted permission to host music on Thursday for the first time, with Kasabian headlining the main stage.
Organisers say the 2026 edition will include the biggest staging and arena overhaul in the event’s history, with the Main Stage renamed The Grid and new stages called The Gallery and The Warehouse. Reading & Leeds has also teamed up with Spotify to help fans discover artists through personalised playlists.
