The Reading and Leeds Festivals 2016

The Leeds Festival has an interesting history. It’s actually two festivals in one, the Reading and Leeds Festivals, that occur simultaneously at Little John’s Farm on Richfield Avenue in central Reading near the Caversham Bridge in Reading, and in Bramham Park (near Wetherby, the grounds of a historic house) in Leeds. They usually occur during the August bank holiday weekend. This year, they will take place Friday 26th August to Sunday 28th August.

The Reading Festival came along first, with roots in the early 1960s and the National Jazz Festival. It was also inspired by festivals held in America; the first ten years of its existence, the Reading Festival changed names and sites several times before coming to its permanent home in Reading in 1971. In the late 90s, festivals became more popular, so the Reading Festival grew so large, it outgrew the Reading site. As a result, the festival expanded to Leeds in 1999. Bands performing for the Reading and Leeds Festivals perform at both venues throughout the weekend.

You can be sure that it will be filled all three days, at both sites. Reading and Leeds is the leader of UK outdoor music festivals, and the example of what they should be like. Their organisers listen carefully to the music fans who attend them; in other words, Reading and Leeds are designed for and by the fans.

In terms of acts and performances this year, Leeds hosts Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Biffy Clyro, Foals, Fall Out Boy, Imagine Dragons and other top diverse dance acts such as Duke Dumont, 99 Souls and Disciples.  

If you’re looking to attend this year’s Leeds festival and would like to skip the camping this year, check out Leonardo hotels in Leeds.