Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026: dates, full line-up, ticket price and programme of the BBC Radio 1 festival

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 will take place from 22 to 24 May 2026 in Sunderland, bringing the flagship live music festival organised by BBC Radio 1 to Herrington Country Park in north-east England. The three-day event is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors across the weekend, with around 31,000 tickets available per day, while millions of listeners and viewers will follow the performances through BBC Radio 1 broadcasts, BBC Sounds streams and BBC iPlayer live video coverage.

The radio 1 big weekend 2026 programme will feature more than 100 performers across multiple stages, including the Radio 1 Main Stage, Radio 1 New Music Stage and the Radio 1 Dance Party stage. The confirmed line-up includes major international artists such as Olivia Dean, Niall Horan and Kehlani, as well as leading pop and indie performers Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson, Ellie Goulding, Lola Young and Nothing But Thieves. Electronic music will headline the opening day, with globally recognised DJs including Fatboy Slim and Sonny Fodera launching the festival.

As The WP Times reports, radio one big weekend 2026 traditionally marks the opening of the UK summer festival season, acting as one of the first large-scale outdoor music events before festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and Creamfields. Ticket prices are intentionally lower than most major UK festivals because the event is organised by a public broadcaster. General admission tickets start at £34.50 for Friday, while Saturday and Sunday tickets cost £44.50 per day, and VIP passes reach £106, depending on the day and access areas.

Each year the bbc radio 1 big weekend moves to a different British city, bringing large-scale concerts and national broadcast exposure to regions that do not regularly host major music festivals. Sunderland last hosted the event in May 2005, when the line-up included international stars such as Foo Fighters, Gwen Stefani and Black Eyed Peas, attracting tens of thousands of fans despite heavy rain during parts of the weekend.

The big weekend 2026 edition is expected to become one of the largest cultural and tourism events in northern England this year, combining live performances, national radio broadcasts, streaming coverage and a series of educational and community programmes organised by BBC Radio 1 across colleges and youth organisations in the North East ahead of the festival.

Where Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 will take place

The Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 will be held at Herrington Country Park, a large public park located just outside the city centre of Sunderland in north-east England, close to the landmark Penshaw Monument. Herrington Country Park is one of the largest green spaces in the region and is regularly used for large public gatherings, concerts and outdoor festivals. Its size and existing event infrastructure make it suitable for hosting a music event expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors over three days.

The location offers several practical advantages for a festival of this scale. The park provides extensive open fields that can accommodate multiple performance stages, large audience areas and temporary technical infrastructure such as broadcast facilities, security zones and emergency access routes. Other logistical advantages include:

• direct transport access from Sunderland city centre
• road connections to nearby regional cities including Newcastle and Durham
• existing experience hosting large public events
• infrastructure designed for safe crowd movement and visitor management

Local authorities expect the festival to bring significant economic benefits to the North East of England. Regional tourism bodies estimate that the event could generate millions of pounds in visitor spending, with increased demand for hotels, restaurants, public transport and local services across the region. The BBC confirmed that it is working in partnership with Sunderland City Council and local authorities to coordinate security planning, public transport and visitor access during the event.

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 festival dates

The Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 will take place over three days from 22 to 24 May 2026.

The event traditionally marks the informal start of the British summer festival season. Many artists use the festival as an opportunity to present new material ahead of their international summer tours.

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 Friday programme

The opening day of the festival will focus primarily on electronic music and dance performances under the Radio 1 Dance Party format. The BBC has confirmed that two internationally recognised DJs will headline the Friday programme:

• Fatboy Slim
• Sonny Fodera

Both artists are established figures on the global electronic music circuit and regularly perform at major international festivals such as Tomorrowland and Creamfields.

Additional performers scheduled for the Friday line-up include:

• FISHER
• MK
• Clementine Douglas
• Danny Howard
• Arielle Free
• Charlie Hedges
• Ewan McVicar
• horsegiirL
• L.P. Rhythm
• Marlon Hoffstadt
• NOTION
• Sarah Story
• Ahadadream B2B Arthi

The Friday programme typically attracts a large audience of electronic music fans and club culture followers.

