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:

 

 

 

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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!

  SECRET SET ALERT byu/Nervous-Chemistry-70 inreadingfestival

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Tunes in the Park has two stages, the Main Stage located at the entrance overlooking the incredible estate. Headliners include Jess Glynne, Craig David, Boy George & Culture Club, Vernon Kay, and Scouting For Girls. Notable acts at the Main Stage include Daniel Bedingfield, Ellie Sax, Louisa Johnson, and The Wanted.   

Their secondary stage, The Quarry, held at the entrance of the estate’s gardens, includes artists Rudi’s Message, Rue, Jack Botts, Laura Kate, Tom Carey, and Tess Emilia. Throughout the weekend, there are also performances from a variety of cover bands.   

There will be a separate stage, known as The Mad House, held in the gardens specifically for comedy acts. Comedic acts include Joel Dommett, Paul Smith, and Katherine Ryan. After dark, every night, there is a silent disco after party near the Quarry Stage. 

 

 

 

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Tunes is also known for its wellness section. This upcoming festival includes sessions of woodland yoga, soothing sound baths, morning meditation, massages, wild swimming, creative workshops, saunas, and a silent disco body workout. Activities throughout the weekend also include a bottomless brunch, canoeing, Mad Hatter’s tea party, VIP feasting sessions of a three-course meal overlooking the main stage, and bubbles and brush, a space to enjoy champagne and painting.

For festivalgoers excited to start planning, the festival grounds are a 5-10 minute walk from the Saint Germans train station. There are also pre-arranged bus routes and different parking areas on the festival grounds. Camping grounds open at 9 am on Thursday, August 21, and close at noon on Monday, August 25. The camping grounds are adjacent to the festival gates and on the grounds of the Port Eliot Estate. Find more information about getting to the festival, where to park, camping, and tickets here. 

There are still last-minute tickets left for next weekend, August 21-24. Find tickets here.   

Friday’s other notable acts include Kate Nash, Mellowmatic, Rio Sterling, Emily Magpie, Maisy Grace, Adwaith, and Electric Spank. Saturday’s artists include Everything Everything, Gok Wan, Toby Lee, Atlas, Omega Nebula, and an Oasis Tribute band. The final day’s lineup on Sunday includes Craig Charles, Nubiyan Twist, India Bourne, The Big Skirts, and Brass Junkies. 

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The Rock Oyster festival was established in 2017 and is a smaller-scale music event with around 3,000 attendees each day. The Dinham House Estate is renowned for hosting wedding events; however, it also provides space for this annual festival. This festival is a four-day camping event with doors opening this Thursday, July 24, before the weekend kicks off. 

This festival is a unique boutique music and food festival that features a diverse lineup of artists, Michelin-starred chefs, and various culinary and activity-based experiences for ticket-holders to enjoy. The weekend features many different culinary options with local producers and leading chefs including Matt Tebbutt, Tom Brown, Noor Murad, Emily Scott, Andrew Tuck, and many more. They also offer many different masterclasses for all ages where attendees can get hands-on experiences with cooking and pairing food together. 

The festival offers many other family-friendly activities such as relaxing massages and facials, foraging walks, adventurous activities with archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing, as well as artistic activities including dance and theater workshops, painting, clay making, and a kids comedy club. 

Rock Oyster festival has many different stages and venues including the Oyster Stage presenting live music, The Pearl featuring headline chef experiences, Coral Club’s VIP lounge, Deep Dive for comedy and activities, The Dive Bar, a late-night entertainment venue, The Little Theatre for family and kids activities, and the Spa. 

Rock Oyster festival allows the chance for attendees to enjoy various and unique activities, experiences, and live music throughout the weekend. Check out the different weekend and individual day tickets here.