Only The Poets Singer Reacts to Reading Festival Cutting BBC Introducing Stage

Only The Poets frontman Tommy Longhurst has described Reading Festival’s decision to remove the BBC Introducing stage as “such a shame”.

Reading and Leeds are preparing for the most extensive changes to their stages and festival grounds in the event’s 37 year history.

However, the section created to showcase emerging musicians has been removed as part of the redesign.

Reading group Only The Poets previously performed on the Introducing stage, most recently in 2025, and Longhurst said he feels “sad” about its departure.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, he said: “We hold those memories so highly and it was such a poignant moment for us to get to play a festival that inspired us to start the band.

“For me I think we’re taking a huge opportunity from up and coming artists.”

Throughout its run, the Introducing stage provided early opportunities for major performers including Ed Sheeran and Florence + the Machine.

Festival Republic has now unveiled The Canopy, a new stage focused on introducing audiences to their next favourite acts. Featuring an eye catching three span design, the space will welcome Violet Grohl, Villanelle, December 10, Camille Blackman, Kibo, Finessekid, Cruz Beckham, The Breakers and more.

The Grid will feature performances from Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, Florence + The Machine and Chase and Status. Sombr, Skepta, Role Model, Declan McKenna, Jade, Maisie Peters and Keo are also included, while Loyle Carner will appear exclusively at Reading and Blossoms will play only at Leeds. Kasabian will also become the first act to headline Leeds Festival on a Thursday night.

Another addition for 2026 is The Gallery presented by Budweiser. The covered immersive venue will feature advanced LED displays, lighting and large scale production. Josh Baker, Geese, Kneecap, Skye Newman, Kettama and Holly Humberstone are among the performers, with Gunna, Chris Stussy and Viagra Boys joining the Reading programme. Jamie Webster, The K’s and Rose Gray will appear at Leeds.

The Warehouse is a newly built venue devoted to dance music, offering viewing areas behind the decks and enormous video screens. The lineup includes special performances from Skepta b2b Prospa, Hybrid Minds, Hedex, Silva Bumpa and Rossi. Max Dean will go b2b with Luke Dean and Bou as part of the first custom built experiential dance stage at Reading and Leeds.

The festival will also introduce The Ballroom, a decorated space featuring chandeliers and draped fabric that will showcase artists making an impact in 2026. Combining different sounds, styles and experiences, the venue will host breakthrough performances from YT, Florence Road, Niko B, Paris Paloma, Bassvictim, Overpass, SPEED, Frost Children, Bleech 9:3, Westside Cowboy, Chloe Qisha, Radio Free Alice, dexter in the newsagent, WHATMORE, Clementine Douglas and others.

Exclusive to Reading, The Yard will offer a taste of alternative club culture in an outdoor industrial setting surrounded by shipping containers, creating an atmosphere unlike any other area at the festival.

Pepsi MAX presents Reading and Leeds Festival will run from August 27 to 30 at Richfield Avenue and Branham Park, respectively.