Reading and Leeds festivals got underway on Thursday and people have been speculating about secret sets that may happen during the weekend. Both festivals have got underway and feature major stars such as Chappell Roan, Travis Scott and Hozier. Initial speculation happened after people noticed gaps in the stage times and started discussing who could potentially fill those gaps.
Leeds and Reading festivals were once festivals for fans of alternative rock music, not attracted to the heavy metal music played at Download Festival or a fan of the radio pop hits played at festivals like T in the Park or Wireless Festival. Reading Festival began in 1961 as a Jazz Festival though pivoted to alternative rock in 1989, later establishing a second site in Leeds in 1999. Recently, Reading and Leeds have celebrated music from all genres and walks of life. This year displays all genres of music from the heavier Bring Me The Horizon to the pop icon of Chappell Roan and the the Rap star Travis Scott.
The first surprise of the weekend came when the Oxford band South Arcade performed on the BBC Introducing stage on Saturday. BBC Radio 1 and the band posted the following on Instagram:
Major speculation has been happening after Foo Fighters posted the following post on Instagram, celebrating their energy-filled set of 2019, now available in full on BBC iPlayer. Other people speculated are Lewis Capaldi, capitalising on his iconic performance in Glastonbury this year.
Another act that could potentially perform a secret gig is Wolf Alice. The London-based band have been growing in popularity as well as releasing their latest album ‘The Clearing‘ this Friday August 23. Rizzle Kicks are also rumoured to be performing this year, due to them recently headlining Tramlines Festival and the release of new music from the band. Other fans have also speculated on Olivia Rodrigo, due to her close friend Conan Gray performing. Conan Gray and Olivia Rodrigo recently released a line of friendship bracelets together and are famous for being celebrity best friends. This has led to speculation that Olivia Rodrigo may play a secret set, or at the very least make a special appearance during Conan Gray’s set, who plays at Leeds Festival tomorrow on Sunday.
Further speculation occurred on Reddit after this post, now unavailable, was posted on Instagram by the official Reading and Leeds Festival account. Fans noticed a gap in stage times on the Aux Stage on Sunday, with people speculating that Chase and Status will be playing due to their current UK tour. The poster displayed by the festival shows the silhoutte of 2 people with question marks overlaid on top. Chase and Status, the superstar DJ duo, have been releasing new music this year and their next official show is on 29 August in Las Vegas, NV, meaning they would be able to play the secret set to display their new music.
The festivals have still attracted huge names like Chappell Roan, Travis Scott and Bring Me The Horizon so the fans are sure to have a great weekend, despite whoever makes a surprise appearance!
