The Cure's history with the Reading and Leeds festivals is particularly noteworthy, marked by a significant gap and a triumphant return. The band first played at the Reading Festival in 1979, a performance that took place shortly after the release of their debut album, Three Imaginary Boys. The 2012 shows were a monumental occasion. The Cure's set was a massive three-hour performance that spanned their extensive career.placeholder image
The Cure's history with the Reading and Leeds festivals is particularly noteworthy, marked by a significant gap and a triumphant return. The band first played at the Reading Festival in 1979, a performance that took place shortly after the release of their debut album, Three Imaginary Boys. The 2012 shows were a monumental occasion. The Cure's set was a massive three-hour performance that spanned their extensive career. | Getty Images

Reading and Leeds 2026: US pop sensation and rock duo the current favourites to headline next year

Benjamin Jackson
By Benjamin Jackson

Reporter

16th Oct 2025, 8:37am

Who are the current favourites to be a headliner at next year's Reading and Leeds Festivals, in the run up to Christmas this year?

It has been a hot minute since we’ve looked at who people think is going to headline Reading and Leeds Festival 2026, hasn’t it?

But as we start the march towards Christmas, no doubt one of the items that will be appearing on Santa’s list this year will be festival tickets. With Glastonbury undertaking a fallow year, that leaves several other festivals to pick up the mantle in 2026, and Reading and Leeds Festival seems to be what people are gravitating towards - if Google search analytics are to go by.

But who are the favourites to headline the festival now that we’re entering the colder months?

OLBG have once again provided their odds, with their Entertainment Betting Expert Jake Ashton remarking that: “With no Glastonbury next year, Reading & Leeds will dominate the UK festival scene and the lineup could easily blend nostalgic favourites with global pop acts”

So who are the favourites to headline the festival in October? Read on to find out!

Raye's set at Reading and Leeds in 2024 was seen as a triumphant moment, reinforcing her status as a major artist and demonstrating why she deserved a prime slot on the main stage. Her performance was so well-received that it wouldn't be a surprise to see her name on a headline slot in the near future.

5. RAYE (3/1)

Raye's set at Reading and Leeds in 2024 was seen as a triumphant moment, reinforcing her status as a major artist and demonstrating why she deserved a prime slot on the main stage. Her performance was so well-received that it wouldn't be a surprise to see her name on a headline slot in the near future. | Getty Images

Warren's career has seen a rapid ascent, moving from intimate venues and smaller festival appearances to headlining major arenas. He is scheduled to embark on his "Little Orphan Alex Live" tour in 2026, which will be his first-ever UK and Europe arena tour. The tour includes a date in Leeds at the First Direct Arena, which is a significant step up from the smaller venues he has played in the past.

6. Alex Warren (3/1)

Warren's career has seen a rapid ascent, moving from intimate venues and smaller festival appearances to headlining major arenas. He is scheduled to embark on his "Little Orphan Alex Live" tour in 2026, which will be his first-ever UK and Europe arena tour. The tour includes a date in Leeds at the First Direct Arena, which is a significant step up from the smaller venues he has played in the past. | Jack Dytrych

Sabrina Carpenter is a prime example of the evolution of the Reading and Leeds festivals' lineup, which has diversified significantly in recent years to include more pop-focused acts. Her recent surge in popularity, driven by a highly successful world tour, chart-topping albums, and viral hits, has made her a strong contender for a headline slot.

7. Sabrina Carpenter (2/1)

Sabrina Carpenter is a prime example of the evolution of the Reading and Leeds festivals' lineup, which has diversified significantly in recent years to include more pop-focused acts. Her recent surge in popularity, driven by a highly successful world tour, chart-topping albums, and viral hits, has made her a strong contender for a headline slot. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

They co-headlined the Main Stage, a proper homecoming that rectified the issues of their prior performance. Fans and critics alike noted the band's appreciation for the festival's unique UK atmosphere. Their set was a masterclass in festival showmanship, complete with a breathtaking stage production, high-energy antics, and a powerful connection with the audience.

8. Twenty One Pilots (2/1)

They co-headlined the Main Stage, a proper homecoming that rectified the issues of their prior performance. Fans and critics alike noted the band's appreciation for the festival's unique UK atmosphere. Their set was a masterclass in festival showmanship, complete with a breathtaking stage production, high-energy antics, and a powerful connection with the audience. | Getty Images

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