It’s official: BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is heading back to the North East in 2026, with Sunderland’s Herrington Country Park set to become the epicenter of the UK’s music scene from May 22 to May 24. The announcement, made by Greg James live on air on November 18, 2025, has sparked a wave of excitement across the region and beyond, as fans, artists, and local businesses gear up for what’s being billed as a transformative moment for the city.
For those unfamiliar, Radio 1’s Big Weekend is no ordinary festival. It’s the BBC’s flagship live music event, famous for parachuting global superstars and fresh new talent into towns and cities that don’t usually get a slice of the headline festival pie. Previous editions have seen Ed Sheeran electrify Coventry, Lewis Capaldi wow Dundee, Coldplay light up Luton, and Sam Fender bring the house down at Liverpool’s Sefton Park. This time, it’s Sunderland’s turn to take center stage, and expectations are sky-high.
Over the course of three days, more than 100 acts will perform across four stages—Radio 1 Main Stage, Radio 1 New Music Stage, Radio 1 Dance, and BBC Introducing—delighting an anticipated 80,000 fans. The lineup is still under wraps, but if history is any guide, we can expect a mix of superstar names, cult favorites, and emerging artists who may be headlining their own tours by this time next year. Past Big Weekend artists have included Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Stormzy, Lana Del Rey, The Black Eyed Peas, Foo Fighters, Gwen Stefani, and of course, Sam Fender. As Greg James put it during his announcement, “This is one of the great things about the North East. There’s so much good music that comes out of the North East, and we’re not just talking about Sam Fender in the last couple of years. I mean the heritage of music and bands in that part of the world is unbelievable.” (BBC Radio 1)
It’s been more than two decades since Sunderland last hosted the Big Weekend, when the likes of the Foo Fighters and Gwen Stefani rocked Herrington Country Park in 2005. The return is seen by many as a generational event—one that could shape the city’s cultural landscape for years to come. Frankie Francis, Sunderland Music City officer and frontman of Frankie and the Heartstrings, told BBC, “It’s amazing, it’s transformative, it’s generational. These kinds of things literally change lives.”
Locals are buzzing. Sue Hodge, a Sunderland resident, told BBC Radio Newcastle, “I think it’s brilliant for the city as it’s going to bring some huge artists up here that might not have come up before.” Lucy Shannon, another local, is hoping her luck with tickets changes this time around, recalling how spectacular the event looked the last time it was in town.
The festival’s impact goes far beyond the music. According to reports from Music and Gigs and ChronicleLive, each Big Weekend brings a surge of visitors and millions of pounds to the host city’s local economy. Hotels, pubs, and cafés fill up, and the spotlight shines on local businesses and regional talent. “Opportunities like this can bring real benefits, from increased visitor numbers and spend to creating a buzz for residents and visitors alike,” said Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council. “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.”
The BBC is working closely with Sunderland City Council to ensure the event is safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. “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,” Councillor Mordey added. The festival’s location at Herrington Country Park, with Penshaw Monument as its dramatic backdrop, only adds to the sense of occasion.
Greg James, who started his radio career in the North East, couldn’t hide his personal excitement. “Radio 1 is going back to the glorious North East! 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,” he joked on air. Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, echoed the sentiment, promising not just major headliners but also a platform for new local talent. “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.” (BBC Radio 1)
The anticipation is palpable, and with good reason. Tickets for Big Weekend are known to disappear in a flash. While full ticketing details for 2026 haven’t been released yet, it’s expected that the system will mirror previous years, with a geographic weighting that ensures local residents get priority: 50% for those in Sunderland, 40% for the surrounding areas, and the remaining 10% for the rest of the UK. Tickets will be sold exclusively through Ticketmaster, and if past experience is any indication, fans will need to be quick on the draw.
For those who can’t snag a ticket or make it to Sunderland, the BBC has got them covered. Radio 1 will broadcast live from the festival all weekend, with sets and highlights available on demand via BBC Sounds and iPlayer. That means whether you’re in the crowd, at home, or on the go, you can be part of the action (at least virtually).
There’s no age restriction for Big Weekend, but anyone aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Organizers are keen to make the event as accessible as possible, reflecting the inclusive spirit that has made Big Weekend a beloved fixture on the UK’s festival calendar.
This year’s announcement also comes amid a broader celebration of the North East’s music scene, with both the MOBO Awards and the Mercury Prize being held in the region in 2025. It’s a sign, say organizers and local leaders, that the North East is finally getting the recognition it deserves as a creative powerhouse.
With the lineup yet to be revealed and ticket details still to come, one thing’s for sure: Sunderland is about to get very loud, very proud, and absolutely unforgettable. As Ross Millard of The Futureheads, who played the festival in 2005, put it: “To be part of this enormously special event, that you know is only going to come around, well, once in every 20 years, it was really magic.”
Circle May 22–24, 2026, on your calendar. The countdown to one of the UK’s most anticipated music events has officially begun—and Sunderland is ready to shine.
