IN an early Christmas present to rock lovers, Reading Festival have today announced their first headliner for next year’s event – Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The appearance by the funked-up Los Angeles rock act at Reading, and its sister event in Leeds, will be a festival exclusive, and comes nine years after their last performance at the festival, just over the Oxfordshire border at Little John’s Farm.

Also announced in this first tranche, are The 1975, Manchester indie-rockers Courteeners, Twenty One Pilots, Mercury-nominated duo Slaves, Hinds, Rat Boy, DJ EZ and Japanese rave-metal band Crossfaith.

Chili Pepper Chad Smith said: “When the band were asked which UK Festival they would like to play next summer, the simultaneous answer was ‘Reading and Leeds’.”

Festival director Melvin Benn said: “I’m thrilled to be able to announce Red Hot Chili Peppers as the first headliner for Reading & Leeds 2016, as a festival exclusive.

“Their incredible live show will be an unforgettable headline performance at the UK's biggest music festival. We’ve still got some really exciting names to announce and I can’t wait to reveal the rest of the line up. It’s going to be our best year yet.”

Kentish two-piece Slaves, aka Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent, end 2015 as one of the year’s hottest news bands, and are no strangers to Reading.

Isaac said: “It's always a pleasure to play at Reading and Leeds and it's an honour to be invited back to play again in 2016. The crowds have been good to us and we are always very grateful.

“The line up is always a good ‘un and we're looking forward to being part of it and taking things up another level this time. See you there!”

Rat Boy has also had a good year, with a summer of huge shows, a recent tour supporting The 1975, and the release of hit singles Sign On and Fake ID.

He said: “It’s gonna be lit!”

Oxford Mail:

Turning Japanese: Crossfaith

Crossfaith said: “It is an absolute honour to be invited to legendary rock festival Reading, three years in a row. We are always feeling your big love for us! We can't wait to party and rock with you guys.

“See you in da pit! Let's make history!”

DJ EZ has also performed to se;ll-out crowds around the world. Commenting on his booking he said: "I can't wait for these festivals, and am looking forward to seeing you there."

* TICKET INFORMATION Tickets are on sale now – from here…

Weekend tickets are £205 + £8 booking fee = £213 total