The speculation over who could headline Leeds Festival 2026 began long before Bring Me The Horizon took to the stage at Bramham Park on Sunday evening, bringing another year to a close.
With Glastonbury taking a fallow year, it means that interest in next year’s festival is going to be bigger, with many set to choose either Reading or the Yorkshire variant as their preferred festival destination of choice during the 2026 season. Which could indicate why organiser Melvin Benn has already admitted to booking ‘two’ headliners for next year’s event.
So, who do we think is going to take two of those coveted slots on the Main Stage? We’ve taken a look at upcoming album releases towards the end of 2025 which, we think, should have enough momentum to carry through well into the new year, alongside some of those artists that have performed other festivals in the UK this year, but owing to the interest in them can easily make their return to headline Bramham Park.
Here are our 15 ideas/suggestions/thoughts (delete as appropriate) who could headline Leeds Festival in 2026.
5. BTS
A highly ambitious rumour that could change the festival landscape; the possibility of K-pop titans BTS headlining Leeds Festival has set the music world ablaze with speculation. While a huge logistical undertaking, the unprecedented global fanbase of BTS would make this a history-making announcement, selling out the festival almost instantly. | Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
6. Tyler, The Creator
A fan-favourite prediction that perfectly aligns with the festival's recent booking choices. After Travis Scott and Post Malone, Tyler, The Creator is a highly rumoured pick to carry the hip-hop mantle. Speculation suggests his visually stunning and artistically ambitious live show would be a perfect fit for the main stage. | Getty Images for Coachella
7. Deftones
With a renewed interest in the band after the release of their latest album, Private Music, Deftones performing a headline slot would be a perfect nod to the festival's roots. Though this year White Pony celebrated its 20th anniversary, that younger fans are gravitating towards the band once again might be enough of a pull for Leeds to book them on a rock-centric day at Bramham Park. | AFP via Getty Images
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8. The Cure
After the success of their last album, Songs of a Lost World, and a rumoured follow-up to that album with a date to be confirmed (according to release date articles), The Cure's inclusion would appeal to a broad audience and provide a masterclass in classic alternative rock. | Getty Images