Reading Festival 2026 Schedule: Full Friday Lineup and Set Times

Reading Festival 2026 officially gets underway today, Friday, August 28, with Charli XCX and Fontaines D.C. leading the first night of performances at Little John’s Farm in Reading.

The festival runs from August 27–30 as part of the UK’s August bank holiday weekend, with the main arena open from 11 a.m. on Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday.

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The Grid is the main stage on Friday, beginning with Beth McCarthy at 1 p.m. Keo follows at 1:55 p.m., before James Marriott takes the stage at 3:05 p.m. Declan McKenna performs from 4:15 p.m., followed by Skepta at 5:45 p.m.

Charli XCX then takes over The Grid at 7:45 p.m. for her only UK festival performance of 2026. The pop star will be followed by Fontaines D.C., who close the stage from 9:55 p.m. until 11:25 p.m.

Friday’s schedule also gives festivalgoers plenty of alternatives away from the main stage. The Gallery opens with JD Cliffe at 12:10 p.m., followed by DJ EJ at 12:50 p.m. ADÉLA performs at 3:15 p.m., Skye Newman at 4:35 p.m., Geese at 5:55 p.m., SINN6R at 7:45 p.m. and Josh Baker at 9:40 p.m.

Charli XCX’s 7:45 p.m. slot is one of the weekend’s most anticipated performances. Reading marks her only UK festival date of the year, giving the crowd an early look at the era surrounding her new album Music, Fashion, Film.

Reading’s 2026 edition marks a significant reset for the festival, with The Grid replacing the traditional Main Stage branding and new spaces including The Warehouse expanding the programme. The six headliners — Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C., Dave, RAYE, Florence + The Machine and Chase & Status Live — are all British or Irish, with each receiving a UK festival exclusive. 

Scroll down to see the complete Reading Festival 2026 Friday set times.

Reading Festival 2026 Full Friday Lineup & Set Times

The Grid

• 12:00 PM – 12:33 PM – Jamie T
• 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM – Beth McCarthy
• 1:55 PM – 2:40 PM – Keo
• 3:05 PM – 3:50 PM – James Marriott
• 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM – Declan McKenna
• 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM – Skepta
• 7:45 PM – Charli xcx
• 9:55 PM- Fontaines D.C.

The Gallery Presented by Budweiser

• 12:10 PM – 12:30 PM – JD Cliffe
• 12:50 PM – 1:30 PM – DJ EJ
• 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM – Royal Blood
• 3:15 PM – 3:55 PM – ADÉLA
• 4:35 PM – 5:20 PM – Skye Newman
• 5:55 PM – 6:55 PM – Geese
• 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM – Sinn6r

The Warehouse

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Meeshy
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – DJAMMIN
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Julian Fijma
• 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM – Riordan
• 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM – Luuk Van Dijk
• 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM – Silva Bumpa
• 7:40 PM – 9:10 PM – Omar+
• 9:40 PM – 11:25 PM – Skepta B2B Prospa
• 11:30 PM – 1:00 AM – Douvelle19
• 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM – Ross Whisper
• 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM – Roscoe Brothers