Nolann Le Garrec and Antoine Hastoy will form a strong half-back partnership for the France second-string XV that takes on an England XV in Saturday’s non-capped match at Allianz Stadium.
Le Garrec, along with Maxime Lucu, has served as back-up to France’s first-choice scrum-half Antoine Dupont over the past couple of seasons, winning 10 caps at the age of 23.
Fly-half Hastoy started both last summer’s Tests against Argentina and was key to a late-season run of form that almost carried La Rochelle into the Top 14 play-offs.
The pair will play alongside each other at club level next season with Le Garrec moving to La Rochelle from Racing 92 this summer.
Elsewhere the experienced Gael Fickou partners 21-year-old emerging star Emilien Gailleton in the centres, while 35-year-old Leinster prop Rabah Slimani, who has not played for his country in almost six years, starts in the front row.
Theo Attissogbe, who scored three tries in France’s run to the Six Nations title, starts at full-back with the uncapped duo of Alivereti Duguivalu and Mael Moustin on the wing.
Tyler Duguid, who grew up in Canada but moved to France as a teenager, is named in the second row with Mickael Guillard, one of the breakout successes of France’s Six Nations, at number eight.
France head coach Fabien Galthie is without players from Toulouse, Bordeaux-Begles, Toulon and Bayonne as they contest the Top 14 semi-finals.
France’s frontline stars are usually rested for the country’s summer tours, however, the federation has struck an agreement with their clubs to release a small number of Test regulars for the three-match series against New Zealand in July.
France A: Attissogbe; Moustin, Gailleton, Fickou, Duguivalu; Hastoy, Le Garrec; Erdocio, Barlot, Slimani, Auradou, Duguid, Fishcher, Tixeront, Guillard.
Gordon Ramsay fainted in the delivery room when his son Oscar was born, despite his wife Tana banning him from being present at the births of their first four children
Gordon Ramsay ‘collapsed like a wimp’ in delivery room as Ed Sheeran played in background(Image: BANG Showbiz)
TV chef Gordon Ramsay fainted during the birth of his son as Ed Sheeran’s tunes serenaded the delivery room. The 58-year-old culinary star, who had previously been absent from the birthing room for his older children Megan, 26, twins Jack and Holly, 25, and Tilly, 23, due to wife Tana Ramsay’s wishes, was present for the arrival of their fifth child, Oscar.
However, the Kitchen Nightmares icon’s elation quickly turned to alarm when he passed out while cradling new-born Oscar, with Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ playing in the background.
On the Smartless podcast, Gordon revealed: “Let’s make one thing absolutely clear, my wife didn’t want me in there. First of all, she said, ‘I want my mum and your mum in there, you’re not going to see me in that state, that side of the curtain, get out of there.’
“That was her decision and I had to respect that decision. When I did final arrive in the theatre for our fifth baby I f****** collapsed like a wimp! I blacked out holding Oscar in the air.”
Gordon and Tana Ramsay with five of their child and daughter Holly’s partner Adam Peaty(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Gordon has been sharing some intense moments from the delivery room, recounting, “He was coming through the sun roof so there was a lot of commotion going on. They said, ‘What do you want to listen to?’ So I said, ‘Can you play Ed Sheeran?’
Article continues below
“So they started playing Ed, they turned up the volume, I can hear all these noises, all of a sudden I see two more doctors dive in, I look to the floor and there was blood everywhere. They popped him out and then they came straight over to me and I went, ‘Woah, woah, s***.’ I sat back and I collapsed like a f****** idiot.”
The celebrity chef and his wife Tana are basking in the joys of parenthood once more with their little ones Oscar and Jesse James, who joined the family in 2023.
Gordon, a three Michelin star culinary maestro, is keen on instilling strong work values in his children, ensuring they understand the importance of hard graft rather than relying on their privileged background.
Proud of his older children’s diverse career choices, Gordon does admit to a twinge of disappointment that his daughter Tilly, aspiring to be a chef, opted for training at Ireland’s Ballymaloe Cookery School instead of one of his own kitchens.
Gordon emphasised the importance of balance in life, saying, “Balance is critical. Every time we were filming throughout the US the kids would come with us and then we were take them out of school two weeks early, and they put them back two weeks late, so we would do the filming schedules around the shooting schedules.
