The first wave of artists performing at Leeds Festival 2026 has been announced - including six huge headliners.
The beloved festival has confirmed that Fontaines D.C., Florence and the Machine, Charli xcx, Raye, Dave, and Chase & Status will all be performing in the fields of Bramham Park.
And for Leeds Festival 2026 for the first time there'll be a Thursday night headliner too, with Kasabian kicking off the massive music event.
Rumours of the headliners for Pepsi MAX presents Reading & Leeds Festival had gone into overdrive over the weekend, after Fontaines D.C., Florence, and Chase & Status all appeared to announce their own headline slots in teaser videos.
Fontaines D.C. have become one of the hottest live bands in the world since their inception, headlining a major world tour that included massive outdoor summer shows across the UK last summer.
Their debut performances at Reading and Leeds Festival will be their only festival shows of 2026.
Beloved indie pop artist and possessor of one of the world's greatest voices, Florence and the Machine, will also keep Leeds Festival as her only UK festival performance of 2026, having last performed on this hallowed stage back in 2012.
Florence + The Machine. Credit: Autumn de WildeFontaines D.C. Credit: @ifucktokyoChase & Status will perform at Leeds Festival 2026. Credit: SuppliedDave is also making Leeds Festival a UK festival exclusive. Credit: SuppliedCharli xcx. Credit: Harley WeirRaye will perform at Leeds Festival 2026. Credit: Supplied
Joining them will be Charli xcx, who shut down festivals across the planet in 2025 with her electric live shows and will be ushering in a new era post-BRAT summer.
Chase & Status will not only be making Leeds Festival a festival exclusive, but their only live show of 2026, bringing their powerhouse electronic music to Bramham Park.
Dave has been announced as another headliner, hot off the back of the release of his number one album The Boy Who Played the Harp.
And completing the whopping line-up of six headliners is Raye, who boasts eight top 20 UK singles, five billion global Spotify streams, and holds the record for the most Brit awards won in a single night.
Speaking during her first appearance at Reading Festival in 2024, RAYE said: “You know what listen guys, I’ve done it, I came to Reading & Leeds when I was 16 when I finished my GCSE’s, I was in the dance tent living my life…you know what I mean. I had a dream, and look at me now, it’s all possible."
Leeds Festival general sale tickets will go live at 12pm on Wednesday 3 December HERE.
There'll be a 48 hour PayPal presale which is already live, and a 24 hour festival presale starting at 9am on Tuesday 2 December (sign up for access HERE).
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the First Direct Bank Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Leeds, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at our very own First Direct Bank Arena on Monday 26 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am.
Run, don't walk - as we reckon these tickets will fly off the shelves.
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026
Thomas Melia
The North is full of amazing artists, and we’re spotlighting one every single month – it's time to go 'Rollin' with Cole LC
Leeds' own Cole LC has got very far doing his "little music thing" and has seen him reach all new heights as his upcoming project suggests with its title West Yorkshire to Westend Show
This musician has built a pretty distinctive artistic style that fuses rap, all while making sure his West Yorkshire identity was kept in the forefront.
That's because, all of Cole's visuals have been filmed across the city at some pretty recognisable spots like Kirkgate Market, City Varieties and Belgrave Music Hall.
So far, this local lad has captured the attention of music lovers with songs like 'Westbrook' and 'Your Tings My Ting' both having over one million streams.
Now, Cole LC sits down to talk all about being Audio North's ‘Artist of the Month’ and shares more teasers about his highly-anticipated EP.
An interview with Cole LC - Audio North's Artist of the Month
Audio North's Artist of the Month: Cole LC | March 2026 / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
What can we expect from your upcoming EP?
This is my first big release in quite a while after the release of Favourite Version in 2023 and I've done a lot of growing. I started writing last Summer when I was going through a tough period but it's gone onto create some of my best songwriting stories. It's a one big note to self that I hope helps other people out.
What is it like being a Northern independent artist?
I grew up in Roundhay with my family and Leeds as a city has had a monumental impact on what I do as an artist. By being close to the city centre, it has allowed me to be exposed to different types of music, soaking up all these genres has helped influence what I do now.
How do you think Leeds is shaping the UK music scene?
This city is a big credit to music and it's a testament to the musicians of Leeds having that talent but also being hardworking. It's also about authenticity and that's what we've got. The climate of music in general is very intense and there's lots of competition but the sheer talent here in Leeds makes it impossible for us to go unnoticed.
Cole LC has played a key part in Leeds' music scene / Credit: Supplied via Press shots
Who are some up and coming artists you're checking out?
Ellur and you spell it "Ell-uh" because she's from Bradford. She's an Alt-pop artist who I've been listening to a lot. I've also loved Charlotte Plank, especially her latest single 'crybby blue'. There's even Aaron Rowe who supported Lewis Capaldi.
What does a performance day look like for you?
I don't have a specific routine before a show. Practicing my lyrics is a big one and having a mint tea too.
What is your ultimate dream musically?
I'd love to perform whenever I like and just know people would be there and support me. I'd love the financial freedom to be able not worry and creative new tracks whenever whereever I want. Music is so powerful and speaks to everyone, I want to keep improving my quality and progress.
If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?
Probably Justin Bieber because of how much I love him, he's the greatest of all time, he just is. When I was 14 I was so fuming watching him and seeing how good he is, I thought he'd put be out of a job forever. He has some unreal albums.
What's next for Cole LC?
I can guarantee you new music every single month for 2026. I know a lot of people have been getting in touch regarding a headline show so I'm hoping to organise a gig. I'm also going to make sure I keep the connection with people who enjoy my music whether that's in person or online.
Daisy Jackson -
1st December 2025 
