Reading Festival, held from August 23rd to 25th, 2024, kicked off the bank holiday weekend with a bang, marking the end of the festival season. For many attendees, it was also a celebration of finishing exams and GCSEs, making the event a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned festival-goers.
The diverse lineup ensured that everyone, from the young crowd to the older attendees drawn in by bands like Blink-182 and Catfish and the Bottlemen found something to enjoy along with artists like Fred Again and Lana Del Rey.
Despite the chaos caused by Storm Lillian at Leeds, Reading managed to escape the weather’s wrath, allowing the festival to proceed smoothly. The day began with a surprising but delightful twist as Dasha opened the Main Stage with a country music set, a genre rarely seen at Reading and Leeds.
While Dasha’s performance was refreshing, the day truly belonged to rock and emo enthusiasts, with acts like Neck Deep, Spiritbox, The Amity Affliction, and the iconic Blink-182 headlining.
Neck Deep made a triumphant return, delivering not one but two electrifying performances. Their Main Stage set was impressive, but it was in the more intimate Festival Republic tent where they truly shone. The energy was on another level, with endless crowd surfers and a connection between the band and audience that made it a standout set of the day.
Over at the BBC Radio 1 tent, Teddy Swims packed the place from front to back, proving his growing popularity. Meanwhile, Spiritbox dominated the Main Stage with an incredible performance, highlighted by Courtney LaPlante’s powerful vocals that left the crowd in awe.
One of the biggest surprises of the day came from Confidence Man, whose catchy tunes and energetic choreography won over the audience. Back on the main stage came Two Door Cinema Club, who delivered a high-energy set. When they played their hit “Undercover Martyn,” it felt like the entire festival ran to join the crowd, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The new Chevron Stage was a fantastic addition to the festival, particularly suited to DJs thanks to its impressive lighting setup. Rap artist Denzel Curry brought the energy to this stage, with a performance that had the crowd buzzing and solidified his reputation as a live act to watch.
Gerry Cinnamon’s penultimate set on day one was another highlight, as the crowd belted out his tunes, ending in a rendition of “Canter” that sent chills through you hearing the crowd belt the words. His performance showcased his enduring fanbase and left everyone hoping for new music soon.
The day culminated with the eagerly anticipated headliners, Blink-182. With Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker back together, the crowd was filled with Blink-182 merchandise and inflatable aliens—a nod to their hit song “Aliens Exist.” The set was everything fans could have hoped for, with Travis proving once again why he’s one of the best drummers in the industry.
Tom’s usual tongue-in-cheek banter and Mark’s boundless energy made it a Blink-182 set to remember, featuring hits like “All The Small Things,” “I Miss You,” and “What’s My Age Again?”. Overall, the first day of Reading Festival 2024 set a high bar for the rest of the weekend, leaving everyone eager to see what day two would bring.
Marked by stormy weather, incredible performances, and a resilient crowd that wouldn’t let a little rain dampen their spirits day two of Reading began. The day started with a soggy morning as we got our share of Storm Lillian, with rain pouring down in full force. Despite the weather, festival-goers were undeterred, donning ponchos and raising umbrellas to support the early acts.
The MainStage was the place to be, kicking off with an electrifying performance from Courting. Despite the downpour, they delivered a high-energy set that captivated the audience. Their demand for interviews afterward made it clear that Courting is a band to watch in the coming years.
Next up was The Last Dinner Party, a fantastic all-female band whose set was one of the weekend’s highlights. Front woman Abigail Morris was mesmerising, delivering a hypnotic performance that left a lasting impression. The London group could have been placed even higher on the bill for sure and we are sure we’ll them up there next year and years to come.
The mud couldn’t keep us from getting right down to the front for Fontaines D.C. Their new image and latest album Romance have marked a new chapter in their career, and their performance proved that they are future headliner material. The muddy trek was well worth it.
As the sun finally broke through, the crowd swelled for Bleachers. Jack Antonoff, fresh from joining Taylor Swift on stage at Wembley, delivered a high-energy set that had everyone on their feet. He had been warned about the festival’s “feral” post-exam crowd, and they did not disappoint, with people on shoulders and hands in the air throughout the performance.
2024 has undeniably been Raye’s year, and her first appearance at Reading & Leeds was nothing short of spectacular. Performing with a full orchestra and dressed in a sequined gown that rivaled Diana Ross, Raye delivered one of the weekend’s best sets. Her mix of glamour and raw emotion gripped the audience, and it’s clear that she is destined to be a future headliner.
