BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend returns from 22 to 24 May, bringing more than 100 artists to Sunderland’s Herrington Country Park for one of the UK’s biggest music events of the year. With around 100,000 people expected to attend across the weekend, the festival once again combines major chart stars, emerging talent and BBC Introducing favourites across multiple stages.
This year’s line-up features everyone from Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Olivia Dean and Zara Larsson to James Blake, Mitski, Ezra Collective, FLO and Holly Humberstone, making it one of Radio 1’s most varied line-ups in recent years.
Friday Kicks Off With Dance Heavyweights
Friday’s Main Stage line-up is led by dance music legend Fatboy Slim, joined by Clementine Douglas, FISHER, Sonny Fodera and MK. Elsewhere, the New Music Stage leans heavily into electronic music with appearances from Ahadadream B2B Arthi, horsegiirL, Ewan McVicar, NOTION and Marlon Hoffstadt, while the BBC Introducing Stage shines a spotlight on rising names including Jaguar, Mia Lily, Niamh and Sorley.
Zara Larsson Leads a Star-Studded Saturday
Saturday arguably boasts one of the weekend’s strongest Main Stage line-ups, with Zara Larsson topping the day alongside Ellie Goulding, Louis Tomlinson, Lola Young, Nothing But Thieves and Skye Newman. Tomlinson is expected to be one of the day’s biggest draws too, with plenty of his fans likely to be in attendance for his Sunderland set.
The New Music Stage offers a completely different flavour, with acclaimed performers including James Blake, Rachel Chinouriri, MUNA, Mitski and Wasia Project. The BBC Introducing Stage continues Radio 1’s tradition of showcasing future stars, with performances from LeoStayTrill, Tom A Smith, BombayMami and Heidi Curtis among others.
Olivia Dean and Niall Horan Close Out the Weekend
Sunday’s line-up is led by one of British music’s biggest breakout success stories. Fresh from a successful awards season, Olivia Dean tops the Main Stage alongside Niall Horan, Kehlani, Dermot Kennedy, CMAT and Myles Smith. Dean’s set is expected to be one of the weekend’s most anticipated.
Over on the New Music Stage, festivalgoers can catch Ezra Collective, FLO, Maisie Peters, Alessi Rose, Odeal and Jorja Smith, who will deliver a special party set. The BBC Introducing Stage rounds off the weekend with emerging artists including Venus Grrrls, Wohdee, DC3 and Imogen and the Knife.
A Weekend Celebrating Established Stars and New Talent
Part of Radio 1’s Big Weekend’s appeal is the way it brings huge names and newer artists into the same space. Alongside some of the biggest acts in pop, indie, dance and R&B, the festival gives rising talent a major platform through its New Music and BBC Introducing stages.
For CultureCues, that mix is what makes the event stand out. Whether fans are heading to Sunderland for Fatboy Slim, Louis Tomlinson or Olivia Dean, or planning to discover their next favourite artist between sets, Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 looks set to deliver a packed three days of music as the summer festival season gets underway, and we are looking forward to this one.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.