COVID-19: Reading and Leeds festivals cancelled for 2020

This year’s editions of the long-running Reading and Leeds festivals have inevitably been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Part of England’s annual festival season, the twin events had been slated to happen 28-30 August – with the Reading Festival to be held at Little John’s Farm on Richfield Avenue; and the Leeds Festival at Bramham Park.

The recently reunited Rage Against The Machine were originally to headline the shared festival bills, along with Liam Gallagher and Stormzy.

A statement from festival organisers explained that despite keeping a watchful eye over the COVID-19 situation, their optimism was dashed once the coronavirus escalated to its current state. “We’ve been closely monitoring this unprecedented situation and we were hopeful we could deliver the ultimate festival to you”, they wrote. “However, it has become clear that it’s just not possible for this year’s festival to go ahead.”

Addressing ticket purchasers of the now-cancelled event, the organisers wrote that e-mails would be sent out regarding refund policies, with the added option of rolling over tickets to next year’s event. “We’re already counting down the days to when we’re back in the fields we call home for the August Bank holiday weekend. We promise you that Reading 2021 will be worth the wait.”

Read the full statement here.

The cancellation of the Reading and Leeds festivals join that of other prestigious British festivals such as Glastonbury, and the Isle Of Wight Festival.

Keep up to date here with the latest COVID-19 related event postponements/cancellations.

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