The penultimate headliner of the night was Lana Del Rey, whose set was one of the most anticipated of the festival. Her dreamy stage setup, complete with white roses, fencing, and a small table, created an intimate atmosphere. Despite the wind causing some issues with the sound toward the back of the crowd, those who came to see Lana were treated to a stunning performance of her biggest hits.
For those who preferred a different vibe, Sonny Fodera delivered an electrifying set over at the Chevron stage. The crowd and atmosphere made it one of the best places to be as the sun went down.
Closing out the night was Fred Again, a DJ who has rapidly risen to fame since emerging during the pandemic. Many questioned his place as a headliner so soon, but he exceeded all expectations. Starting on a platform at the back of the crowd, Fred Again’s set was unique and uplifting. He played and sang live throughout, reminiscent of Disclosure, and the crowd went wild for tracks like “Peace U Need” and “Marea.” Fred Again truly redefined what a Reading & Leeds headliner can be.
With sore feet and excitement in the air, we left day two eager to see what the final day would bring. The sun finally graced Reading Festival on its final day, setting the stage for an epic conclusion to the weekend. Despite the collective exhaustion, the crowd was eager to finish strong, and the day didn’t disappoint.
We kicked off the day with Bradley Simpson, best known as a member of The Vamps, but who’s now branching out with solo projects. It was our first time catching his solo act, and we were pleasantly surprised. His sound carries vibes reminiscent of Harry Styles and Shawn Mendes, leaving us excited to see The Vamps again later this year.
Crawlers were up next, making up for their absence at Leeds due to weather with a performance that called for—and received—immense energy from the crowd. Die-hard fans packed the front, screaming every word to every song, making for an incredible set.
One of the most anticipated acts of the day was Renee Rapp. Unfortunately, her set had technical difficulties right from the start, as sound issues forced her offstage early on. Despite this, the reception she received was incredible, with fans proudly wearing Renee-themed t-shirts and waving a lesbian flag covered in heartfelt messages.
The chaos continued when a gust of wind brought a wave of water onto the stage, soaking Renee, her equipment, and the camera crew. Although she laughed it off, disaster struck again, cutting her set short for good. The disappointment was palpable, and we, along with her fans, hope she returns to the UK soon for a do-over. We promise it’s not a curse, Renee!
Ashnikko, another act affected by the weekend’s unpredictable weather in Leeds, made a triumphant appearance in the BBC Radio 1 tent. Ash is a phenomenal performer who never fails to impress with her creative sets and striking looks. Dancing to “Workin’ Bitch” while snapping photos of her stunning outfit was a highlight—her performance truly is an art form.
Over at the Festival Republic tent, Only The Poets delivered one of the standout performances of the festival. Just a year ago, they were performing on the BBC Introducing stage, and now they had the iconic Festival Republic tent packed to the brim. The local lads, backed by a loyal fanbase, gave an impressive set that left no doubt they’ll soon be gracing the MainStage. Only The Poets are definitely ones to watch.
As the sun set, one of the festival’s most anticipated moments arrived: Catfish and the Bottlemen took the MainStage. Much like Renee Rapp, they faced sound issues early on, with power cutting out during their second song. But lead singer Van McCann turned the situation into a beautiful moment, singing “Kathleen” a cappella as the crowd joined in, creating an unforgettable experience.
Inflatable crocodiles were tossed into the crowd during “Soundcheck,” adding to the already electric atmosphere. After a set filled with hits and one of the best crowd reactions we’d seen all weekend, it was clear that the love for this Welsh band has never faded. We’re SO thrilled they’re back!
As the night drew closer to its end, rumours of an Oasis reunion swirled, creating a buzz of excitement throughout the festival. Would tonight be the night? Was Noel here? Would we get the two of them onstage tonight?
As Liam Gallagher took the stage, his VT notably missing the “former Oasis member” title, the anticipation was palpable. Dressed in his signature anorak with maracas in hand, Liam delivered an electric set as fans eagerly awaited the potential announcement.
For those who weren’t as keen on indie or the Gallagher buzz, Skrillex provided an incredible alternative over at the Chevron stage. The atmosphere there was pure magic for dance music lovers, with fire, bass, and sheer volume elevating the crowd to an all-time high. The lights and energy made it feel like we’d been transported straight to Ibiza.
As the weekend came to a close, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. As Liam left the stage, the screen lit up with a single date, and the crowd erupted—it was official, Oasis were back. It was a surreal, special way to end the weekend, and even if you weren’t a die-hard Oasis fan, you couldn’t help but feel the excitement in the air.
And with that, Reading Festival 2024 came to an end. Compared to Leeds, we were lucky with the weather, and despite a few sound issues, it was clear that festival-goers had an unforgettable weekend. We’re already counting down the days to see what 2025 has in store!
Words + photography by Niamh Louise
