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.
7. Suede
The Britpop pioneers could bring their glamorous, dramatic rock show to the fields. Brett Anderson's stage presence is unmatched; expect fierce guitars, intense energy, and iconic anthems like 'Animal Nitrate' and 'Trash.' | Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima
8. Interpol
The black leather brigade returns. With a 2026 co-headline tour with another rumoured artists (coming shortly), Interpol's angular rhythms and cool intensity promise a set of pure, visceral class. The defining New York post-punk sound could come back to cast a beautifully dark shadow over the main stage. | Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images Photo: Sebastien Bozon/AFP via Getty Images
9. Bloc Party
Interpol's co-headliners in 2026, Bloc Party, could arrive with their euphoric, dance-punk energy fully charged. Known for their electrifying, genre-bending live shows, their appearance would once again deliver a relentless set of classics that will turn the field into one massive, pulsing dance floor. | Marcin Jedrysiak
10. Becky Hill
A defining voice of UK Dance Music joins the line-up for a pure, hands-in-the-air celebration. With a busy summer schedule that perfectly avoids the R&L weekend, Becky Hill could deliver non-stop, Top 40, BRIT Award-winning anthems at the festival this year. | Kirsty Edmonds
11. Evanescence
The Gothic Queen is back to reclaim her throne! Headlining a massive 2026 World Tour, Amy Lee and Evanescence could find the time to bring their powerful, orchestral rock spectacle to the high-profile stage. | Co-op Live
12. Jimmy Eat World
25 years of Bleed American! The anthems are back. Celebrating their iconic album with a major Live Nation tour, Jimmy Eat World would bring pure, sing-along emo-rock perfection to the main stage. The moment the drums hit on 'The Middle,' you know where you need to be. | Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Audacy