Festivals
Charli Xcx, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C., RAYE And Leeds-Exclusive Kasabian Headline Landmark Reading & Leeds Festival 2026
Reading & Leeds, the biggest European festival this summer, closed the 2026 festival season in style as over half a million music fans gathered to experience the best in live music, on a weekend that marked a bold new chapter for both festivals.
The all UK and Irish headline bill – the festival’s first in 26 years – was a powerful statement of the depth, diversity and global influence of music from these islands. From Charli xcx’s boundary-pushing pop and Dave’s defining British rap to Fontaines D.C.’s visceral alternative rock, RAYE’s electrifying showmanship, Florence + The Machine’s theatricality, Chase & Status’ drum & bass energy and first-ever Thursday night Leeds headliner Kasabian’s indie-rock anthems, the headline programme celebrated artists who have each played a defining role in shaping contemporary music.
Festival fans were treated to secret sets across the weekend, including Jamie T, Lola Young, and Royal Blood, and a stellar roll call of surprise guest appearances including Arrdee, Central Cee, D Double E, James Blake, Kano, Novelist, Professor Green, Tems, Tom Grennan, and many more.
As ever, Reading & Leeds delivered an extraordinary breadth of music across the weekend. SOMBR, Skepta, Loyle Carner, Gunna, JADE, Role Model, Declan McKenna, Kneecap, Slayyyter, Adéla, Blossoms, Viagra Boys, Geese, Maisie Peters, Kettama, Chris Stassy, Josh Baker and SPEED were among the artists spanning rock, rap, pop, indie and electronic music across the festival’s extensive programme.
Across four days, Reading & Leeds Festival unveiled the biggest staging and arena overhaul in its history. Five new spaces – The Gallery, The Warehouse, The Ballroom, The Canopyand The Yard – reshaped the festival experience, providing the ultimate platform for live music, dance, emerging talent and late-night culture.
Dance music was given an even greater presence across the weekend, with The Warehouse hosting artists including Max Dean b2b Luke Dean, Riordan, Rossi., Mall Grab, SOTA and Hybrid Minds, while in Leeds LS23 continued to provide a late-night destination for festival-goers looking to keep the party going long after the main stages had finished.
The new Canopy stage marked a significant evolution in the festival’s approach to emerging talent, with a visually striking design providing a fresh platform for the next generation of artists including December 10, Violet Grohl, Cruz Beckham & The Breakers, The North, Garage Flower, Amma, Finessekid, Day We Ran, Villanelle and many more. Bringing elevated staging and a dedicated home to new music, The Canopy reinforced Reading & Leeds’ commitment to championing the headliners of tomorrow.
Melvin Benn, Managing Director of Festival Republic, said: “I could not be prouder of what the team have achieved this year. They have transformed the vision behind Reading & Leeds, setting out a bold pathway for the future and delivering the biggest festival in Europe this summer. From the strength of the headliners – all-British and Irish – to the transformation of the sites at both Reading and Leeds, to the expansion of our new-music offering, we have set down a marker in the British cultural landscape. The reaction from our audiences, artists, and partners has been incredible, and we can’t wait to share our plans for 2027.”
Relive the standout performances and unforgettable moments on BBC iPlayer, including sets from headliners Fontaines D.C., RAYE, Dave, Florence + The Machine and Chase & Status. Reading Festival Highlights 2026 also airs on BBC One on Wednesday 2 September at 10.40pm, while Radio 1, Radio 1 Dance and 6 Music continue the celebrations with special programming and performances from across the festival.
Reading & Leeds continues to prove that its identity stretches far beyond its headline acts. The 2026 edition marked a significant moment in its evolution, with its biggest ever staging and arena transformation bringing together global superstars and the next generation of talent across rap, rock, pop and electronic music, creating distinct musical worlds, late-night experiences and new ways for fans to discover artists.
Reading & Leeds will return on Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th August 2027.
Presale tickets for Reading & Leeds 2027 will be available on Friday 4th September at 10am BST. General sale begins on Friday 11th September at 10am BST. Fans are encouraged to register now to gain first access to 2027 tickets.
Register now at www.readingandleedsfestival.com.
Festivals
WATERBOMB Festival Is Coming to Toronto in 2027
Toronto is getting a taste of one of South Korea’s biggest summer music festivals. WATERBOMB, the popular event known for its mix of K-pop performances, hip-hop, EDM and massive water fights, has announced plans to make its Canadian debut in 2027.
Organizers revealed the news through a newly launched Toronto Instagram account, sharing the message: “TORONTO, IT’S TIME.” The announcement has already generated plenty of excitement among Canadian K-pop fans, with the account attracting thousands of followers before any performers or event details have been confirmed.
Interested fans are being encouraged to sign up for the festival’s newsletter to receive early updates and information about tickets. The Toronto website is already live, featuring photos and promotional footage from previous editions of the festival.
