Reading Festival has scrapped its BBC Introducing stage, which for years gave emerging musicians a platform before they found fame. The change matters because the scheme had supported around 70% of UK artists on this year's line-up, and figures in the music industry warn the loss removes a valuable opportunity for new acts at a time when grassroots venues are already struggling.

Organisers Festival Republic announced the shake-up last week, saying a new "Canopy" stage will replace it, open to any new act rather than only those selected by the BBC. Tommy Longhurst of Reading band Only the Poets, who played the stage as recently as 2025, called the decision "sad news" for young musicians. The BBC said the call was made solely by Festival Republic and that it is exploring future collaboration, while stressing BBC Introducing stages will continue at other UK festivals this summer. The BBC Introducing stage at Reading launched in 2008 and previously hosted acts including Ed Sheeran and The 1975; this year's festival, headlined by Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and Florence + The Machine, runs from 27-30 August.