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 Saturday line-up

The second day of the festival shifts towards mainstream pop, indie and alternative music. The BBC has confirmed several major international and British artists for the Saturday programme.

Main Stage performers

The following artists are scheduled to perform on the main stage:

• Zara Larsson
• Louis Tomlinson
• Lola Young
• Nothing But Thieves
• Ellie Goulding
• Skye Newman

These artists represent a mix of global pop performers and established alternative acts with significant streaming audiences.

Additional presenters and performers

BBC Radio 1 presenters and DJs will host shows and live broadcasts from the festival site, including:

• Charlie Hedges
• Jeremiah Asiamah
• Dean McCullough
• Melvin Odoom
• Nat O’Leary
• Rickie Haywood-Williams
• Maia Beth
• Vicky Hawkesworth

Their live broadcasts form part of the BBC’s festival coverage throughout the weekend.

New Music Stage

The New Music Stage will feature emerging artists supported by BBC Radio 1. The stage traditionally highlights performers who are gaining recognition on streaming platforms or through the station’s new-music programmes. Confirmed performers include:

• Erin LeCount
• Florence Road
• James Blake
• Mitski
• MUNA
• Rachel Chinouriri
• Sarah Story
• Wasia Project

Appearances on the New Music Stage often provide younger artists with national exposure through BBC broadcasts.

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 Sunday headliners

The final day of the festival will feature several internationally recognised pop and R&B artists.

Confirmed headline performers include:

• Olivia Dean
• Niall Horan
• Kehlani

Additional artists performing on Sunday include:

• CMAT
• Myles Smith
• Ezra Collective
• FLO
• Jorja Smith

One of the most anticipated performances of the weekend is expected to be the closing set by Olivia Dean. The singer recently achieved major success in the British music industry. At the recent BRIT Awards she received several major honours, including:

• Best British Artist
• Best Album for The Art of Loving
• Song of the Year for a collaboration with Sam Fender

She also won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, which has significantly increased global attention around her performances.

Complete Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 artist overview

The BBC may announce additional artists before the festival begins.

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 ticket prices

Ticket prices for Radio 1 Big Weekend are generally lower than those for many major UK music festivals.

Friday ticket prices

Saturday and Sunday ticket prices

VIP packages include:

• dedicated viewing areas near stages
• premium food vendors
• private bar areas
• improved restroom facilities
• additional DJ performances

How to buy Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 tickets

Tickets for Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 are sold exclusively through Ticketmaster, which is the official ticketing partner for the festival. The organisers advise fans to purchase tickets only through this platform to avoid unofficial resale listings or fraudulent offers. Demand for the event is typically very high, so visitors are encouraged to create or log into their Ticketmaster account before ticket sales begin. During popular releases, the system usually places buyers in a virtual queue to manage demand and ensure fair distribution. To give as many fans as possible the opportunity to attend, the BBC operates a ticket allocation system with several restrictions. Purchase rules include:

• a maximum of two tickets per person per day
• visitors may attend Friday and either Saturday or Sunday
• it is not possible to attend both weekend days

This policy prevents a small number of buyers from securing large blocks of tickets and helps distribute access more widely among fans. Tickets are issued digitally through Ticketmaster accounts and are usually activated shortly before the event. Visitors should bring a valid form of identification and ensure their mobile tickets are accessible when arriving at the festival site.

Ticket allocation for local residents

Ticket distribution is structured geographically to prioritise local audiences.

The system ensures that local communities hosting the festival have priority access while still allowing tickets to be sold nationwide.

Accessibility services

Accessibility support for Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 will be available for visitors who require additional assistance during the festival. Applications for accessibility services are scheduled to open on 18 March 2026.т Visitors who need accessibility support must first purchase a standard festival ticket before applying for additional services. After securing a ticket, applicants must also hold a valid Nimbus Access Card, which is commonly used across UK events to verify accessibility requirements and determine the level of support needed.

