BBC to broadcast live from Reading Festival
The BBC will broadcast live from the 2026 Reading Festival, with coverage led by BBC Radio 1 who will bring fans daily highlights.
The BBC will broadcast live from the 2026 Reading Festival, with coverage led by BBC Radio 1 who will bring fans daily highlights.
Reading Festival 2026: BBC Broadcast Highlights
Live Radio Broadcasts: Live weekend coverage on BBC Radio 1 starting Friday, August 28 through Monday, August 31, 2026.
On-Demand Access: Catch-up sets, full performances, and curated highlights will stream on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
TV Specials: Key performances will be broadcast on BBC One.
2026 Star-Studded Lineup: Headliners feature an all-British and Irish fronted roster including Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence + The Machine, Fontaines D.C., and RAYE.
Live Coverage Across the Bank Holiday Weekend
Music fans across the UK can experience the energy of Reading Festival 2026 live from home as BBC Radio 1 takes over the airwaves live from Little John’s Farm.
Beginning Friday, August 28, Radio 1 will broadcast live on-site coverage each day through to Bank Holiday Monday, August 31, giving listeners front-row audio access to performance sets, exclusive backstage artist interviews, and signature festival atmosphere.
In addition to live radio broadcasts, festival-goers and listeners can access full set catch-ups and exclusive behind-the-scenes content on BBC Sounds. TV viewers will also be able to watch live sets and curated highlight packages broadcast directly on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Stacked Roster of Headliners & Performers
This year’s Reading Festival line-up features a historic, all-British and Irish co-headlining bill. Taking the main stage across the four-day event are:
Charli XCX
Chase & Status
Dave
Florence + The Machine
Fontaines D.C.
RAYE
Alongside the six headliners, the weekend will showcase a massive mix of global stars, breakthrough talent, and genre-defying acts including Skepta, Loyle Carner, Declan McKenna, Maisie Peters, Kneecap, Holly Humberstone, Sombr, Role Model, and JADE.
Listeners tuning into BBC Radio 1, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sounds throughout the weekend will have full access to performance highlights from across the stages as the action unfolds live in Berkshire.
Fans located outside of the UK will be able to enjoy highlights on YouTube.
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