Radio 1 big weekend 2026
Excitement Builds for Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026
“Olivia Dean will headline the Sunday, after recently winning four Brit Awards,” said Greg James, highlighting the significance of the event. The Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 is set to take place from May 22 to May 24 at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland, promising a vibrant celebration of music and community.
This year’s festival will feature a diverse lineup, with Fatboy Slim headlining the Friday event on May 22, followed by a Saturday performance that includes Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson, and Lola Young. Olivia Dean will close the festival on Sunday, May 24, showcasing her rising star status in the music industry.
Over 100,000 music fans are expected to attend the festival across the weekend, with tickets for Saturday and Sunday going on sale at 5pm on March 11, 2026. General Admission tickets are priced at £44.50, while VIP tickets will cost £86. Notably, 30% of tickets will be reserved for local residents in Sunderland, reflecting the festival’s commitment to engaging the local community.
The initiative to reserve tickets for local residents is part of a broader strategy. As one spokesperson noted, “Tickets will be geographically weighted with an element of preference given to local residents.” This approach aims to ensure that those living in the vicinity can participate in the festivities.
The Radio 1 Big Weekend has a history of selling out quickly, with many fans eager to secure their spots. The festival aims to tour towns and cities in the UK that typically do not host major live music events, making Sunderland an ideal choice for this year’s gathering.
In addition to the stellar lineup, BBC Radio 1 will broadcast live from the festival site throughout the weekend, allowing fans who cannot attend in person to experience the excitement. The festival’s commitment to accessibility and community engagement is further underscored by its recent accolade, having won The Green Award at the UK Festival Awards 2025.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend was last held in Sunderland in 2005, making this event a significant return for the festival to the city. With a focus on both local and national talent, the 2026 edition promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees.