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.
9. Florence And The Machine
A recurring and popular prediction, Florence + The Machine is almost a perfect fit for a headline slot. Her soaring vocals and captivating stage presence make her a natural festival headliner. She has a new album, Everybody Scream, out this October - so could that momentum and overriding popularity transition into a Leeds Festival headline slot? | Getty Images
10. Cat Burns
A more speculative but exciting rumour that points to a future headliner: Cat Burns has seen a rapid rise in popularity and is a great representation of new UK talent. While a headline slot might be a stretch for 2026, the rumour is she could be a major sub-headliner, much like Becky Hill in previous years. | Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures
11. Biffy Clyro
A festival staple and a solid prediction. Biffy Clyro are always a safe bet for a headline performance. They have a massive back catalogue of anthems and an electrifying stage presence. At the same time, the group are set to release the brand new album, Futique, in September with a huge tour to support it - what better way to conclude it than a festival headline appearance? | TRNSMT
12. BLACKPINK
Following the same thread as BTS, the rumour of BLACKPINK headlining is a major talking point. As one of the biggest girl groups in the world, their headline set would be a historic and explosive moment. With their live shows, a highly energetic, choreographed spectacle, they could also draw in a new fan base to the festival. | Getty Images for Coachella