Reading Festival has scrapped its BBC Introducing stage, ending a platform that helped launch the careers of artists including Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine and The 1975.

Festival Republic announced a major overhaul of the festival’s stage layout last week, telling IQ Magazine the changes mark the Berkshire event’s “next phase”.

As part of the revamp, the BBC Introducing stage will no longer feature at the festival, despite the initiative having supported around 70% of the UK acts appearing on this year’s line-up.

Tommy Longhurst, frontman of Reading band Only the Poets, described the decision as “sad news” for emerging musicians.

He said breaking into the music industry was already challenging, with grassroots venues continuing to struggle, and argued the BBC Introducing stage had played a vital role in helping new artists gain exposure.

Only the Poets performed on the stage several times at their hometown festival, most recently in 2025.

“We hold those memories so highly,” Longhurst said. “Getting to play the festival that inspired us to start the band was such a special moment.

“For me, I think we’re taking a huge opportunity away from up-and-coming artists.”

Festival Republic said supporting new talent remained a priority and pointed to its new Canopy stage as the festival’s dedicated space for emerging and breakthrough acts.

A BBC spokesperson said BBC Introducing stages would continue to appear at festivals across the UK this summer, showcasing “some fantastic up-and-coming artists”.

The spokesperson added that the decision to remove the stage from Reading Festival had been made solely by Festival Republic and said discussions were ongoing about how BBC Introducing could be involved with the event in the future.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Longhurst said it was “such a shame” because the BBC Introducing stage had often been where audiences first discovered artists who would later become festival headliners.
“It’s just an amazing opportunity that you really don’t forget,” he said.

The BBC Introducing stage made its Reading Festival debut in 2008 and has showcased future stars including Ed Sheeran and The 1975 before they achieved mainstream success.

This year’s festival, taking place at Richfield Avenue in Reading from 27 to 30 August, will feature former BBC Introducing performers Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and Florence + The Machine among its headliners.