Reading And Leeds Festivals Will Go Ahead This Summer

Reading and Leeds festivals will go ahead this summer, according to organisers.

The twin events will run from 27 to 29 August with identical line-ups that will perform on alternate days.

The announcement follows the publication of the government's roadmap out of lockdown, which is scheduled to remove all legal limits on social contact by 21 June, pending review.

Taking to Twitter, the organisers wrote: "Reading and Leeds 2021 Following the government's recent announcement, we can't wait to get back to the fields this summer LET'S GO #RandL21."

Fans were quick to share their delight with one replying: "Holy f***ing s*** this is actually happening," While another would-be festival-goer wrote: "SOME NORMALITY!! I CAN'T F***ING WAIT FOR SOME NORMALITY!!"

Others were less happy, with one Twitter user commenting: "Let's go spreading Covid and putting us back in another lockdown, irresponsible if you ask me."

Some people also took it upon themselves to complain about the line-up, which includes Liam Gallagher, Gerry Cinnamon, Charli XCX, Queens of the Stone Age, Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi, Mabel and Post Malone to name but a few.

One person cheekily suggested organisers should 'announce a better line-up', but they were quickly shut down with another person responding: "You could be headlining and I would still be going. After this s**** we've had I honestly couldn't care who is on the line up."

Another said: "I'd watch my man knit on main stage and still be bouncing off my nut."

The government's plan to lift limits on gatherings by 21 June was announced on Monday (22 February).

Step One will begin from 8 March, when schools will open and people will be able to meet outdoors recreationally with one person from another household.

From 29 March, the rule of six will apply outdoors between two households and outdoor sport will return.

Step Two will commence from 12 April at the earliest, at which point outdoor hospitality, gyms, libraries, all retail and outdoor attractions can reopen.

Step Three will begin no earlier than 17 May and will allow groups of up to 30 to meet outdoors, cinemas to reopen and organised indoor sport to recommence. International travel will also be allowed.

Step Four will begin no earlier than 21 June, at which point there will be no legal limits on social contact, enabling nightclubs to reopen and large events to go ahead.