There’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air across the North East of England as BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend prepares to make a triumphant return to Sunderland’s Herrington Country Park from May 22 to May 24, 2026. This marks the first time in 21 years that the sprawling park will host the iconic festival, which last welcomed music giants like Foo Fighters and Black Eyed Peas back in 2005, according to Sunderland Echo.
This year’s edition is shaping up to be a blockbuster, with a line-up blending global superstars, beloved homegrown talent, and the freshest faces in music. The festival will span three stages and feature around 100 acts, with the BBC working closely with Sunderland City Council to ensure a safe and vibrant environment for all attendees, as reported by NME.
Greg James, the ever-enthusiastic Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, set the tone for the festivities on March 9 by announcing a star-studded Saturday main stage line-up. “It’s big, it’s poppy, she’s amazing, it’s going to be so good,” he said of Zara Larsson, who will headline the Saturday night for the first time. Alongside Larsson, the main stage will feature chart-toppers like Ellie Goulding, Louis Tomlinson, Lola Young, Nothing But Thieves, and BBC Sound of 2026 winner Skye Newman. The energy is sure to be electric as these artists take the stage on May 23, promising a night of anthems and unforgettable moments. Lola Young’s set, in particular, arrives after her much-publicized mental health hiatus in 2025 and her triumphant return at the Grammys earlier this year, as highlighted by NME.
Friday’s line-up is no less impressive, with dance music legends Fatboy Slim and Sonny Fodera set to headline. They’ll be joined by international stars such as FISHER, Clementine Douglas, German DJ and singer horsegiirL, Australian producer FISHER, and BBC Radio 1’s own Arielle Free, ensuring the festival kicks off with a bang. The Friday event is exclusively for those over 18, setting the stage for a night of pure club energy.
Sunday’s headliners and full line-up are set to be announced on March 10, but anticipation is already building following last year’s Big Weekend in Liverpool, which saw performances from Sam Fender, Blossoms, Lola Young, Wet Leg, and more. The BBC’s tradition of bringing top-tier acts to regions that rarely host such large-scale events continues, with Sunderland now joining the ranks of previous host cities like Hull, Norwich, and Coventry.
One of the festival’s defining features is its commitment to championing local talent through the BBC Introducing platform. This year, musicians from the North East will be front and center. Among those representing the region is Ellie Scougall, a 22-year-old Newcastle native whose journey from classical piano and violin to the city’s underground club scene has made her a standout. Her podcast, Inside the USB, and her high-energy DJ sets—spanning house, garage, and uplifting beats—have earned her support slots with the likes of Gorgon City and D.O.D., as reported by BBC.
Sunderland’s own Sorley brings infectious grooves and a family legacy—his father was a key member of the late-90s collective Unique 3. Sorley’s HAZE club night has grown into a recognized platform, booking international names and giving him the chance to perform with icons such as Nic Fanciulli and Roger Sanchez. Middlesbrough’s Max Jones, known for his genre-bending sets and technical prowess, recently won the What Hannah Wants DJ Search Competition and supported Fatboy Slim during the Brits opening week. His upward trajectory is a testament to the thriving music scene in the North East.
Finn Forster, also from Middlesbrough, exemplifies the region’s rising stars. With strong BBC support and a string of high-profile gigs—including supporting Stereophonics on their 2025 European tour and playing at festivals like Reading and Leeds—Forster’s honest songwriting and anthemic melodies are winning fans across the UK and beyond.
Other North East acts to watch include Imogen and the Knife, known for haunting, atmospheric performances that draw on influences like Kate Bush and Fiona Apple. Swindled, a five-piece indie-pop band from Sunderland, have already been named BBC Introducing Ones to Watch for 2026, thanks to their storytelling lyricism and energetic live shows. Tom A. Smith, just 21, has the distinction of being the youngest ever performer at Kendal Calling and has shared stages with the likes of Sam Fender and Catfish and the Bottlemen. North Shields’ Heidi Curtis, whose powerful vocals and emotionally charged songwriting have earned her support slots with Paul Weller and Paolo Nutini, recently performed a memorable rendition of Blaydon Races for Newcastle United and Adidas’ kit launch campaign.
The festival also shines a spotlight on new and diverse voices. Able Jack, born Oberuomo Marvel in Delta State, Nigeria, and now based in Sunderland, brings a unique perspective and a string of releases—from World Best to El Chapo—that showcase his versatility and determination, as highlighted by BBC.
The Radio 1 New Music Stage will feature an eclectic mix of rising stars, including Florence Road, James Blake, MUNA, Mitski, Rachel Chinouriri, Eric LeCount, Erin LeCount, Sarah Story, and Wasia Project. This commitment to emerging talent ensures that festival-goers will discover their next favorite artist alongside established headliners.
Tickets for Saturday and Sunday go on sale at 5pm on March 11 via Ticketmaster. There will be 31,000 General Admission tickets and 2,960 VIP tickets available each day, priced at £44.50 and £106.00 respectively. In a nod to its local roots, 30% of tickets are reserved for Sunderland residents, 60% for the surrounding NECA region, and just 10% for the rest of the UK, according to NME. All ages are welcome on Saturday and Sunday, though under-15s must be accompanied by an adult and under-2s go free with an adult. Each person can purchase a maximum of two tickets per day and may attend Friday and one weekend day only, not both.
With the BBC and Sunderland City Council working in tandem to guarantee a safe and memorable experience, and with more acts to be announced on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Herrington Country Park is poised to become the beating heart of British music for one unforgettable weekend, as the North East’s rising stars share the stage with global icons and the next generation of chart-toppers.
For music fans in Sunderland and beyond, this year’s Big Weekend isn’t just another festival—it’s a celebration of local pride, new beginnings, and the enduring power of live music to bring people together.