Why Grian Chatten Wore a Cwmbran Celtic Shirt at Reading Festival
Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten made a striking impression during the band’s headline set at Reading Festival 2026 this weekend, stepping onto the stage in a green and white Cwmbran Celtic football jersey. The choice of attire sparked immediate curiosity among fans, but for Chatten, the decision was rooted in a genuine appreciation for grassroots community initiatives.
The shirt is part of a unique collaboration between Cwmbran Celtic and several prominent musical acts, including Mogwai, Super Furry Animals, Panic Shack, and Loose Articles. Launched last month, the project features limited-edition kits designed to raise funds for the Music Venue Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting independent music venues across the UK.
Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C. at Reading Festival 2026. CREDIT: Andy Ford for NME
A Gesture of Solidarity
Speaking to BBC Wales, Chatten explained his motivation: “I love Cwmbran and I love initiatives that support independent venues. Cwmbran Celtic is a club run by volunteers who have a sense of solidarity with the plight independent music venues are facing. I think that’s class. Also, I love Mogwai.”
The club was reportedly caught off guard by the gesture. Matt Jarrett, the team’s joint commercial manager, noted that while they had provided the shirt to the singer, they never expected it to be worn on such a high-profile stage. “We thought we’ll give it to him. It’ll be nice for him to have it. Maybe he will wear it backstage or something… We were as surprised as anyone when we saw him walking out on stage with the shirt on,” Jarrett shared. The impact was immediate, with the club reporting that pre-sales for the design nearly doubled following the performance.
A Coronation for the Modern Indie Kings
Despite some technical difficulties that forced the band to cut their set short, the Reading performance was widely hailed as a landmark moment for the group. NME awarded the show four-and-a-half stars, describing it as a “deserved coronation” for the band. The set included new material from their upcoming album, Dopamine Chamber, such as “Six Shot Morning” and “Marianne.”
Following the festival, the band continued their momentum at Leeds Festival, where they debuted the track “Happy, For You.” As they prepare for an extensive arena tour later this year and massive shows at Slane Castle in 2027, the band continues to balance their rapid ascent with a commitment to the grassroots culture that helped shape them.
