The festival announcements are arriving thick and fast, with the titans of Reading and Leeds taking their turn to lay down the gauntlet. And it’s a mixed bag.
For a festival that covers such a wide array of genres, the first announcement has traditionally showcased a few examples of each. This year is no different. Indie lovers will welcome the addition of The 1975, Courteeners and Rat Boy, with Boy Better Know and Rat Boy representing the grime and hip-hop agenda.
For the heavier alternative crowd, it’s an interesting one. A quick poll within our team sees varied responses, particularly related to the only headliner to be confirmed so far, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
It’s an intriguing choice for such a young crowd, although perhaps not unexpected considering Metallica’s appearance last year. That said, Metallica’s clout reaches much further than The Chili’s, making you wonder whether the GCSE celebrating revelers will really know what’s going on. Many of us are big fans of ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’, but it remains to be seen just what RHCP will pull out of the bag.
Twenty One Pilots, Slaves and Crossfaith will also bring the alternative to the masses, and there’s always time for some more exciting acts to be announced in the next batches.
So all in all, a mixed bag. Still, it’s very early days.
Tickets for Reading and Leeds Festival are on sale now with weekend tickets priced at £205 plus an £8 booking fee. Installment plans, early entry permits, campervan permits, lockers and car park passes are also available. Full details via the Reading and Leeds websites.