Liam Gallagher took the main stage by storm, celebrating 30 years since Oasis’s debut album Definitely Maybe. As he wrapped up his set, the date “August 27” appeared on the big screen in the iconic Oasis logo style, along with the time “8am,” sparking anticipation of a reunion announcement. Fans are eagerly expecting Liam’s brother Noel to rejoin him for a series of live shows.
Returning to Reading Festival for the first time since the early 2000s, I was thrilled to find that the magic of the festival remains as strong as ever. My attachment to Reading runs deep, having been my festival of choice in the 1990s, despite loving other festivals like Glastonbury and Phoenix. Reading, however, still holds a special place in my heart, and it continues to carry a certain edge.
Reading has a reputation for being unpredictable, where even big names can falter. I remember when the Stone Roses were said to have lost their spark (though I still enjoyed their performance) and when Kings of Leon didn’t quite hit the mark on the big stage. But this unpredictability adds to the festival’s allure, as anything can happen. It’s not a guaranteed love fest—you have to earn it and give it your all, or risk falling short.
One of the highlights of my weekend was Raye’s performance. She shared her excitement about returning to Reading, where she had once attended as a 16-year-old after finishing her GCSEs. Her love for the festival was evident, and the crowd responded with equal enthusiasm. Jorja Smith also delivered a sensational set in the BBC Radio One tent, with the audience loving every moment. Beabadoobee, Crawlers, and The Last Dinner Party all rocked Reading, bringing the festival back to its rock roots.
But as is typical with Reading, not everyone was lucky. Renee Rapp, star of Mean Girls, faced technical difficulties during her set. Her microphone malfunctioned, and just when things seemed to be back on track, a gust of wind dumped a massive puddle of water from the stage roof onto her. Despite being drenched, she showed great perseverance, but eventually had to leave the stage due to the technical challenges brought on by Storm Lilian.
On the brighter side, Two Door Cinema Club brought a feel-good vibe to the festival, while Bleachers filled the air with New Jersey passion, quickly becoming a new favorite of mine. Fontaines DC proved they’re a serious band with a powerful presence, although I wish they’d had a later and longer set.
The Chevron stage, with its impressive net-like ceiling of lights, hosted some excellent dance acts, adding a vibrant new element to the festival experience. Midlands rapper Bru-C and American rapper 21 Savage had the crowds under their spell, with Bru-C bringing patriotism and positivity to the stage.
The younger audience deserves the final mention. They pushed their way to the front, but in doing so, they looked out for one another, following the safety messages displayed on the big screens. They were polite and considerate throughout the weekend, a refreshing contrast to the behavior I’ve seen at other festivals where “grown-ups” can act like spoiled children. The kids at Reading know how to have fun, and they were definitely having a blast.
