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RAYE performing on stage with a full band and string section at Reading Festival
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RAYE Shuts Down Reading Festival With First-Ever Headline Set

The South London icon took over the main stage with a massive orchestral set, early house throwbacks, and guest spots from her sisters.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

RAYE just reached another monumental milestone in her unstoppable career trajectory. Taking over the festival's primary stage — newly branded as The Grid — at Little John's Farm on August 29, the South London powerhouse officially stepped up into a top-billing festival slot for the very first time in her career. Taking the stage immediately after a massive co-headlining set from rap star Dave, she delivered a masterclass in live showmanship. Opening her landmark show with her transformative 2022 hit "Escapism," the singer had the massive outdoor crowd screaming along from her very first note. Supported by her signature live setup complete with brass and string arrangements alongside a full backing band, the set effortlessly pivoted between grand pop anthems, soulful crooning, smooth jazz solos, and infectious house rhythms.

What songs did RAYE play at Reading Festival Throughout the night, the multi-award winner showcased tracks drawn heavily from her praised discography, including her records *My 21st Century Blues* and *This Music May Contain Hope*. Mid-way through the performance, the mood shifted into a deeply emotional register during a performance of "I Know You're Hurting." Holding the audience in the palm of her hand, she led thousands of fans in a massive, cathartic chant reassuring the crowd that everything was going to be fine. She also tipped her hat to her early club-focused catalog. Flipping the switch back to high-tempo house energy, she delivered crowd-pleasing renditions of her early chart collaborations "Secrets" and "You Don't Know Me."

Who joined RAYE on stage at Reading Family turned out to be the ultimate highlight of the evening. RAYE delighted festivalgoers by inviting her sisters, fellow artists Amma and Absolutely, onto the stage for an explosive joint performance of her track "Joy." The family reunion raised the energy level across the field to a peak just as the historic gig approached its final act. To close out her debut headlining stint on the Reading stage — just two years after making her initial debut at the exact same festival — the singer brought down the house with a triumphant performance of "Where Is My Husband?" The soaring finale left zero doubt that she belongs at the very top of major festival lineups.

The photos · 2

RAYE performing on stage with a full band and string section at Reading Festival
Raye speaks as she accepts the Mercury Prize 2026 for 'This Music May Contain Hope' in Newcastle

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People also ask

When did RAYE headline Reading Festival?
RAYE headlined the main stage at Reading Festival on August 29, taking the stage following Dave's co-headline set.
Which songs did RAYE perform during her Reading set?
Her performance included hits like 'Escapism,' 'I Know You're Hurting,' 'Secrets,' 'You Don't Know Me,' 'Joy,' and her finale song 'Where Is My Husband?'
Who did RAYE bring on stage at Reading Festival?
RAYE brought her sisters, Amma and Absolutely, on stage for a guest performance during her track 'Joy.'