Fans gained an unexpected live show when Lola Young delivered a surprise set on the final day of Reading Festival. Young teased the appearance on Instagram, writing, "I am backstage, the cat is out of the bag and I am going to be performing so see you... at the Grid stage," then performed hits including number one single Messy and One Thing.
The set marks another step in Young's cautious return to public performance after a difficult 12 months. She pulled out of the 2025 Reading bill because of a scheduling clash and, after an on-stage collapse in September last year, cancelled a string of shows and paused touring. At the time she asked fans for patience, posting, "I really hope you'll give me a second chance once I've had some time to work on myself and come back stronger." She subsequently sought treatment for drug dependency and told the Guardian in 2025 that addiction had dogged her for "a long time."
Young began a modest run of UK dates this year, starting with a London show in March, and released the reflective single From Down Here in May. Ahead of Reading, she also performed at Electric Picnic in the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. Social posts after her recent gigs emphasised a measured approach: "It felt so right being back on stage," she wrote, adding she would "continue taking things slowly despite feeling so ready to perform more."
Reading's final day also featured an energetic set from Charli XCX, and the weekend closes Sunday with performances including drum and bass duo Chase & Status and Florence + The Machine. Festival-goers welcomed Young's return, and while she is back on stage, fans are still awaiting a fourth album.