“It’s a lot easier now, we had four amazing kids and then Tana and I has this crazy idea to go back for more. So there’s quite a big gap. Megan, she’s our eldest, she’s 26, she’s an incredible police officer back in London.
Article continues below
“Then we have the twins who are 25; Jack is a Royal Marines Commando, Holly is in to her fashion. And then there’s Matilda, who is 23, who has just come back from culinary school, would you believe, a beautiful school called Ballymaloe.
“I am a little bit miffed that she didn’t ask me to train her and she’s gone off elsewhere. She’s seen the shows, that’s the problem! You’ve got to give them the values, and instil those values, they can’t depend on mum and dad.”
Gordon Ramsay fainted in the delivery room when his son Oscar was born, despite his wife Tana banning him from being present at the births of their first four children
Gordon Ramsay ‘collapsed like a wimp’ in delivery room as Ed Sheeran played in background(Image: BANG Showbiz)
TV chef Gordon Ramsay fainted during the birth of his son as Ed Sheeran’s tunes serenaded the delivery room. The 58-year-old culinary star, who had previously been absent from the birthing room for his older children Megan, 26, twins Jack and Holly, 25, and Tilly, 23, due to wife Tana Ramsay’s wishes, was present for the arrival of their fifth child, Oscar.
However, the Kitchen Nightmares icon’s elation quickly turned to alarm when he passed out while cradling new-born Oscar, with Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ playing in the background.
On the Smartless podcast, Gordon revealed: “Let’s make one thing absolutely clear, my wife didn’t want me in there. First of all, she said, ‘I want my mum and your mum in there, you’re not going to see me in that state, that side of the curtain, get out of there.’
“That was her decision and I had to respect that decision. When I did final arrive in the theatre for our fifth baby I f****** collapsed like a wimp! I blacked out holding Oscar in the air.”
Gordon and Tana Ramsay with five of their child and daughter Holly’s partner Adam Peaty(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Gordon has been sharing some intense moments from the delivery room, recounting, “He was coming through the sun roof so there was a lot of commotion going on. They said, ‘What do you want to listen to?’ So I said, ‘Can you play Ed Sheeran?’
Article continues below
“So they started playing Ed, they turned up the volume, I can hear all these noises, all of a sudden I see two more doctors dive in, I look to the floor and there was blood everywhere. They popped him out and then they came straight over to me and I went, ‘Woah, woah, s***.’ I sat back and I collapsed like a f****** idiot.”
The celebrity chef and his wife Tana are basking in the joys of parenthood once more with their little ones Oscar and Jesse James, who joined the family in 2023.
Gordon, a three Michelin star culinary maestro, is keen on instilling strong work values in his children, ensuring they understand the importance of hard graft rather than relying on their privileged background.
Proud of his older children’s diverse career choices, Gordon does admit to a twinge of disappointment that his daughter Tilly, aspiring to be a chef, opted for training at Ireland’s Ballymaloe Cookery School instead of one of his own kitchens.
Gordon emphasised the importance of balance in life, saying, “Balance is critical. Every time we were filming throughout the US the kids would come with us and then we were take them out of school two weeks early, and they put them back two weeks late, so we would do the filming schedules around the shooting schedules.
“It’s a lot easier now, we had four amazing kids and then Tana and I has this crazy idea to go back for more. So there’s quite a big gap. Megan, she’s our eldest, she’s 26, she’s an incredible police officer back in London.
Article continues below
“Then we have the twins who are 25; Jack is a Royal Marines Commando, Holly is in to her fashion. And then there’s Matilda, who is 23, who has just come back from culinary school, would you believe, a beautiful school called Ballymaloe.
“I am a little bit miffed that she didn’t ask me to train her and she’s gone off elsewhere. She’s seen the shows, that’s the problem! You’ve got to give them the values, and instil those values, they can’t depend on mum and dad.”
Bosses behind Reading and Leeds Festival have added over 80 new names to their already huge line-up, with just over two months until the weekends kick off
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
Chappell Roan is one of this year’s huge headliners
Reading and Leeds Festival have added dozens more names to their impressive line-up. With just over two months until thousands of fans flock to the fields for the annual event, they will see even more of the biggest names in music across various stages.
