BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Unveils Star-Studded Lineup with Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson
BBC Radio 1 has officially confirmed a spectacular lineup for its upcoming Big Weekend festival, set to take place in Sunderland this May. The event will feature major acts including former One Direction members Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, alongside Olivia Dean, Zara Larsson, and Fatboy Slim. This announcement has generated significant excitement among music fans, with the festival marking a highly anticipated return to Sunderland's Herrington Country Park after over two decades.
Festival Details and Schedule
The Big Weekend is scheduled to run from Friday, May 22, to Sunday, May 24, at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland. This location last hosted the event more than twenty years ago, with past performances by artists like Gwen Stefani and the Foo Fighters. Radio 1 bosses have curated an extensive lineup across multiple stages, promising a diverse musical experience for attendees.
The daily schedule includes:
- Friday, May 22: Headlined by Fatboy Slim, with other acts such as Fisher, MK, Sonny Fodera, Ahadadream B2B Arthi, Arielle Free, Charlie Hedges, Clementine Douglas, Danny Howard, Ewan McVicar, horsegiirL, L.P. Rhythm, Marlon Hoffstadt, NOTION, and Sarah Story.
- Saturday, May 23: Headlined by Zara Larsson on the Radio 1 Main Stage, featuring Lola Young, Ellie Goulding, Louis Tomlinson, Nothing But Thieves, Skye Newman, Dean McCullough, Jeremiah Asiamah, Maia Bath, Melvin Odoom, Nat O'Leary, Rickie Haywood-Williams, and Vicky Hawkesworth. The Radio 1 New Music Stage will host Erin LeCount, Florence Road, James Blake, Mitski, MUNA, Rachel Chinouriri, Sarah Story, and Wasia Project.
- Sunday, May 24: Headlined by Olivia Dean on the Radio 1 Main Stage, with performances by Niall Horan, Myles Smith, Dermot Kennedy, CMAT, Kehlani, Dean McCullough, Jeremiah Asiamah, Maia Beth, Melvin Odoom, Nat O'Leary, Rickie Haywood-Williams, and Vicky Hawkesworth. The Radio 1 New Music Stage will feature Alessi Rose, Ezra Collective, FLO, Holly Humberstone, Jack Saunders, Jorja Smith (Party Set), Maisie Peters, and Odeal.
The BBC has stated that full lineups for all stages will be available soon on the official Big Weekend website.
Ticket Information and Community Outreach
Tickets for the Big Weekend will go on sale starting at 5pm on March 11. General Admission tickets are priced at £44.50, which includes a £40 base fee and a £4.50 booking fee. In a move to support local communities, ticket distribution will be weighted geographically. Specifically, 30% of tickets will be allocated to residents of Sunderland, with an additional 60% reserved for people in the surrounding NECA region. The remaining 10% will be available for those elsewhere in the United Kingdom, with all sales handled by Ticketmaster.
Beyond the festival, Radio 1 is launching outreach initiatives through Radio 1's Life Hacks, a series of live panels across the North East from March 24 to March 27. These events will take place at East Durham College, Sunderland College, South Tyneside College, and Red House Academy, focusing on topics such as building a future, life after education, mental health, and modern relationships. This effort aims to provide practical advice and foster honest conversations for younger audiences.
Fan Reactions and Broadcast Details
Fans have expressed overwhelming enthusiasm on social media following the lineup reveal. One fan exclaimed, "Louis! Let's go! Can't wait to see him perform, so proud of him." Another added, "Zara Larsson headlining OMG," while a third noted, "Festival Louis Tomlinson is a vibe! So happy Louis is playing Big Weekend this year!" Additional comments praised the inclusion of artists like Alessi Rose, Maisie Peters, FLO, and Holly Humberstone, with one fan tweeting, "What a line-up."
For those unable to attend in person, Radio 1 will ensure broad accessibility by broadcasting live from the festival. Performances and highlights will air live and on demand across the iPlayer channel and BBC Sounds, allowing music lovers nationwide to enjoy the event from home.
This year's Big Weekend promises to be a memorable celebration of music, community, and entertainment, building on Radio 1's legacy of delivering top-tier festivals. With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the event is poised to attract thousands of attendees and viewers alike.
