Only The Poets frontman says axing Reading’s BBC Introducing stage is 'such a shame'
Tommy Longhurst says scrapping the BBC Introducing stage at Reading Festival removes a vital launchpad for new artists.
Only The Poets singer Tommy Longhurst says it's "such a shame" that Reading Festival has axed the BBC Introducing stage.
Reading and Leeds have undergone the biggest staging and arena overhaul in the festival’s 37-year history.
Unfortunately, the platform for up-and-coming artists has fallen victim to the changes.
Reading band Only The Poets have played the Introducing stage, most recently in 2025, and the frontman is "sad" to see it go.
He told BBC Radio Berkshire: "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."
Over the years, the Introducing stage has helped launch the careers of huge hitters including Ed Sheeran and Florence + the Machine.
Festival Republic recently announced The Canopy, a stage dedicated to festival fans’ next favourite artists. A visually striking new design, its unique tri-span structure will play host to the likes of Violet Grohl, Villanelle, December 10, Camille Blackman, Kibo, Finessekid, Cruz Beckham and The Breakers and more.
Elsewhere, The Grid will host Charli xcx, Fontaines D.C., Dave, Raye, Florence + The Machine and Chase and Status alongside Sombr, Skepta, Role Model, Loyle Carner (Reading only), Blossoms (Leeds only), Declan McKenna, Jade, Maisie Peters, Keo and more, with Kasabian making history in Leeds as the first ever Thursday night headliner of Leeds Festival.
The Gallery presented by Budweiser is new for 2026. The undercover immersive stage boasts Innovative LED screens, lighting and immersive production. 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 is a brand-new purpose-built home for dance music with viewing platforms 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.
Other areas include The Ballroom, complete with 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.
At Reading only, The Yard will bring the industrial edge of alternative club culture. Situated in the open air, with shipping containers framing the space, The Yard will offer something completely different to any other stage at the festival.
Pepsi MAX presents Reading and Leeds Festival takes place between August 27 and 30 at Richfield Avenue and Branham Park, respectively.
