This year’s line-up is stacked with talent, from genre-defying icons to breakout stars. Whether you’re ready to rage with Limp Bizkit, lose yourself in Hozier’s soulful melodies, or witness Bring Me The Horizon’s latest sonic evolution, there’s something for everyone.
So, strap in, spin the playlist, and read on. Here’s our countdown of 10 unmissable artists at Reading & Leeds 2025:
10. Jojo Orme AKA Heartworms
Jojo Orme, the creative force behind Heartworms, commands attention with a fearless new voice. Their debut album, ‘Glutton For Punishment’ (released in 2025), is a thrilling blend of punk, gothic, and electronic energy.
The London-born artist and military aficionado will be warming up for festival season with a handful of shows in the UK and Europe. We are excited to see the vocalist, guitarist, and visionary perform.
9. Amyl And The Sniffers
The Australian pub rockers are now three albums deep with 2024's 'Cartoon Darkness'.
If you haven’t seen them live yet, where have you been? Vocalist Amy Taylor’s electrifying stage presence alone is worth the price of admission.
Amy is an unstoppable force, driving the band’s success with her on-stage energy, gutsy feminism and distinct raw vocals. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their sound, the four-piece, currently on a world tour, are sure to leave an impression across Reading and Leeds with their '70s punk rock vibes.
8. Becky Hill
An English singer and songwriter who you may recognise as being on The Voice UK way back in 2012. Becky Hill is a powerhouse in the dance music scene, effortlessly blending pop and drum n’ bass with undeniable charisma. She is a two-time BRIT Award winner for Best Dance Act and is currently creating her third album. This is definitely a set that will get the crowd dancing and partying.
7. Lambrini Girls
Brighton’s punk-rock duo Phoebe Lunny and Lilly Macieira bring razor-sharp wit and riotous energy to the stage, championing LGBTQ+ rights with unapologetic activism. You must not miss their set. Bringing humour while being politically charged and demanding change, their feminist punk energy is infectious. Playing sharp-edged riffs and delivering risqué wit, they will surely win the festival crowd over.
6. Jasmine.4.T
Manchester-based trans singer-songwriter Jasmine Cruickshank, who performs under the stage name Jasmine.4.T is set to deliver a powerful performance, backed by an all-trans-woman band. Blending indie rock, punk and pop, her sound is both dynamic and layered, weaving delicate folk vocals with bold driving guitar riffs.
As the first UK artist signed to Saddest Factory Records, Jasmine actively uses her platform to push for greater trans representation in music. Through her emotionally charged lyrics and storytelling, she creates spaces of solidarity, allowing fans to connect over shared experiences of identity, joy, and struggle.
Her debut album ‘You Are The Morning’, released January 2025, explores the theme of relearning to love and be loved, a deeply personal journey. With her rising influence and artistic vision, her festival appearance promises to be a defining moment for this underground icon.
5. Mannequin Pussy
The American punk indie rock band brings a rare and refreshing female vocal presence to the punk genre, delivering intimate moments and sharp hooks with every performance. Having been on the scene for fourteen years, they are far from newcomers, yet their influence continues to grow, and MITB are big fans. With the release of their critically acclaimed fourth album ‘I Got Heaven’ in 2024, the band has solidified its place in modern punk.
4. Panic Shack
Panic Shack hail from Cardiff and are an energetic female band playing authentic indie punk rock. Their debut album, self-titled ‘Panic Shack’, drops this July, so get listening, pre-order it and learn the lyrics. If you didn't see them play this past month (and why not)? Be sure to see these up-and-comers!
3. SOFT PLAY
English punk rock duo Isaac Holman (lead vocals, drums) and Laurie Vincent (backing vocals, guitar, bass) now play under their new guise of SOFT PLAY (formerly Slaves), returning stronger than ever. They gave us the superb album ‘Heavy Jelly’ in 2024 and are absolutely back on form. Having been through hell and back both personally and together as performers, they are fully deserving of their spot at the huge weekend event.
2. Chappell Roan
A huge act for the weekend is none other than Chappell Roan. Roan's theatrical performances and eccentric stage presence are certainly going to electrify Reading and Leeds fans. From viral TikTok moments to exhilarating live performances, American singer-songwriter Chappell Roan captivates audiences with raw honesty (about their inner battles) and theatrical flair.
1. Bring Me The Horizon
We probably could just leave it at BMTH and be done! Without doubt, one of the greatest British bands of the century. Hard to believe they have been around for a good twenty years. Oli Sykes has a huge stage presence, is a fantastic performer and will easily win over new fans at the weekend. The band fuses deathcore, metalcore, with electronica, pop and hip hop to create a unique sound. If there’s one act you absolutely cannot miss over the August Bank Holiday weekend, it’s BMTH. They’ve spent two decades redefining heavy music, and their live show is nothing short of legendary
Rhys Tagg