Bosses behind the events at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds have come back with a stellar line-up for 2025. Earlier this year, the lines of Chappell Roan, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon and Travis Scott were announced as headline acts. This year, they will be joined by the likes of AJ Tracey, Lola Young, Becky Hill, Trippie Redd, Enter Shikari, The Kooks, Rudim3ntal, Lancey Foux, Royel Otis, Sea Girls, Bloc Party, Soft Play, The Dare, Mannequin Pussy, DJ Ez and many more.
Now, over 80 more names have been added to the line-up. The 2025 edition promises a diverse line-up catering to all tastes, featuring both current trendsetters in music and complimentary bespoke camping experiences across five unique campsites, marking the most significant revamp of camping at a UK festival to date.
Leigh-Anne has joined the line-up of Reading and Leeds Festivals(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty I)
Leading today’s announced acts is Leigh-Anne, who is carving out a huge solo career after years of shaping pop with Little Mix. Skye Newman, the first UK female solo artist to secure top 20 spots for her initial two singles in over ten years, will be performing, as well as a highly anticipated set from genre-defying indie rocker Bartees Strange.
Houston-based trio Waterparks and North London R&B sensation Demae have been added to the Main Stage line-up, preceding D-Block Europe and Travis Scott. The innovative Chevron Stage welcomes more dynamic acts, including Charlotte Plank – one of the UK’s most successful dance music creators, West Coast songwriter Still Woozy, and Nottingham’s own LYVIA, joining stage headliners AJ Tracey, Becky Hill and Sammy Virj.
Article continues below
El Paso quartet late night drive home will celebrate their debut album release this summer, while Sunday (1994) continue their dream-pop domination. Headlining the Festival Republic Stage on Thursday night in Leeds is rising pop sensation Chloe Qisha. Speaking about joining the line-up, Sunday (1994) said: “You met us on Monday, took us for a drink on Tuesday, made love to us on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and now you get to chill with Sunday (1994) at Reading & Leeds.”
Sheffield rockers Bring Me The Horizon will be headlining over the weekend
Reading and Leeds are set to introduce two brand new stages, celebrating the underground electronic communities that are shaping modern UK culture. The Smirnoff Stage in Reading will feature a line-up including Riordan, IN PARALLEL, Lu. Re, MEGRA, Omar+, Stresshead and more. Meanwhile, the Reload Stage in Leeds will host DJ Semtex, [IVY], Dr Dubplate, Disrupta, Saint Ludo, Sophia Violet and Tommy Villiers amongst others.
These stages aim to provide a platform for producers and DJs who are making significant strides and filling dancefloors worldwide – creating a fresh communal space for electronic music fans that highlights the current scene.
The Aux Stage – the hub for innovative digital creators at Reading and Leeds – is set to return following its groundbreaking debut last year, boasting an even more star-studded lineup. The first headliner for 2025 has been announced as Brittany Broski.
Lola is expected to perform her hits
From her ‘kombucha girl’ fame to becoming a global sensation with a loyal online following of over 15 million, Brittany will grace Reading and Leeds with two exclusive in-conversation shows alongside trailblazing British presenter Charley Marlowe in Leeds. Additionally, top UK comedy podcasts JaackMaate’s Happy Hour and Harry Pinero and Darkest Man’s Old & Bald are set to make their mark at Reading and Leeds this summer, along with Josh & Moyo and two takeovers from The Rock Revival and Climate Live.
The ‘Unplugged’ series is also making a comeback, showcasing exciting new musicians and offering fans an intimate acoustic performance and interview series. With more announcements on the horizon, The Aux Stage is the perfect platform for creators to deliver a variety of interactive shows and gives fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stars they adore online.
This year promises more late-night entertainment across both sites, including a Silent Disco on the Festival Republic and Chevron Stage – featuring appearances from Brighton DJ Badger and takeovers from popular clubnight leaders such as Swiftogeddon, Pop Never Dies, UPRAWR and many more – as well as Silent Karaoke taking over The Aux after dark.
Hozier is set to deliver some of his biggest hits(Image: @BARRY MCCALL PHOTOGRAPHER 2022)
The festival is renowned for its commitment to promoting up-and-coming talent, and the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds is a prime platform for future headliners. This year will be no different with a line-up featuring Amie Blu, Ashley Singh, Chanel Yates, Cliffords, Déyyess, Girl Group, Jack Dean, Keo, Nxdia, Overpass, Phoebe Green, The Pill, unpeople and many more.
