UK’s biggest festivals battered by rain and storms – and there’s more to come

We’ve had an unbelievably hot summer – some would say unbearably so – but as the season changes into autumn, it’s finally started to rain.

While the grass will be thankful for a good drenching, the poor festivalgoers at Reading, Leeds, and Creamfields didn’t feel so lucky.

Huge names in music are set to take the stages across the country this Bank Holiday weekend, from Raye to Calvin Harris.

However, a new yellow warning has been issued by the Met Office for heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Not ideal when you’re set to spend a long weekend camping in a field.

Much of England and Wales is covered by the warning, which will be in force from midday until 9pm on Friday.

The Met Office have said there will likely be flooding of a few homes and businesses, while trains could be delayed and car journeys could take longer.

More concerning for those camping, thunderstorm warnings cover most of the country, including the North West for Creamfields, Yorkshire for Leeds and the South East for Reading.

Twelve areas in the UK are covered by Environment Agency flood alerts, meaning floods are possible.

Music lovers who have already been at the festivals have taken to social media to share their slightly soggy experiences.

Eldougy on TikTok shared a video of Creamfields entry, rolling a trolley down a muddy path with the caption: ‘Carrying all that to camp wasn’t okay.’

Other videos showed people getting stuck in muddy dips in the path as they tried to drag their tents and assorted weekend items into the festival.

Leeds appeared to be faring slightly better, with grass still visible on the campsite, although the rain has already begun to pour.

As Darren Reevell put it on TikTok, ‘Leeds Festival 2026, it’s starting out wetter than an otter’s pocket’.

The forecast remains reasonably warm over the weekend, consistently in the early 20s across the country even if the heavens have opened.

The Met Office said that Reading Festival is expected to ‘experience a notably unsettled few days.’ They added: ‘The forecast points to heavy showers and thunderstorms possibly developing with warm and humid air helping to fuel some intense downpours.

‘Temperatures are expected to stay slightly above average, and while there may be some sunshine between weather systems, conditions are likely to remain changeable from day to day.’

Meanwhile, up in Leeds, the forecaster said: ‘Low pressure moving in from the south-west is forecast to bring an increased risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms.

‘Although temperatures should remain a little above average, any warm spells are likely to be interrupted by frequent showers and the potential for locally torrential downpours. Humidity levels are also expected as the weekend approaches.’

At Reading and Leeds, the four-day twin events have announced Charli XCX, Chase & Status, Dave, Florence and the Machine, Fontaines D.C. and Raye as headliners.

Elsewhere on the lineup, you’ll find pop queen Jade, breakout band Geese, Glastonbury fave Loyle Carner, and the unforgettable Skepta.

For Creamfields, you’re looking at Calvin Harris, Tiësto, Swedish House Mafia and Sonny Fodera.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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