Carling ends Reading and Leeds festivals sponsorship

Carling has scrapped its headline sponsorship of the Reading and Leeds music festivals after nine years. Promoters Festival Republic are not currently seeking a new headline sponsor but are seeking new partners for next year.

Festival Republic, formerly known as Mean Fiddler, says the deal ended by mutual consent. The festivals have been collectively known as the Carling Weekend but will return to their original names.

The news follows significant changes at Festival Republic this year, including changing its name from Mean Fiddler and a restructure of the company.

The Reading and Leeds festivals have hosted a series of headline acts over the years including New Order, The Sugarbabes and The Pogues.

Carling, which is owned by Coors, which also sponsors the League Cup, now known as the Carling Cup.