The application process generally involves submitting details through the festival’s accessibility system, where visitors can request appropriate assistance in advance of the event. Early application is recommended, as some support services may have limited capacity. Accessibility facilities planned for the festival site include:

• accessible viewing platforms positioned near the main stages to provide clear sightlines for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility limitations
• step-free access routes across the park to allow easier movement between stages, food areas and rest facilities
• adapted restroom facilities designed for visitors with disabilities
• designated assistance support for those attending with carers or personal assistants

The festival organisers work with accessibility partners to ensure that visitors with mobility, sensory or medical needs can attend the event safely and comfortably. Visitors are advised to review the detailed accessibility guidance once applications open, as specific procedures and support options may vary depending on individual needs and festival capacity.

Age rules at the festival

Age restrictions at Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 vary depending on the festival day, and visitors are advised to check the rules carefully before purchasing tickets.

Friday

Entry on Friday is restricted to visitors aged 18 and over only. Valid identification may be required at the entrance to confirm age.

Saturday and Sunday

The weekend days are open to younger visitors, but there are supervision requirements.
Anyone under the age of 16 must attend with a responsible adult aged 18 or over. Children under two years old do not require a ticket, but they must remain with an accompanying adult at all times while inside the festival site. Regardless of the festival day, VIP areas are strictly limited to visitors aged 18 and above, as these zones may include alcohol service and hospitality areas. Visitors are encouraged to review the full entry policy before arrival, as security staff may refuse entry if age requirements or supervision rules are not met.

Why Radio 1 Big Weekend matters in the UK music industry

The BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend is widely regarded as one of the most influential annual events in the British music calendar. Organised by BBC Radio 1, the festival plays an important role in shaping the visibility of both established and emerging artists in the UK market.

Unlike many commercial festivals, Radio 1 Big Weekend is closely integrated with national broadcasting. Performances are recorded and transmitted through BBC Radio 1, BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer, allowing artists to reach millions of listeners and viewers across the UK and internationally. This broadcast reach significantly amplifies the promotional impact of the event.

For established performers, appearing at the festival provides a high-profile platform at the beginning of the summer touring season. Artists often use the event to debut new material or promote upcoming albums ahead of major festival tours across Europe. For emerging musicians, particularly those performing on the New Music Stage, the impact can be even greater. Exposure through BBC broadcasts frequently leads to increased streaming numbers, higher chart visibility and expanded media coverage in the weeks following the festival. Because of this combination of live audience exposure and national broadcast reach, Radio 1 Big Weekend has become an important launch platform for new talent while also reinforcing the presence of major artists within the UK music industry.

Broadcast coverage of Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026

The BBC will provide extensive live coverage of Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026, allowing audiences across the United Kingdom and internationally to follow the performances even if they are not attending the festival in person. Broadcasting will take place across several BBC platforms throughout the three-day event. Coverage will include:

• BBC Radio 1 live programmes broadcasting performances, artist interviews and festival commentary from the site
• BBC Sounds streaming, where listeners can access live audio feeds and replay selected performances after the broadcasts
• BBC iPlayer live video streams of major performances from the main stages
• on-demand recordings, with selected sets and highlights published after the event for later viewing and listening

Radio 1 presenters and DJs will broadcast directly from the festival site in Sunderland during the weekend. Their programmes will feature backstage interviews with artists, audience reactions and real-time coverage of headline performances.

Because the BBC distributes the content across both radio and digital platforms, the festival typically reaches millions of listeners and viewers, making Radio 1 Big Weekend one of the most widely broadcast music events in the UK each year.

Community outreach linked to the festival

BBC Radio 1 will organise several community events across the North East ahead of the festival. The Radio 1 Life Hacks programme will host educational sessions at:

• East Durham College
• Sunderland College
• South Tyneside College
• Red House Academy

The sessions will address topics including:

• mental health
• career planning
• relationships
• future opportunities for young people

The initiative is designed to connect young audiences with community organisations and education providers.

What to expect from Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026

The Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors, making it one of the largest music events in the UK this year. The programme combines performances from global pop artists, electronic music DJs and emerging performers supported by BBC Radio 1. With appearances by artists such as Olivia Dean, Niall Horan, Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson and Fatboy Slim, the festival continues to play an important role in shaping the UK music landscape and launching the annual summer festival season.

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