There will also be special guest appearances throughout the weekend. BBC Introducing will be covering all the action on-air and on social media, with highlights set to be aired on BBC Introducing shows across the UK and on BBC Music’s YouTube channel.
Managing Director of Festival Republic, Melvin Benn said: “Reading & Leeds never stands still. We’re always listening to the audience and thinking of how to deliver the value and experiences that they demand. This summer, we’re adding a new underground electronic stage at both sites and boosting our late-night offering for those who want to dance into the early hours.
Travis Scott fans are also in for a treat
“This continues the massively successful precedent set last year, with the award‑winning Chevron Stage and The Aux – which has already attracted huge stars like Brittany Broski for her debut festival show. The BBC Introducing Stage also returns and it truly is at R&L where it transforms careers.
“Our free, overhauled camping options are also really resonating. With nearly half of Leeds weekend ticket holders having already signed up and Reading close behind, our investment in elevating what general camping at UK festivals can be is paying off. To have a weekend with historic headline moments like Chappell Roan, alongside emerging talent and influential voices, I am proud of R&L’s continued development and I can’t wait to see fans embracing it all.”
There has also been a dramatic change to camping across both sites this year. Every year, bosses often come up with ways to improve facilities and this year, they’ve gone above and beyond. This year, both festivals are set to unveil a host of new camping enhancements, programming, experiences and free extras as part of an overhauled campsite layout. With five new campsites up for grabs, festival-goers will be able to customise their weekend experience at no additional charge.
This significant investment by Reading & Leeds Festival in these new features represents a major step forward in what camping can offer at a leading UK festival. Now, the festivals will be made up of five campsites – The Fields, The Garden, The Meadow, The Grove and The Valley.
The Fields
Aussie pop duo Royel Otis will also be bringing their best hits
This is the spot for those seeking a lively atmosphere, fantastic vibes and the flexibility to customise their experience once they arrive. You can choose to be closer to the arenas or relax further away. Daytime activities include a standout Football Pitch (first introduced in Reading in 2025), Pop-Up Performances and more. No booking is required, with Weekend & Weekend + Early Entry Tickets automatically granting access to The Fields.
The Garden
An expansion of what was once Quiet Camp, this is the place for those seeking a more relaxed camping experience with limited noise after 1am. Daytime Activities at The Garden include Yoga, Meditation and the first-ever Reading & Leeds Run Club to kickstart the festival day. Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
The Meadow
Building on what was once Eco Camp, this is the space for those looking to enjoy the festival camping experience while minimising their environmental impact. To stay in this campsite, campers must agree to the following principles: Respect Your Fellow Campers, Respect The Environment (avoid littering, separating recyclable materials and not causing excess waste) + Leave The Campsite Exactly As You Found It. Daytime Activities at The Meadow include Yoga, sustainability-focused talks, upcycling workshops, and clothes swaps. Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
The Grove
A cosy and inviting hub for festival-goers seeking to camp within a supportive, like-minded community. The Grove champions inclusivity, respect, and fosters a positive environment where everyone can unwind and be themselves. In collaboration with Safer Spaces Now CIC, this camp is backed by gender-inclusive teams committed to creating a safer space for all. Daytime Activities at The Grove feature open mic sessions, film showings, karaoke and more. You can reserve your spot for free via Ticketmaster.
The Valley
Activities including yoga will be on offer
A special campsite tailored for those attending the festival solo or in pairs. Ideal for those seeking some ‘me time’ during the festival and for those appreciating that everyone else in the campsite is in the same situation, it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow festival enthusiasts and create new memories in the festival spirit. Daytime Activities at The Valley include ‘FYP (Find Your Pal)’, ‘Meet Me Here’ daily gatherings and a ‘Link Up Lounge’. Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
Major improvements are coming to all campsites at both Reading and Leeds festivals. The existing toilets will be replaced with vacuum toilet cubicles, which use 75% less water than standard flushing toilets and reduce our carbon footprint by 66%. These new facilities will arrive in collapsible units for efficient transport and include fresh water hand wash basins with liquid soap and mirrors. The Meadow (Eco Camp) will continue to feature compost sawdust toilets – the ultimate gold standard for sustainability.
