Reading and Leeds presents ‘vision for the future’ with stage overhaul
Festival Republic managing director Melvin Benn tells IQ about the plans for new stages and a broadened leadership team as part of the festival's next phase
News By Ciaran Donnelly | 14 July 2026
Reading and Leeds Festival has announced what it calls “the biggest staging and arena overhaul” in its 37-year history, with Festival Republic managing director Melvin Benn saying six new stages are set lead the festival into its “next phase”.
Organisers said the changes will “take the festival firmly into its next evolution”, explaining the aim is to “change the way Reading and Leeds Festival is seen”. With it, the festival is broadening the leadership of its artist booking and programming…
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