Summer’s biggest festival is back! Reading Festival returns to Richfield Avenue from 21-24th August to deliver one of the best weekends around. Capping off what has been an unbelievable Summer. One filled with heatwaves, good vibes and with a great line-up that spans multiple genres and exclusive performances.
Since its shift from primarily rock acts to more of what’s popular, Reading & Leeds boasts arguably one of the most varied line-ups in years. With Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me The Horizon and Travis Scott headlining across the weekend, it’s showing off just how broad the music landscape is nowadays.
Personally I would’ve paired Hozier with Travis Scott, as Chappell Roan has truly erupted since her emergence last year. While she’s taking her time to release a new album, the recent singles are looking to hit the same heights as “HOT TO GO!” and “Pink Pony Club”, which should guarantee a great performance.
There’s more of an Indie vibe on the main stage Friday. Bloc Party, The Kooks and Red Rum Club will provide a throwback to the genre’s golden years as they take their spots high up on the bill. Personally, I would look to see Phoebe Green, Jasmine.4.T., Mannequin Pussy, The Chats and Soft Play perform. Rudim3ntal and AJ Tracey leading the Chevron Stage might be for those who fancy something a little grittier.
Bring Me The Horizon have also planted their feet in the mainstream, showing that alongside Sleep Token, Metal/Screamcore music has its place in the scene. They are capping off Saturday, which looks to have the most consistent line-up of the weekend. With the likes of Lambrini Girls, South Arcade, Limp Bizbit and R&L mainstays Enter Shikari all performing on the main stage. It’s gonna be hard to beat that.
But if you find yourself away from the main stage, we’d recommend catching The Pill, Mouth Culture, Bilmuri, Example, Pale Waves and Wunderhorse across the other stages. Especially Wunderhorse – did you see that performance of ‘Teal’ at Glastonbury?
Travis Scott does seems like a wild choice to make for headliner, but as it’s his only European date of the year, it makes sense. Hopefully he doesn’t take as long to appear on stage as he did walking to the ring at Wrestlemania 41, but he should definitely bring the energy to the final night of the festival.
Sunday’s line-up is the most varied in terms of genres, and we’d give everything to see Amyl and the Sniffers perform. You also have Suki Waterhouse, Sea Girls, Nieve Ella, Matilda Mann, Radio Free Alice and The Dare to enjoy too.
All in all, it should be an incredible weekend. One that will see if certain artists are indeed headliner-worthy, and others that deserve to be higher up the bill. I have fond memories of attending way in 2014 & 2015, and know the importance of seeing your favourite bands live. Nothing beats a festival setting, and Reading is a frontrunner for that.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing at Reading Festival 2025? Let us know below, or via Instagram. Make sure to follow our Dead Good Playlist for a special, Reading Festival flavoured update too.