BBC Radio 2 in the Park has become a cornerstone of the British festival scene, closing out the summer with a weekend of live music hosted by the UK's top radio personalities. This year's event promises to be no exception, as the full line-up for the annual gathering has now been unveiled.
Event Details and Headliners
The BBC has confirmed that the two-day festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13, 2026, will be headlined by legendary artists Chaka Khan and Simple Minds. Joining them on the bill are major acts including The Script, James Blunt, Blue, ABC, Lulu, and many more. The complete line-up is detailed below.
Unlike last year's event at Chelmsford's Hylands Park, the 2026 edition will take place at City Park in Stirling, Scotland. The festivities have also expanded: a Friday night DJ Pre-Party on September 11 will kick off the live music, featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters such as Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan.
Artist Reactions
Announcing the line-up, The Script's frontman Danny O'Donoghue joined Gary Davies live in the studio to share his excitement about performing in Scotland. "The Celts! Honestly, it always feels like you're playing a hometown gig... We've played many shows over the years, it feels like you're bringing the show home," he said. O'Donoghue revealed he has "never" played in Stirling before, adding, "I've passed by it. It's a beautiful looking castle on the hill. It looks absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait to go there." He also hinted at the setlist: "Can you imagine Superheroes live in Scotland at Stirling Castle? We're going to try and sneak in one or two songs from the new album. We'll be 100 percent playing Superheroes, The Man Who Can't Be Moved, Breakeven, all the hits."
Chaka Khan expressed her enthusiasm: "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." Simple Minds' Jim Kerr added: "We are delighted, really delighted. The fact that it's gonna be in Stirling which is not so far from our neck of the woods, and that Simple Minds in Scotland inevitably is always a bit special... It'll be Simple Minds' first and only gig in the UK this year and it's gonna kick off a whole loud momentum for us." He promised an upbeat set: "We'll want to involve the crowd, and obviously crowds in Scotland are never shy. Simple Minds live, well I'm pretty confident in saying we'll have the place jumping up and down."
Full Line-Up
Saturday, September 12: Chaka Khan, The Script, Emeli Sandé, ABC, Jack Savoretti, Lulu, Texas.
Sunday, September 13: Simple Minds, Level 42, James Blunt, Blue, Cast, Appleton, Deacon Blue.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Radio 2 in the Park went on sale on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 8:30 AM and are available exclusively from Ticketmaster. This includes Saturday and Sunday tickets, as well as passes for the Friday Pre-Party on September 10, 2026.
- Saturday tickets: Available via Ticketmaster.
- Sunday tickets: Available via Ticketmaster.
- Further information and tickets can be found on the official BBC Radio 2 in the Park website.
For fans unable to purchase through official channels, resale platforms like viagogo may offer tickets. However, buyers should check ticket terms and conditions, as resale may be prohibited and could void admission.
