US music icon Chaka Khan and Scottish rock legends Simple Minds have been announced as headliners for Radio 2 in the Park, set to take place at City Park in Stirling from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September.
Full Line-Up Revealed
The annual flagship event will feature a stellar line-up across three days. 'Queen of Funk' Chaka Khan will headline Saturday night, while Simple Minds will close the festival on Sunday night in what will be their only UK performance this year.
Saturday's performers include The Script, ABC, Emeli Sandé, Jack Savoretti, Lulu, and Texas. Sunday will see Level 42, James Blunt, Blue, Cast, Appleton, and Deacon Blue take the stage.
Friday Night Pre-Party
Back by popular demand, a Friday night DJ Pre-Party will kick off the weekend, featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan.
Artists' Reactions
Chaka Khan expressed her excitement: 'Stirling is such a magical place. I just love the charm and spirit of the Gateway to the Highlands. Can't wait to share the songs, the love, and make some beautiful memories together.'
Born Yvette Marie Stevens in Chicago, Chaka Khan rose to fame at 18 as the lead singer of Rufus, a multiracial band that defied genre boundaries. With 23 studio albums, over 2,000 recorded songs, and collaborations spanning six decades, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2026.
Jim Kerr of Simple Minds said: 'We are delighted. The fact that it's in Stirling, not far from our neck of the woods, and Simple Minds in Scotland is always special. It'll be our only UK gig this year, and it's going to kick off a lot of momentum for us. Our set will be very upbeat, and we'll have the place jumping up and down.'
Simple Minds, formed in 1977 and led by Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, rose to global fame in the 1980s with albums like New Gold Dream and hits including Don't You (Forget About Me), which has surpassed one billion streams worldwide.
What to Expect
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, said: 'It's a privilege to bring some of the world's biggest artists to Stirling. The range of musical genres is a testament to the diversity of music played on Radio 2.'
Vernon Kay added: 'Simple Minds closing out the weekend will be unbelievable. Scotland always brings amazing energy. I'm so excited to DJ on Saturday with 90s dance bangers. It's going to be a massive weekend.'
Ticket Information
Tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday go on sale on Wednesday 10 June at 8.30am via bbc.co.uk/radio2inthepark. The Friday Pre-Party ticket costs £40 (plus booking fee), while Saturday and Sunday tickets are priced from £84 (plus booking fee).
