If you’re heading to Reading or Leeds this year you’re in for a serious treat. The line up boasts over 200 bands, artists and DJs playing everything from rock and indie, to folk and dance music. We could be here for days talking about all the music we recommend you go and see but here is a short list of just ten of the performers we think you definitely shouldn’t miss.
1. Green Day – Headliners, main stage (Reading: Friday, Leeds: Saturday)
After a sneaky surprise performance during Reading 2012, Green Day return to Reading and Leeds as headliners of the main stage. Whether you’re a fan of Green Day or not, they’ve had a musical written about them and that’s got to count for something. This performance is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
2. Biffy Clyro – Headliners, main stage (Reading: Sunday, Leeds: Friday)
Having played Reading and Leeds a massive seven times, growing from stage to stage, Biffy Clyro finally reach the top headlining spot. They’re a brilliant British band that has worked hard to get where they are and certainly will not disappoint.
3. Foals – main stage (Reading: Saturday, Leeds: Friday)
If their previous Reading and Leeds sets are anything to go by, this will be a manic, energetic and an altogether buzzing performance. If you fancy a mad one, the Foals set is the place to be.
4. Bring Me The Horizon – Main stage (Reading: Friday, Leeds: Saturday)
For those of you that want to see something a little heavier at Reading and Leeds, there’s no doubt that Bring Me The Horizon is the band you should go and see. After releasing their new album, Sempiternal, they have definitely kicked it up a gear. Be prepared for the wall of death at main stage during this performance!
5. Bastille – BBC radio1/NME stage (Reading: Friday, Leeds: Saturday)
After storming the charts this year with number one album Bad Blood, Bastille are likely to have a massive turnout for their performances and no doubt the atmosphere in the crowd will be incredible.
6. Peace – BBC radio1/NME stage (Reading: Friday, Leeds: Saturday)
The leaders of the Birmingham indie scene produced an incredible 2013 album, In Love. With every song better than the last this will be a performance you’ll remember for a long time.
7. Alt-J – BBC radio1/NME stage (Reading: Saturday, Leeds: Sunday)
Jumping from a relatively early set on the festival republic stage to headlining the NME stage in just a year’s time is no mean feat. After winning the Mercury Music Prize in 2012, Alt-J catapulted to well deserved fame. It’s one of those you just can’t miss.
8. Jake Bugg – BBC radio1/NME stage (Reading: Saturday, Leeds: Sunday)
Although not one of the most energetic performers, Bugg has heaps of talent and will most certainly perform a mesmerising set.
9. The 1975 – festival republic stage (Reading: Saturday, Leeds: Sunday)
If you can’t wait till the 9th of September to hear the new album from this band, head along to see them live for your chance to hear some new tunes and a great opportunity to show off your moves.
10. Dog Is Dead – BBC introducing (Reading: Sunday, Leeds: Friday)
After getting signed to Atlantic Records in 2011 Dog is Dead have grown massively in popularity and aren’t stopping anytime soon. A seriously talented and proper feel good band that everyone should go and witness.
By Liz DC
Dance Yrself Clean
