We wondered how Leeds (and by extension, Reading) might be able to compete with some of the festival line-ups that have already graced our inboxes over the past two months—and there have been a lot of them.
However, when the news broke last week on the first wave of acts set to take over Bramham Park, including the likes of Charli XCX, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Chase and Status, Kneecap, Geese and a few more, some of us in the newsroom were pretty chuffed with those acts announced so far. But, as ever, that wasn't enough to fully satiate our curiosity.
There’s plenty more set to be announced, but who might just be included in the next, crucial roll call of Leeds and Reading 2026 acts?
We’ve once again not only scoured the gossipy areas of Reddit, TikTok and Twitter (also known as X), but also made some educated forecasts based on the tour movements of certain bands in the United Kingdom next year, some of which on anniversary or co-headline tours that could (operative word is ‘could’) be included as part of the next round up of artists.
Despite this impressive confirmed line-up, who do we think would, could and more importantly (in our estimations) should also be included at next year’s four-day event at Bramham Park?
Read on to find out our latest predictions.
1. Sleep Token
Following their headlining performance at Download 2025 and a massive US run, the most enigmatic band in modern metal brings their revolutionary sound to R&L. Expect crushing riffs, soulful R&B vocals, and an unforgettable, genre-shattering ritual. Sleep Token’s rise is unstoppable. Bow down. | Matt Higgs/Download Festival
2. Jax Jones
Hit, after hit, after hit. The powerhouse producer behind chart-dominating tracks like 'Instruction' and 'You Don’t Know Me' takes the stage. Pure electronic joy, massive drops, and guaranteed crowd heat. The perfect way to kick off the night. | Derby Summer Sessions 2024
3. Primal Scream
You know the score: 'Movin' On Up' is the ultimate Sunday afternoon anthem. The Scottish legends bring their unique, genre-hopping fusion of psychedelic rock, gospel, and dance-floor ecstasy. Their presence at a rival festival on the same weekend makes them a highly likely, must-see R&L booking. | Primal Scream/Facebook
4. Poppy
The Nu-Metal Queen is coming. Confirmed as support on the massive Evanescence tour, Poppy is ready to deliver a unique blend of industrial grind, sweet pop hooks, and viral energy that defies all expectations. Witness the future of heavy music. | Danny North/Download Festival
5. Example
The king of festival energy returns! Even with his commitment to a rival festival, Example always finds time for R&L. Expect a relentless barrage of rave anthems, from 'Kickstarts' to 'Changed the Way You Kiss Me.' The set where you lose your voice—and your mind. | Getty Images for Ascot
6. Simple Plan
The Canadian pop-punk legends land at R&L to deliver an hour of pure, relentless nostalgia and energy. This is the festival-sized dose of early 2000s energy you need, fuelled by undeniable hits and a perfect blend of chaos and catchy hooks. | Getty Images for ABA