For anyone unfamiliar with WATERBOMB, this is far from a traditional music festival. First launched in Seoul in 2015, the event combines live performances with large-scale water battles, giving audiences water guns to use while powerful cannons spray the crowd. Its programming spans K-pop, hip-hop and electronic dance music, making the festival as much about the atmosphere and audience participation as the performers on stage.
WATERBOMB has grown into an international event, with previous editions taking place in cities including Busan, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Its Korean lineups have featured major names such as TWICE’s Nayeon & Jihyo, aespa’s Karina, Jeon Somi, J.Y. Park and 2NE1. None of these artists have been announced for Toronto, but fans are already making their wish lists.
Names appearing in the Toronto announcement’s comments include ATEEZ, MONSTA X and Wonho. Whether organizers will let fans vote on their preferred performers remains to be seen. The Seoul edition has introduced an artist wishlist that allows attendees to vote for acts they would like to see, and its 2027 edition is scheduled for July 24 and 25.
There are a few details prospective attendees should know before making summer plans. WATERBOMB has confirmed Toronto as a 2027 destination, but the exact dates, venue, lineup and ticket prices have yet to be revealed. The festival’s Toronto website indicates that the event will be 19+, with government-issued photo identification required for entry.
The organizers are advising attendees to dress comfortably and prepare to get soaked. Personal water guns will be permitted if they meet festival safety guidelines, and planned amenities include changing areas, lockers, food vendors and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The event is expected to proceed rain or shine, though severe weather could affect programming.
There is some reason for fans to approach the announcement with cautious optimism. WATERBOMB had previously outlined plans to expand into North America with events in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Those dates were postponed due to operational difficulties. Las Vegas, originally scheduled for September 2026, has since been moved to June 2027, while a new date for Los Angeles has not been announced.
Toronto is now part of the festival’s North American plans, though the success of the expansion will depend on organizers delivering the promised events.
For now, Canadian fans will have to wait for more information. If the Toronto edition brings the same combination of major K-pop acts, summer weather and water-filled chaos that made the festival popular in South Korea, it could be a very different kind of festival experience for the city.
WATERBOMB Toronto 2027: What We Know
- When: 2027, exact dates to be announced
- Where: Toronto, venue to be announced
- Age requirement: 19+
- Music: K-pop, hip-hop and EDM
- Lineup: Not yet announced
- Tickets: Prices and sale dates to be announced
- More information: Head to WATERBOMB Toronto website or sign up for the official newsletter.
Festivals
Coachella 2027 Announces Lineup With Dua Lipa, Tame Impala and SZA Headlining
Coachella has revealed its 2027 lineup, with Dua Lipa, Tame Impala and SZA set to headline the festival across two weekends next April. The announcement brings together a mix of pop heavyweights, electronic music favourites, indie acts and returning festival regulars for the annual event at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
Each headliner will close out a different night. Dua Lipa will take the main stage Friday, April 9, marking her first full performance at Coachella. Her only previous appearance at the festival was as a guest during Martin Garrix’s set in 2017, before the release of her debut album.
Saturday belongs to Tame Impala, who will return for their second Coachella headlining appearance after topping the bill in 2019. The Australian project, led by Kevin Parker, previously performed at the festival in 2011, 2013 and 2015.
SZA will close out Sunday night, rounding out a headline trio that brings three very different sounds to the top of the poster.
The lineup has plenty of other big names competing for attention. Madonna is among the festival’s most prominent bookings, appearing in the dance tent rather than as a headliner. Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer, Robyn, Zara Larsson, Steve Lacy, Peggy Gou, Kehlani, Tiësto, Kygo, Don Toliver, Dom Dolla, Four Tet and The Neighbourhood are among the other notable acts.
There are plenty of additional names worth checking out, including Måneskin, Jisoo, Caroline Polachek, Remi Wolf, Tove Lo, MUNA, Underworld, Chase & Status, Victoria Monét, Leon Bridges, Magdalena Bay, Freddie Gibbs, The Avalanches, Social Distortion, American Football and The Damned. Pinegrove will make an appearance after spending much of the past few years on hiatus.
One of the more unexpected bookings comes from Daddy Yankee, who has been given a special “In the Desert” billing. The festival will have another attraction away from the main stages, too. Following last year’s Radiohead installation, the bunker will feature a Justice exhibit titled Blinded By The Lights.
Coachella 2027 will run April 9-11 and April 16-18, with the same lineup performing across both weekends. The festival will once again partner with YouTube for its livestream, marking the 15th year of the partnership. Viewers will be able to watch selected performances from both weekends online.
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 13, at 12 p.m. PT. General admission passes for both weekends are listed at Tier 2 pricing, starting at $779, with a three-day shuttle pass included. VIP passes start at $1,399 for Weekend 1 and $1,349 for Weekend 2.
For tickets, camping options, hotel packages and additional festival information, visit the official Coachella website.