More showers will be introduced across all campsites at both festivals, ensuring shorter queues and more private facilities for campers. ‘Get Ready With Me’ stations, once a paid-for extra, will now be available for free throughout the festival campsites. These areas will include mirrors, dressing tables & seating, plugs for straighteners/hair dryers and toiletries. Each campsite will also see an increase in decor and production, introducing unique experiences not seen at Reading & Leeds before.
New non-music activities and programming will be added to the festival weekend, ranging from run clubs and yoga to movie screenings amongst many others. A zero tolerance behaviour policy will be reinforced across the whole festival site, with refreshed codes of conduct and 24/7 security, building on previous safety measures, adding to a new level of security in 2025.
Reading and Leeds have a cornerstone of the UK’s music scene, has been the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in worldwide music over the past ten years. Stormzy’s electrifying 2018 performance was a game-changer for grime, Billie Eilish’s 2019 set confirmed her status as a generational icon, and Arctic Monkeys’ triumphant comeback in 2022 enthralled both long-time fans and newcomers.
Article continues below
Dave’s unforgettable interaction with the crowd during ‘Thiago Silva’ in 2019 highlighted the festival’s unique bond between performers and their audience, while Liam Gallagher hinted at an Oasis reunion during his Reading set this summer. This blend of nurturing artistic growth and crafting culturally significant moments has cemented Reading & Leeds’ reputation as more than just a music festival – it’s a crucial pulse that continues to shape and celebrate the international music scene.
Consistently pushing boundaries, Reading & Leeds bagged The Innovation Award at the UK Festival Awards 2024 for the groundbreaking Chevron Stage. Redefining what’s possible for an open-air venue of this magnitude with unprecedented immersive lighting and stage design, The Chevron Stage heralds a new chapter for Reading & Leeds.
Bosses behind Reading and Leeds Festival have added over 80 new names to their already huge line-up, with just over two months until the weekends kick off
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
Chappell Roan is one of this year’s huge headliners
Reading and Leeds Festival have added dozens more names to their impressive line-up. With just over two months until thousands of fans flock to the fields for the annual event, they will see even more of the biggest names in music across various stages.
Bosses behind the events at Richfield Avenue in Reading and Bramham Park in Leeds have come back with a stellar line-up for 2025. Earlier this year, the lines of Chappell Roan, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon and Travis Scott were announced as headline acts. This year, they will be joined by the likes of AJ Tracey, Lola Young, Becky Hill, Trippie Redd, Enter Shikari, The Kooks, Rudim3ntal, Lancey Foux, Royel Otis, Sea Girls, Bloc Party, Soft Play, The Dare, Mannequin Pussy, DJ Ez and many more.
Now, over 80 more names have been added to the line-up. The 2025 edition promises a diverse line-up catering to all tastes, featuring both current trendsetters in music and complimentary bespoke camping experiences across five unique campsites, marking the most significant revamp of camping at a UK festival to date.
Leigh-Anne has joined the line-up of Reading and Leeds Festivals(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty I)
Leading today’s announced acts is Leigh-Anne, who is carving out a huge solo career after years of shaping pop with Little Mix. Skye Newman, the first UK female solo artist to secure top 20 spots for her initial two singles in over ten years, will be performing, as well as a highly anticipated set from genre-defying indie rocker Bartees Strange.
Houston-based trio Waterparks and North London R&B sensation Demae have been added to the Main Stage line-up, preceding D-Block Europe and Travis Scott. The innovative Chevron Stage welcomes more dynamic acts, including Charlotte Plank – one of the UK’s most successful dance music creators, West Coast songwriter Still Woozy, and Nottingham’s own LYVIA, joining stage headliners AJ Tracey, Becky Hill and Sammy Virj.
Article continues below
El Paso quartet late night drive home will celebrate their debut album release this summer, while Sunday (1994) continue their dream-pop domination. Headlining the Festival Republic Stage on Thursday night in Leeds is rising pop sensation Chloe Qisha. Speaking about joining the line-up, Sunday (1994) said: “You met us on Monday, took us for a drink on Tuesday, made love to us on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and now you get to chill with Sunday (1994) at Reading & Leeds.”
