How to Watch and Listen to Reading Festival 2025 on the BBC: TV, Radio & iPlayer Guide
From Thursday 21 August to Monday 25 August the BBC will bring you coverage of the Reading Festival. Here’s a preview of what’s in store…
Reading Festival 2025 is set to deliver another unforgettable weekend of music, and the BBC is bringing the action straight to you — whether you’re tuning in live or catching up later. From Thursday 21 August to Monday 25 August, you can enjoy headline sets, exclusive backstage content, and emerging talent from the comfort of your own home.
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BBC Radio 1: Live from Reading Festival 2025
BBC Radio 1 will be on site all weekend, broadcasting from the Main Stage and Chevron Stage, plus shining a spotlight on fresh talent from the BBC Introducing Stage. Presenters Vicky Hawkesworth, Nat O’Leary, Minah Shannon, Sam and Danni will be covering the festival from Friday 22 August to Sunday 24 August (11am–4pm), bringing you live performances, interviews, and crowd atmosphere.
The build-up starts early, with special programming from Sunday 17 August — including festival tips on Life Hacks and a daily revisit to iconic Live Lounge performances from this year’s artists. Highlights include:
Tuesday 19 August, 7pm: Live Lounge Late debut with Royel Otis.
Thursday 21 August, 6–8pm: Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri’s Reading & Leeds warm-up show.
Monday 25 August, 6pm–1am: Special festival highlights programme.
BBC Introducing will also get dedicated coverage on Sunday 24 August (11pm–1am) and Sunday 31 August (9–10pm), while BBC Sounds offers a specially curated Reading & Leeds Anthems playlist.
BBC One: Headline Performances in Prime Time
BBC One will broadcast three must-watch specials showcasing the biggest moments from Reading Festival 2025:
Friday 22 August, 10:40pm: Chappell Roan @ Reading and Leeds Festival 2025 — The breakout pop star performs her largest UK show to date with hits from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.
Saturday 23 August, 11:55pm: Bring Me The Horizon @ Reading and Leeds Festival 2025 — A headline set from one of the UK’s most successful rock bands.
Thursday 28 August, 11:40pm: Reading & Leeds Festival Highlights Show — The best moments from across the weekend.
BBC iPlayer: Stream the Festival Anytime
The Reading & Leeds iPlayer Channel will run from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August starting at 2:00pm daily, hosted by Jack Saunders and Sian Eleri. Expect live performances, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
Festival sets and highlight clips will be available on-demand for 30 days after the event, while a special highlights compilation will be streamable for 12 months. Plus, past festival performances are already available to watch now on the Reading & Leeds Hits Channel on iPlayer.
BBC Introducing Stage: The Future of Music
For over a decade, the BBC Introducing Stage has been a launchpad for rising stars — and 2025’s lineup is packed with fresh talent, including Chanel Yates, Nxdia, and Amie Blu. Each artist will have one track filmed for the BBC Music YouTube channel, with a full compilation heading to BBC iPlayer.
Regional BBC Introducing teams will also bring local coverage:
Thursday 28 August: Special highlights show from BBC Introducing in Oxfordshire & Berkshire.
Saturday 23 August, 8–10pm: Live from Leeds with Emily Pilbeam, Christian Carlisle, and Jericho Keys.