Reading and Leeds 2023 secret set: List of bands confirmed to play surprise gig at UK festival & stage times

Secret sets are becoming more popular as the festival circuit looks for new ways to reward revellers - and this year’s Reading and Leeds Festival will be no different. Earlier this year, we saw Fred Again shut down an overpacked Temple stage at Glastonbury while McFly stole the hearts of countless fans at Tramlines.

The odd surprise set is nothing new for frequent Reading and Leeds festival-goers. In 2012, organisers launched fans into a frenzy when they confirmed Green Day just 45 minutes before the American rock icons were due to perform and did the same two years later with puckish South Londoner, Jamie T.

While its rumoured Girl in Red will bring her dreamy bedroom-pop aesthetics to a stage, the Chinese whispers are meaningless without an official confirmation. We’ll update this page once Reading and Leeds or the band confirm their set, including what stage and when.

Who has confirmed a secret set at Reading and Leeds 2023?

Soft Play, the punk band formerly known as Slaves, confirmed they’ll be playing the Festival Republic Stage at Reading on Saturday, August 26 and Leeds on Sunday, August 27. Announcing the news on social media, the group said: “Surprise we’re playing @OfficialRandL b***** hell can’t wait for a coupla ciders and a giant Yorkshire pudding if you’re coming see ya there xxxx”

Bombay Bicycle Club have confirmed that they will be performing at Reading and Leeds Festival. The band will take to the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage at 12:00pm on Friday, August 25. Confirming the news on social media, the band said: “Back at @OfficialRandL for the first time in 9 years. The first time we opened the festival in 2007 the gates hadn’t opened when we went on, so hopefully we’ll see more of you there this time. We can’t wait to see you there tomorrow.”

Ashnikko has been confirmed as the latest surprise act at this year’s Reading and Leeds festival. The artist will perform at the Festival Republic stage at 4pm at Reading Festival. It is unclear whether they will perform again at Leeds some time this weekend.