For the first time ever, BBC Radio 1’s Anthems is stepping out from behind the speakers and onto the stage. Radio 1 Anthems Live is happening this 15 November at Bradford Live, and they’ve locked in a lineup full of heavy-hitters from the 2000s and 2010s to kick things off: Busted, Tinie Tempah, and Pixie Lott.
It’s part throwback, part celebration of Bradford’s year as the UK City of Culture 2025, and it marks another big moment in Radio 1’s plan to bring its content into more cities across the UK. The event will be hosted by Charlie Hedges, Dean McCullough, and Lauren Redfern, with DJ sets from Charlie (Dance Anthems) and Dean (Pop Anthems) rounding out the night.
Busted have promised a set full of classics – Year 3000, Crashed The Wedding, Air Hostess, You Said No – all the hits, no deep cuts. Tinie Tempah’s bringing the bangers too, and with Pixie Lott on board, it’s shaping up to be a full-circle pop night for fans who grew up with Radio 1 in the mid-2000s through to the 2010s.
The whole thing will be broadcast on Radio 1 Anthems on Wednesday 19 November at 5pm, with highlights across Radio 1 throughout the day. So even if you’re not heading to Bradford, you’ll still be able to tune in.
The event also marks the latest evolution of the Radio 1 Anthems brand, which launched its own 24/7 DAB+ station earlier this month, and recently introduced the Anthems Live Lounge – further proof that this isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s part of a wider shift in how the BBC is using legacy content to connect with new and returning listeners, while reflecting the music that shaped a generation.
Behind the scenes, it’s all tied into the BBC’s growing presence in Bradford – with Radio 1 Anthems Live acting as a flagship music moment in a year that’s already delivered everything from new comedy awards to documentaries and national TV features. The BBC says over 22.6 million people across the UK have already engaged with Bradford-themed programming since October 2024.
If you’re anywhere near West Yorkshire this November, this is one of the big live music moments to mark down. Tickets are available now via bbc.co.uk/anthemslive.
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