ARCTIC Monkeys, Radiohead and Kings of Leon have been announced as headline acts for this year’s Reading and Leeds Festival.
The big names will headline at Bramham Park near Leeds on August 28, 29 and 30.
Organisers Festival Republic have managed to get UK exclusive performances from Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys on August 28 and indie legends Radiohead on August 29, plus an English exclusive for double Brit Award winners Kings of Leon, on August 30.
Kings of Leon emerged onto the scene from America, all long hair, heavy guitar and gruff voices.
Now, they’ve undergone something of a makeover – shorter hair and better styling.
But that’s not to say they have sold out.
Their music still has that brooding rock edge, but has won a legion of new fans with its more mainstream-friendly sound.
The Arctic Monkeys’ appearance will be the first chance for fans to see them since they toured the UK in December 2007 – and will rekindle memories of their 2006 Leeds Festival headline set for some.
The band are currently in the studio working on their third album, scheduled for release this year.
Radiohead have never headlined Leeds and Reading before – despite being arguably one of indie’s biggest ever bands.
They last played Reading in 1994, so to say this year’s appearance has caused excitement among fans is a major understatement.
The Oxford quintet are a band that a myriad of others measure themselves against, both in terms of recording and live performance.
Their constant experimentation has helped them remain relevant and massively popular, while ensuring that there should be something for everyone in their Leeds set.
This year marks the 21st birthday of Reading Festival and the eleventh year of Leeds Festival.
The headline acts are never the only draw at the events – hot new music property is often propelled to fame at the festivals.
Over the three days, 150 acts will perform over the main stage, the Radio One / NME stage, the Lock-Up Stage – for the punk and skate scene – plus the Festival Republic Stage for up-and-coming acts.
Taking the stage will be Kaiser Chiefs, Placebo, Fall Out Boy, Deftones, Funeral For A Friend, The Prodigy, Maximo Park, Ian Brown, The Courteeners, Enter Shikari, Eagles of Death Metal, Bloc Party, the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, Brand New, Gossip, Glasvegas, Jamie T, AFI, White Lies, Friendly Fires, The Maccabees, Gallows, The Gaslight Anthem, Florence And The Machine.
The freshest unsigned talent – yet to be announced – will also be showcased on the BBC Introducing stage.
Of course, there will also be the usual host of late-night entertainment, comedy  and cabaret to supplement the musical menu.
Tickets cost £175 for the weekend, including camping, or £70 per day. They are on sale now by credit card on 0871 231 0821 or online at www.festivalrepublic.com ,    www.seetickets.com ,  www.readingfestival.com and    www.leedsfestival.com .
You can also buy in person from HMV stores, at Leeds Visitor Centre, Crash Records and Jumbo Records.
Children under 13 are admitted free but MUST be accompanied by a ticket holding adult.
For more, visit www.readingfestival.com www.leedsfestival.com