Charli XCX's Era-Spanning Headline Set Electrifies Reading Festival
On Friday, August 28, 2026, Charli XCX took the stage as the headliner at Reading Festival, her first festival performance in the UK since the release of her album 'Music, Fashion, Film.' Her show was a spectacle, complete with intricate staging, multiple costume changes, pyrotechnics, and a live band, emphasizing a rock-inspired sound. She kicked off the set with 'Rock Music' and introduced new songs like 'Wink Wink' and 'Card Declined,' before revisiting her earlier hits such as 'Club Classics' and 'Von Dutch,' concluding with 'No One Lasts Forever.' Prior to her, Skepta performed, followed by co-headliners Fontaines DC. Jamie T opened the main stage, while Skye Newman entertained in the Gallery tent. The twin festivals will host six prominent headliners, including Dave and Florence + The Machine.
Key facts
- Charli XCX headlined Reading Festival on Friday, August 28, 2026.
- Her set showcased hits from her latest album 'Music, Fashion, Film' and her back catalogue.
- The performance featured elaborate staging, costume changes, pyro, strobe lighting, dancers, and a live band.
- She performed new tracks including 'Rock Music,' 'Wink Wink,' 'Yeah,' and 'Card Declined.'
- She also performed older hits like 'Track 10,' 'House,' 'Club Classics,' '365,' and 'Von Dutch.'
- The set closed with 'No One Lasts Forever,' featuring a voiceover by David Cronenberg.
- Skepta performed before Charli, including 'Praise the Lord (Da Shine)' and 'Victory Lap.'
- Fontaines DC co-headlined, performing 'Favourite,' 'I Love You,' and 'Starbuster.'
- Jamie T opened the main stage with a 33-minute set.
- Skye Newman performed in the new Gallery tent.
- Reading and Leeds Festivals will feature six major headliners this weekend.
- Other headliners include Dave, Raye, Chase & Status, and Florence + The Machine.
Entities
Artists
- Charli XCX
- Skepta
- Fontaines DC
- Jamie T
- Skye Newman
- Geese
- Dave
- Raye
- Chase & Status
- Florence + The Machine
- David Cronenberg
- A$AP Rocky
- Fred Again..
- PlaqueBoyMax
Institutions
- Reading Festival
- Leeds Festival
- BBC Radio 1
Locations
- Reading
- United Kingdom
- Dublin
- Ireland