Reading, Leeds sell out in record time

Reading and Leeds Festivals have sold all their weekend tickets in record time.

According to organisers Festival Republic, fans purchased 200,000 tickets for the three-day events in under two hours.

Speaking about the sold-out summer shows, managing director Melvin Benn said: "I am over the moon! Absolutely thrilled. 20th year since we took over Reading after it had been bankrupt. 10th year since we created Leeds.

"The UK's biggest selling festival with the best bill on the planet this year sells out in less than 2 hours. Whoever is talking about a slump in festival popularity is talking rubbish. Long live Reading and Leeds!'"

Reading and Leeds Festivals take place on August 22-24 at Johns Farm, Reading and Bramham Park, Leeds.

Metallica, The Killers and Rage Against The Machine were confirmed as the headliners on Monday. The Enemy, Manic Street Preachers, Slipknot, Tenacious D, Bloc Party and Babyshambles are also playing the events.