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The new location for the 2026 edition of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend has been confirmed.
Announced today (Tuesday November 18) on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg James confirmed that the next instalment of the festival will be held in Sunderland.
Set to run between Friday May 22 and Sunday May 24, the 2026 edition of the Big Weekend will be held in Herrington Country Park, set to see approximately 100 artists take to the stages, and will welcome roughly 80,000 music fans.
The festival is the station’s flagship live music event, and helps bring some of the biggest names in music to parts of the country that may not otherwise host such a large-scale shows. In the past it has seen Lana Del Rey head to Hull, Taylor Swift perform in Norwich, Ed Sheeran take the stage in Coventry and more.
Organisers share that this is to help provide a major boost to the local economy, and shed a light on the host city.
“Radio 1 is going back to the glorious North East,” said Greg James. “The best nights out by far. I started my radio career there, some of my favourite artists are from there and I can’t wait to be adopted as a Mackem next summer.”
Big Weekend 2026 is heading to SUNDERLAND!
#BigWeekend
— Big Weekend News (Unofficial) (@BigWeekendNews) November 18, 2025
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, continued: “Radio 1’s Big Weekend is one of the most anticipated moments in our calendar and we’re thrilled to be bringing it to the North East in 2026. I’m excited not only to bring some of the biggest names in music to the area, but also to provide a platform for new local talent to be heard across Radio 1.”
Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, also shared how the event will benefit the city. “It’s brilliant to be hosting Radio 1’s Big Weekend. With our vibrant music scene, Music City status, and fantastic track record for hosting world class events, we can’t wait to welcome the Big Weekend to Sunderland,” he said.
“Opportunities like this can bring real benefits, from increased visitor numbers and spend to creating a buzz for residents and visitors alike. It’s a fantastic opportunity to show people who haven’t been to Sunderland, what a brilliant city it is and how much is happening here.”
More details about the line-up, 2026 headliners, and ticket details will be announced over the next few months on Radio 1. When it kicks off, coverage will be broadcast live, and highlights will be on demand across iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
This year’s instalment was held at Liverpool’s Sefton Park from Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25, saw performances from Sam Fender, Blossoms, Lola Young, Wet Leg, BRITs Rising Star 2025 winner Myles Smith, Tom Grennan, Biffy Clyro, Confidence Man, Barry Can’t Swim, Nia Archives, Katy B, The Wombats and more.
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