There’s just two weeks to go now until one of the UK’s fastest growing music festivals Stowaway Festival celebrates its fifth birthday. An independent, family-friendly festival, Stowaway is happening over the weekend of July 31st – August 2nd in idyllic surroundings near Stowe, north Buckinghamshire. Weekend tickets are still available starting from just £249, with adult day tickets costing £90 – purchase here.

On Friday July 30th, the incredible Brooklyn trio Say She She will top the bill, preceded by a stacked list of dance music luminaries including Eris Drew b2b Gallegos, Dr Banana, Move D, Alex Kassian, and DJ sets from Gabriels and Ishmael Ensemble.  Legendary drum‘n’bass label Hospital Records will celebrate their 30th birthday with a takeover of the Shake Off stage with sets from London Elektricity, Lens, DJ Zinc and Makoto.

Saturday August 1st will see drum‘n’bass legend Skream headline Stowaway on a day which includes sets from Ewen McVicar, Calibre, Scientist, Francois K, 1-800 Girls, Nicky Blackmarket plus live performances from Emma-Jean Thackray and Joshua Idehen.

Sunday August 2nd will see the mighty Nightmares on Wax (DJ Set) & Kokoroko bring Stowaway to a close, preceded by Hot 8 Brass Band, WheelUP, Rohan Rakhit, and the hilarious Loco Cricket, which happens on the green on Sunday afternoon and always draws a huge crowd.

As well as its eclectic musical mix, Stowaway offers wild swimming, canoeing & paddle boarding, wellness & relaxation, kid’s activities (all included in the ticket price), and a lakeside woodland spa. The artisan food & drink available on site is carefully curated, with healthy and not-so-healthy eating options and no-and-low drinks as well as craft beers and cocktails.

Founded in 2022 by Duncan Wheeler, who grew up on Blackpit Farm, Stowaway is 100% independently owned and has no corporate sponsors. The festival’s inclusive mix of eclectic dance music with family friendly vibes is proving ever more popular – in 2025 they increased their audience by over 20%, bucking the trend in a very difficult market for the festival sector.

Created by friends, for friends, Stowaway is a secret world for you to discover.

“What makes Stowaway unique isn’t just their music or food, it’s the vibe. Everyone is there to have fun, smile, and make memories” ★★★★★ (Fab Festivals)

“Not only does Stowaway have a musical bill which is the envy of many bigger festivals, but it has clung to its roots as an intimate, laid-back, uncommercial family-friendly event” (Yahoo News UK)

For a taste of what to expect watch the Stowaway 2025 Aftermovie

Pepsi MAX presents Reading and Leeds Festival have announced major new plans for the on-site festival experience at both shows this summer, with a completely revamped stage layout that marks the biggest staging and arena overhaul in the festival’s 37 year history. This year’s Reading Festival is now SOLD OUT with only remaining Sunday Day Tickets available now at https://www.readingfestival.com/ with final Leeds Festival tickets available at https://www.leedsfestival.com/. 

Synonymous with unforgettable weekends and always looking ahead to pioneer the next chapter in modern culture, this years’ Reading and Leeds Festival will see new stages with their own new identities offering an experience never seen before. These include:

The Grid

The home of the festival’s main stage, The Grid is where iconic headline moments happen. The greatest place to watch live music for the whole of summer, it’s a crowning platform that welcomes the biggest artists on the planet and those leading the way in the here and now. Expect to witness headliners Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, Florence + The Machine and Chase & Status alongside Sombr, Skepta, Role Model, Loyle Carner (Reading only), Blossoms (Leeds only), Declan McKenna, Jade, Maisie Peters, Keo and more soundtracking The Grid this year, with Kasabian making history in Leeds as the first ever Thursday night headliner of Leeds Festival.

