The countdown is on for thousands to start flocking to Bramham Park and Little John’s Farm for one of the UK’s biggest festivals, and as this mini heatwave makes us feel like we’re already there in the fields of Reading and Leeds, I think it’s time to shine a light on some of the incredible acts taking to the stages this year. With some astounding talent not just at the headliner level, there’s a whole world of unexpected gems waiting to be discovered in this immense line-up.
Now I won’t deny I’m a huge fan of them, but there’s no other way I could begin this dive into the 2025 line-up than by looking at the brilliance of Wunderhorse.

It’s safe to say that they’re not a small, hidden gem anymore, and I would not be surprised to see them headline alongside the likes of Fontaines DC in a couple of years. Last year was certainly theirs, with the release of their sophomore album Midas taking not just the alternative and indie-rock scene by storm, but the entire UK music scene, as they made the top 10 on the UK Album Charts.
It seems the appreciation for a band of such sheer quality transcends any specific taste.
After being described by Rolling Stone UK as ‘generational’, if I was asked what you could expect from Wunderhorse at Reading and Leeds, I wouldn’t even know where to start, but let’s just say that there’s a reason they’ve supported both Sam Fender and Fontaines on tour. Frontman Jacob Slater commands a crowd like no other, with each spectator stuck on his every word, achieved through the combination of raw emotion, soul-crushing lyrics, and explosive, dramatic movement.
If you’re not planning on witnessing their ethereal performance on the Main Stage at Reading and Leeds this year, I’d argue you could be making a wrong choice, and if you’re not attending the festival at all? An even bigger mistake.
Looking at the names below Wunderhorse on Saturday and Sunday alone, my amazement and awe of the line-up continues, with the likes of Good Neighbours, Mouth Culture, Example, Lambrini Girls and South Arcade on the bill.

I think if you were to dive into the musical journey of each of these artists over the past year, your appreciation for the festival would grow even further.
Take South Arcade for example, one of the best bands in my opinion, who truly understand the role of social media in the music industry, and they’ve benefited from it tenfold. Formed in 2021, in their hometown of Oxford, South Arcade went viral after posting videos of their band practices. This helped them reach a national audience, gaining fans from all over the UK.

Their unique identity as a band isn’t just their path to success, but also their distinctive sound. South Arcade’s discography is taken straight from the early 2000s, with varied creative inspiration from the likes of Britney Spears to Limp Bizkit.
The energy they harness is incredible, and it translates straight into their crowds… so if you need a boost at the weekend, you know where to head.
Another two standout bands from this amazing line-up are the two ‘clubs’ on the path to leaving their mark in history, and that’s Red Rum Club and The Royston Club.

I was lucky enough to watch Red Rum Club supporting The Wombats on their UK arena tour, and their performance left me longing for more – this time with a full appreciation of their discography.
Full of catchy, energetic, and ingeniously put-together hits, their alternative-rock with a brass twist is sure to put a smile on your face – they’re a must-see.
Travelling from Wrexham, The Royston Club are also here to leave a lasting impression on this iconic festival.
Gracing our ears since 2019, the Welsh quartet’s hits include the snappy Mrs Narcissistic, the perfected 52, and one of their most recent singles, The Patch Where Nothing Grows, which left fans begging for another album.

Following a three-day residency in their hometown at The Rockin’ Chair, to wholesomely reinforce their support for grassroots venues, the lads move onto a busy summer season ahead, and they are without a doubt a band that have to be seen.
I seriously could go on and on by describing this incredible festival line-up, but as just a few chosen highlights, I hope the likes of Wunderhorse, South Arcade, Red Rum Club and The Royston Club are more than enough to entice.
I’ll see you in the fields!

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