Sheffield rockers Bring Me The Horizon will be headlining over the weekend
Reading and Leeds are set to introduce two brand new stages, celebrating the underground electronic communities that are shaping modern UK culture. The Smirnoff Stage in Reading will feature a line-up including Riordan, IN PARALLEL, Lu. Re, MEGRA, Omar+, Stresshead and more. Meanwhile, the Reload Stage in Leeds will host DJ Semtex, [IVY], Dr Dubplate, Disrupta, Saint Ludo, Sophia Violet and Tommy Villiers amongst others.
These stages aim to provide a platform for producers and DJs who are making significant strides and filling dancefloors worldwide – creating a fresh communal space for electronic music fans that highlights the current scene.
The Aux Stage – the hub for innovative digital creators at Reading and Leeds – is set to return following its groundbreaking debut last year, boasting an even more star-studded lineup. The first headliner for 2025 has been announced as Brittany Broski.
Lola is expected to perform her hits
From her ‘kombucha girl’ fame to becoming a global sensation with a loyal online following of over 15 million, Brittany will grace Reading and Leeds with two exclusive in-conversation shows alongside trailblazing British presenter Charley Marlowe in Leeds. Additionally, top UK comedy podcasts JaackMaate’s Happy Hour and Harry Pinero and Darkest Man’s Old & Bald are set to make their mark at Reading and Leeds this summer, along with Josh & Moyo and two takeovers from The Rock Revival and Climate Live.
The ‘Unplugged’ series is also making a comeback, showcasing exciting new musicians and offering fans an intimate acoustic performance and interview series. With more announcements on the horizon, The Aux Stage is the perfect platform for creators to deliver a variety of interactive shows and gives fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stars they adore online.
This year promises more late-night entertainment across both sites, including a Silent Disco on the Festival Republic and Chevron Stage – featuring appearances from Brighton DJ Badger and takeovers from popular clubnight leaders such as Swiftogeddon, Pop Never Dies, UPRAWR and many more – as well as Silent Karaoke taking over The Aux after dark.
Hozier is set to deliver some of his biggest hits(Image: @BARRY MCCALL PHOTOGRAPHER 2022)
The festival is renowned for its commitment to promoting up-and-coming talent, and the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds is a prime platform for future headliners. This year will be no different with a line-up featuring Amie Blu, Ashley Singh, Chanel Yates, Cliffords, Déyyess, Girl Group, Jack Dean, Keo, Nxdia, Overpass, Phoebe Green, The Pill, unpeople and many more.
There will also be special guest appearances throughout the weekend. BBC Introducing will be covering all the action on-air and on social media, with highlights set to be aired on BBC Introducing shows across the UK and on BBC Music’s YouTube channel.
Managing Director of Festival Republic, Melvin Benn said: “Reading & Leeds never stands still. We’re always listening to the audience and thinking of how to deliver the value and experiences that they demand. This summer, we’re adding a new underground electronic stage at both sites and boosting our late-night offering for those who want to dance into the early hours.
Travis Scott fans are also in for a treat
“This continues the massively successful precedent set last year, with the award‑winning Chevron Stage and The Aux – which has already attracted huge stars like Brittany Broski for her debut festival show. The BBC Introducing Stage also returns and it truly is at R&L where it transforms careers.
“Our free, overhauled camping options are also really resonating. With nearly half of Leeds weekend ticket holders having already signed up and Reading close behind, our investment in elevating what general camping at UK festivals can be is paying off. To have a weekend with historic headline moments like Chappell Roan, alongside emerging talent and influential voices, I am proud of R&L’s continued development and I can’t wait to see fans embracing it all.”
There has also been a dramatic change to camping across both sites this year. Every year, bosses often come up with ways to improve facilities and this year, they’ve gone above and beyond. This year, both festivals are set to unveil a host of new camping enhancements, programming, experiences and free extras as part of an overhauled campsite layout. With five new campsites up for grabs, festival-goers will be able to customise their weekend experience at no additional charge.
This significant investment by Reading & Leeds Festival in these new features represents a major step forward in what camping can offer at a leading UK festival. Now, the festivals will be made up of five campsites – The Fields, The Garden, The Meadow, The Grove and The Valley.
The Fields
Aussie pop duo Royel Otis will also be bringing their best hits
This is the spot for those seeking a lively atmosphere, fantastic vibes and the flexibility to customise their experience once they arrive. You can choose to be closer to the arenas or relax further away. Daytime activities include a standout Football Pitch (first introduced in Reading in 2025), Pop-Up Performances and more. No booking is required, with Weekend & Weekend + Early Entry Tickets automatically granting access to The Fields.
