Belle & Sebastian and Ben Howard have been confirmed as the latest stars to join the lineup for On The Mount at Wasing, the distinctive concert series held at the Wasing Estate near Reading this summer.
They join a high-calibre roster of previously announced acts, including MIKA, Pixies, Alabama Shakes, and Self Esteem.
Unfolding in the spectacular natural enclave of the Wasing Estate, On The Mount is a festival at the heart of the countryside. From the enchanting woodland trail, to the wildflowers that bloom across the amphitheatre, every detail of this mindful space creates a truly transportive setting.
It is here, immersed in nature, that audiences can experience landmark performances from world-class artists.
A landmark performance for Belle & Sebastian
Headlining on Sunday 28 June, Belle & Sebastian will perform their iconic 1996 album If You’re Feeling Sinister in full.
The tunes have long since attained mythic status, recently receiving a rare top score of 10.0 from Pitchfork, which noted that, 30 years later, the group has evolved into a communal institution.
Following up their debut Tigermilk, the album cemented the band as critical and cult favourites. Fans can expect to hear classics such as Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying, and The Fox in the Snow as part of a two-set performance that includes a second set of favourites.
Very special guests for the show, Saint Etienne, are one of the UK’s most treasured pop groups, known for hits like Only Love Can Break Your Heart and You’re in a Bad Way.
Following the success of their most recent album International, the band recently announced their farewell tour for September this year, making this a rare opportunity to see them live.
Ben Howard’s spellbinding return
On Friday, 3 July, double BRIT Award winner Ben Howard takes to the stage.
Since releasing his triple-platinum debut album Every Kingdom in 2011, Howard has carved out a singular creative path. His second album, I Forget Where We Were (2014), took him to No.1 in the UK Album Chart, while later works like Collections from the Whiteout (2021) and Is It? (2023) have been hailed by The Guardian as his most fluid and experimental yet.
On stage, Howard remains a commanding presence.
Performing with an expansive live band, his shows have been described by The Times as “spellbinding, transcendental even”.
His appearance at Wasing will be one of his first UK headline shows since his 10th anniversary tour in 2024. Joining Ben Howard will be This Is The Kit, the acclaimed band led by songwriter Kate Stables, a long-time critics’ favourite across six studio albums.
On The Mount at Wasing 2026 dates
- Friday 26 June: Mika
- Saturday 27 June: Pixies
- Sunday 28 June: Belle & Sebastian
- Thursday 2 July: Alabama Shakes
- Friday 3 July: Ben Howard
- Saturday 4 July: Self Esteem
When are Belle & Sebastian and Ben Howard coming to Reading, and how can I get tickets?
Belle & Sebastian will perform at The Mount, Wasing Estate on Sunday, 28 June 2026. Ben Howard headlines the following week on Friday, 3 July 2026.
Tickets for both shows will be available via Ticketmaster.co.uk.
For more on the festival, log on to: https://www.wasing.co.uk/the-mount/
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