The Gallery presented by Budweiser

A brand new stage for 2026, The Gallery is an undercover immersive stage. Innovative LED screen lights and immersive production runs throughout the entire stage. The Gallery is ready to create iconic moments from Josh Baker, Geese, Kneecap, Skye Newman, Kettama and Holly Humberstone amongst others with Gunna, Chris Stussy and Viagra Boys adding to proceedings in Reading whilst Jamie Webster, The K’s and Rose Gray add to the lineup in Leeds. The Warehouse

Previously announced, The Warehouse is a brand-new purpose-built home for dance music with viewing platforms in front and behind the decks, plus huge screen production welcoming special sets from Skepta b2b Prospa, Hybrid Minds, Hedex, Silva Bumpa and Rossi. amongst others. Max Dean goes b2b with Luke Dean as well as Bou, in what will be the first ever custom built, experiential dance stage for Reading and Leeds. 

The Ballroom 

As the name might suggest, for the first-time ever, Reading and Leeds Festival will have a transformed stage complete with unique chandeliers and draping that plays host to artists who are defining and dominating 2026. Mixing together genre, styles and moments – The Ballroom is primed for legendary breakthrough sets 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 and Clementine Douglas amongst others. 

The Canopy 

New music has been at the core of Reading and Leeds Festival since the very beginning, and in 2026 The Canopy will usher in a new chapter for new music – with a stage dedicated to festival fans’ next favourite artists. It will play host to the likes of Violet Grohl, Villanelle, December 10, Camille Blackman, Kibo, Finessekid, Cruz Beckham and The Breakers and more. 

The Yard (Reading Only)

The Yard will bring the industrial edge of alternative club culture. Situated in the open-air with shipping containers The Yard this year will offer something completely different to any other stage at the festival. 

These new stages are joined in Leeds Festival by the return of much-loved fan favourites LS23 (lineup for which was revealed last week and sits as one of the most popular late-night destinations) and Piccadilly Circus, with full programming to be revealed in the coming weeks. Leeds Festival sits as the only opportunity for fans to still secure their spot at Reading and Leeds Festival this summer to experience the full weekend’s programming, and ticket buyers are encouraged to purchase now to avoid disappointment. 

Approximately 2 months from now, the town of Reading will transform into the epicentre of one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals. Music lovers from all corners will flock to Reading to experience a festival with a legacy stretching back over three decades. This year, artists such as Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, Florence + The Machine and Chase & Status alongside Sombr, Skepta, Role Model, Loyle Carner (Reading only), Blossoms (Leeds only), Declan McKenna, Jade, Maisie Peters, Keo among many others, will light up the Reading & Leeds Festivals stages. If you’re planning to attend this iconic event for the first time, you’re in for a treat. This article is packed with essential tips for navigating Reading Festival 2026 — so jump right in.

The Reading Festival has become an annual tradition, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts year after year, no matter the weather. Festival-goers have braved rain, endured sweltering heat, and embraced the mud, learning the art of packing smartly. You’ll want to bring two sets of clothing, prioritising shorts and T-shirts, but it’s always wise to pack some rain gear — British weather can be unpredictable. As of today, no rain is forecast and the outlook is very pleasant, but everything can change in a heartbeat. A quality sleeping bag is a must, and remember to pack light — dragging a heavy bag while hunting for the perfect camping spot is far from fun.

Towels are essential; one can dry you off on rainy days, while the other provides a cool respite when soaked in cold water during hot spells. Wet wipes are invaluable for reasons you’ll soon discover. Sunscreen is crucial for Friday and Sunday to avoid painful sunburns that could ruin your festival experience. If you enjoy a beer (and who doesn’t?), consider bringing your own to avoid the high prices at the festival. Other must-haves include a hat for sun protection, plenty of water to stay hydrated, sunglasses, glow sticks, and a waterproof hoodie for unexpected downpours.

Selecting the right tent is key to a successful Reading Festival adventure. Choose one that stands out so you can easily find it amidst the sea of tents. Otherwise, you might find yourself awkwardly entering the wrong one more than once. Avoid pitching your tent near hedgerows or main pathways, as these areas can be problematic. The ideal spot is near a tree and close to the arena where the bands play. Finally, don’t forget to make new friends, wear your trendiest jeans, and embrace the festival atmosphere with confidence!

And most importantly, don’t miss the First Timer’s Guide from Reading Festival—it’s an essential read for newcomers.