The Garden
An expansion of what was once Quiet Camp, this is the place for those seeking a more relaxed camping experience with limited noise after 1am. Daytime Activities at The Garden include Yoga, Meditation and the first-ever Reading & Leeds Run Club to kickstart the festival day. Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
The Meadow
Building on what was once Eco Camp, this is the space for those looking to enjoy the festival camping experience while minimising their environmental impact. To stay in this campsite, campers must agree to the following principles: Respect Your Fellow Campers, Respect The Environment (avoid littering, separating recyclable materials and not causing excess waste) + Leave The Campsite Exactly As You Found It. Daytime Activities at The Meadow include Yoga, sustainability-focused talks, upcycling workshops, and clothes swaps. Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
The Grove
A cosy and inviting hub for festival-goers seeking to camp within a supportive, like-minded community. The Grove champions inclusivity, respect, and fosters a positive environment where everyone can unwind and be themselves. In collaboration with Safer Spaces Now CIC, this camp is backed by gender-inclusive teams committed to creating a safer space for all. Daytime Activities at The Grove feature open mic sessions, film showings, karaoke and more. You can reserve your spot for free via Ticketmaster.
The Valley
Activities including yoga will be on offer
A special campsite tailored for those attending the festival solo or in pairs. Ideal for those seeking some ‘me time’ during the festival and for those appreciating that everyone else in the campsite is in the same situation, it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow festival enthusiasts and create new memories in the festival spirit. Daytime Activities at The Valley include ‘FYP (Find Your Pal)’, ‘Meet Me Here’ daily gatherings and a ‘Link Up Lounge’. Spots can be booked for free via Ticketmaster.
Major improvements are coming to all campsites at both Reading and Leeds festivals. The existing toilets will be replaced with vacuum toilet cubicles, which use 75% less water than standard flushing toilets and reduce our carbon footprint by 66%. These new facilities will arrive in collapsible units for efficient transport and include fresh water hand wash basins with liquid soap and mirrors. The Meadow (Eco Camp) will continue to feature compost sawdust toilets – the ultimate gold standard for sustainability.
More showers will be introduced across all campsites at both festivals, ensuring shorter queues and more private facilities for campers. ‘Get Ready With Me’ stations, once a paid-for extra, will now be available for free throughout the festival campsites. These areas will include mirrors, dressing tables & seating, plugs for straighteners/hair dryers and toiletries. Each campsite will also see an increase in decor and production, introducing unique experiences not seen at Reading & Leeds before.
New non-music activities and programming will be added to the festival weekend, ranging from run clubs and yoga to movie screenings amongst many others. A zero tolerance behaviour policy will be reinforced across the whole festival site, with refreshed codes of conduct and 24/7 security, building on previous safety measures, adding to a new level of security in 2025.
Reading and Leeds have a cornerstone of the UK’s music scene, has been the backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in worldwide music over the past ten years. Stormzy’s electrifying 2018 performance was a game-changer for grime, Billie Eilish’s 2019 set confirmed her status as a generational icon, and Arctic Monkeys’ triumphant comeback in 2022 enthralled both long-time fans and newcomers.
Article continues below
Dave’s unforgettable interaction with the crowd during ‘Thiago Silva’ in 2019 highlighted the festival’s unique bond between performers and their audience, while Liam Gallagher hinted at an Oasis reunion during his Reading set this summer. This blend of nurturing artistic growth and crafting culturally significant moments has cemented Reading & Leeds’ reputation as more than just a music festival – it’s a crucial pulse that continues to shape and celebrate the international music scene.
Consistently pushing boundaries, Reading & Leeds bagged The Innovation Award at the UK Festival Awards 2024 for the groundbreaking Chevron Stage. Redefining what’s possible for an open-air venue of this magnitude with unprecedented immersive lighting and stage design, The Chevron Stage heralds a new chapter for Reading & Leeds.
In an effort to put an end to the current Iran-Israel conflict, European diplomats are scheduled to meet with Iran’s foreign minister on Friday in Geneva. Milena Veselinovic from Al Jazeera examines the outcomes anticipated from the discussions.
