Concert News

Reading & Leeds Announce New Stages, Changes & First Bands

• 30th Nov 2012

Reading & Leeds Festivals return on Friday 23rd August to Sunday 25th August 2013 at Richfield Avenue, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds. The biggest dual-site festivals in Britain are set to be bigger and better than ever, with additional stages, new artwork and of course the all-important line-up.

Festival boss Melvin Benn has been planning these exciting changes and additions to the festivals over the past year, refining and expanding their proposition for the fans: “This is a dynamic time for the festivals, not only do we have a fresh look for next year, but we are also adding to the fans’ experience of the festival with the introduction of more stages, different genres of music, including the BBC Radio 1Xtra Stage dedicated to hip-hop and grime, and an increase in the numbers of artists playing across the weekend. I’m really thrilled about the additions we have planned and I’m committed to ensuring Reading & Leeds remain the highlight of the festival season for many years to come.”

“The addition of the hip-hop stage and the extension of the dance line-up to a three day stage, whilst not losing the essence of what Reading & Leeds Festivals are about across the existing Main, NME/Radio 1, Festival Republic and Lock Up Stages, are the things that really excite me. The Reading & Leeds festival goers listen to a diverse range of music and with the likes of BBC Radio 1 offering specialist shows focused on rock and dance and BBC Radio 1Xtra now a station in its own right, this broad spectrum of musical genres reflects what the fans are into and what Reading & Leeds represents.”

“I’m really thrilled about the additions we have planned and I’m committed to ensuring Reading & Leeds remain the highlight of the festival season for many years to come.”

The first announcement from the 2013 Main Stage line-up is iconic alternative rock band Deftones who will be celebrating their 25th birthday on the Reading & Leeds Main Stages. Deftones commented:
“We are thrilled to be returning to Reading & Leeds. In previous years it’s always been a highlight for us and we are honoured to have been invited back.”

Meanwhile, Alt-J will take to the top of the bill in the NME/Radio 1 Stage. The boys have become a global phenomenon, playing sold-out shows in the US, and charting in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. The gig is especially exciting for Alt-J lead singer Joe whose first festival was Leeds in 2002: “It was great although I wasn’t prepared at all. Took some Pot Noodles and about a tenner and that was it. I was struggling. The festival was amazing, though: Incubus, Hundred Reasons, The Hives, Foo Fighters, the Prodigy. I was having the time of my life.”

Finally, with the expansion of the Dance Stage into a standalone three day tent keeping festival fans on their feet, Reading & Leeds are excited to announce Sub Focus as the first name for the all new BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage.

TICKETS ON SALE 9AM FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER. 2012 PRICES AND PRIZES UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER.