The lineups already piqued interest for a diverse range of headliners, featuring artists such as Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C. and Charli XCX, as well as a first-time Thursday headline set from Kasabian. In addition to this, the smaller acts on the posters are the ones that make the festival as stacked as it is. Here are five acts that you absolutely cannot miss.
Arkayla (Leeds: Thursday)
The talk may have been on Kasabian’s first-time Thursday headline slot, but if you’re heading down to Bramham Park a day earlier than usual, Arkayla are not ones to miss out on at 7pm on The Grid. As the first act of the entire festival, the Manchester guitar band will be christening the main stage with stand-out live tracks such as ‘Lost In A Valentine’ and ‘Waste of Time’, as well as being hot off the heels of new EP ‘Back To Belle Vue’. They will, with no doubt, be back on this stage within the next few years, so why not catch them early before everyone else does?
Westside Cowboy (Leeds: Friday, Reading: Sunday)
Combining classic indie sounds with midwestern emo, and even a sprinkle of folk, Westside Cowboy are considered to have the potential to be one of the biggest artists in the next few years. Following the release of their debut album ‘It Goes On’ last Friday, there is no better time to capitalise on the success of that and see the Manchester quartet off the back of it. Catch them early on Friday at 1:35pm at Leeds to start off your day in the right way, or 1:45pm at Reading on Sunday to close off an exhilarating weekend with euphoric harmonies and a memorable performance.
Tooth (Leeds: Saturday, Reading: Friday)
If you’re looking to start off a stacked Friday or Saturday lineup in the right way nice and early, Tooth are the band to see. Starting the days off with a fresh 12pm slot at both festivals, the London band will be taking to the stage to perform their catchy future hits, combining indie sounds with a 90s emo feel that differentiates the band from others. Tracks from their debut EP, ‘Restless in Bloom’, are ones that should definitely be on the radar for alternative rock lovers.
Florence Road (Leeds: Saturday, Reading: Friday)
It is absolutely Irish rock’s year this year, and Florence Road are a perfect example of this. After gaining popularity through TikTok covers and ending up with support slots for artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Wolf Alice, tracks such as ‘Hanging Out To Dry’ and ‘7563’ will be staples in your playlist after hearing them live. The all-female rock band will take to the newly created stage, The Ballroom, at both Reading and Leeds, for an undeniably unforgettable set filled with passion and Irish culture.
Overpass (Leeds: Saturday, Reading: Friday)
As one of the indie scene’s most successful rising talents in recent years, Overpass’ set is one that shouldn’t be overshadowed by bigger artists on the same day. They are always a treat to see live, with strong melodies and powerful vocals that ring in your head for days after. Classic indie sounds in ‘3AM’ and ‘Take It Or Leave It’ have accelerated the band to success, and the Birmingham quartet keep getting better and better with a June release of debut album ‘Elsewhere, Always’. You can catch them on The Ballroom stage at both Reading & Leeds.
Evie Johnson
Image: ‘Pepsi Presents: Leeds 2026 Official Lineup Poster