The full lineup for BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 is officially complete. Niall Horan, Olivia Dean, and Kehlani have been announced as the final headliners, joining a blockbuster Sunderland bill that already includes Louis Tomlinson, Zara Larsson, and Fatboy Slim. With over 100,000 fans expected at Herrington Country Park from 22–24 May, the countdown to the final ticket drop this Wednesday is now on.
Taking place from 22–24 May, the festival will bring over 100,000 music fans to the North East for the UK’s biggest free-to-broadcast musical spectacular. We now have all of the line-up confirmed.
Sunday 24 May: Niall Horan and Olivia Dean Close the Show
The final day of the festival brings a massive mix of global singer-songwriters and R&B icons to the Main Stage. Niall Horan, Olivia Dean, and Kehlani lead the Sunday charge, supported by Dermot Kennedy, CMAT, and Myles Smith. Over on the New Music Stage, fans can catch a special “Party Set” from Jorja Smith, alongside Maisie Peters, Ezra Collective, and FLO.
Radio 1 Main Stage
- Niall Horan
- Olivia Dean
- Kehlani
- Dermot Kennedy
- CMAT
- Myles Smith
- Hosted by: Greg James, Arielle Free, and the Radio 1 Breakfast team.
Radio 1 New Music Stage
- Jorja Smith (Party Set)
- Maisie Peters
- Ezra Collective
- Holly Humberstone
- FLO
- Alessi Rose
- Odeal
It’s a high-energy finale designed to end the North East’s biggest musical weekend on a high.
Saturday 23 May: Pop Icons and Indie Giants
The Saturday lineup features global superstars and critically acclaimed breakthrough acts across two major stages.
Radio 1 Main Stage
- Louis Tomlinson
- Zara Larsson
- Nothing But Thieves
- Ellie Goulding
- Lola Young
- Skye Newman
- Hosted by: Dean McCullough, Vicky Hawkesworth, Nat O’Leary, and the Radio 1 team.
Radio 1 New Music Stage
- Mitski
- James Blake
- MUNA
- Rachel Chinouriri
- Wasia Project
- Erin LeCount
- Florence Road
Friday 22 May: The Ultimate Dance Party
The festival kicks off on Friday with a dedicated 18+ Dance Party. Some of the world’s most iconic DJs will transform Sunderland into a massive open-air club.
Main Stage & Dance Lineup (Alphabetical):
- Fatboy Slim
- Sonny Fodera
- FISHER
- MK
- Clementine Douglas
- Ahadadream B2B Arthi
- Arielle Free
- Ewan McVicar
- horsegiirL
- Marlon Hoffstadt
- NOTION
Ticket Information: How to Secure Your Place
Tickets for BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend are historically some of the most sought-after in the UK.
- Friday Tickets: On sale NOW (Limited availability).
- Saturday & Sunday Tickets: On sale Wednesday 11 March at 5:00 PM.
- Price: General Admission is £44.50 (including booking fees).
The “Local Pot” System:
To support the Sunderland community, 90% of tickets are reserved for the North East:
- 30% for Sunderland residents.
- 60% for the wider NECA region (Newcastle, Durham, Teesside).
- 10% for the rest of the UK.
Beyond the music, the BBC will also be hosting Radio 1 Life Hacks panels across North East colleges from 24–27 March, offering advice on mental health and careers to local young people.