Major artist pulls out of Reading and Leeds Festivals hours before performance

25 August 2023 , 09:14

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Major artist pulls out of Reading and Leeds Festivals (Image: Getty Images)

A major artist has pulled out of Reading and Leeds Festivals just hours before his performance. Rapper Trippie Redd was due to perform at both concerts over the weekend, but made a last-minute cancellation on Friday.

Organisers scrambled to social media to inform devastated gig-goers earlier today, telling fans the 'unfortunate' news before wishing the artist a 'speedy recovery'. Some music-lovers even admitted that they wouldn't be coming as a result of the cancellation.

Posting on X, formally known as Twitter, they wrote: "Unfortunately we have to announce that Trippie Redd is having to cancel his performances at both Reading and Leeds due to illness. We wish @trippieredd a speedy recovery."

Trippie Redd has pulled out of both Reading and Leeds Festivals (X/Twitter)

In a statement, Trippie, born Michael Lamar White IV, explained: "I’m so sorry to announce that I can’t perform this weekend. I was really looking forward to coming to Reading & Leeds Festivals but due to illness I have to cancel my visit to the UK. I hope to see you soon!"

Fuming fans responded to the cancellation earlier this morning, calling for a star-studded replacement. One replied: "The actual only reason I was slightly tempted. So so happy I’ve not went now." While another said: "Announce Travis Scott." It's not yet known exactly what has happened to Trippie or if he'll reschedule his performance next year.

Sam Fender says Leeds Festival fan 'saved his life' while attending as a punter

Reading and Leeds Festivals are two essentials on every music lover's calendar. Sam Fender, The Killers and Billie Eilish are amongst artists taking to the stage over five days. Only The Poets and You Me At Six will also be gracing the famous locations over the weekend. The gates for the 2023 events opened on Wednesday as people headed to the fields to try and secure the best camp spot which would ensure they're close to all of the action.

It's not known what's happened to Trippie or if he'll reschedule (Getty Images)

This year, the BBC will be streaming Reading Festival via the Player platform for music lovers. Selected performances will be made available via the Reading Highlights channel on the platform from August 28. But before then, the service will have a designated Reading and Leeds channel which will show previous performances between August 21 and August 27.

As well as this, The Killers at Reading and Leeds will air on BBC One on Sunday at 11.35pm while Billie Eilish live from Reading and Leeds will air at 11.15pm on Monday. Tickets for Leeds and Reading can be purchased on their respective websites, or on Ticketmaster. Prices range from £92 for day tickets to £265 for the weekend (excluding booking and processing fees).

However, should you wish to upgrade to the Lounge access which includes a private bar, food facilities, toilets and a DJ, packages are also available. Camping upgrades to a more glamorous sleeping area are also available.

Harry Rutter