Sunderland Set to Rock with BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026 Bash!

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, one of the UK's most popular music festivals, is set to take place in Sunderland in 2026. The event will be held at Herrington Country Park from May 22 to May 24, bringing together tens of thousands of music fans. Greg James, the host of Radio 1's Breakfast Show, shared the news on air, saying it was a very exciting moment for Sunderland. He highlighted the rich musical history of the North East and said the festival would be a fantastic opportunity for local artists to shine.

The Big Weekend is known for moving to a new city each year, often choosing places that don't usually host large music events. This gives people in those areas a chance to see major international stars and rising artists. In previous years, the festival has featured performances from Taylor Swift in Norwich, Stormzy in Exeter, The 1975 in Dundee, and Bruno Mars in Londonderry. The 2026 event in Sunderland will feature around 100 acts, ranging from global headliners to new talent. Local musician Alex from the band Swindled joined Greg James to announce the news, expressing excitement about the positive changes happening in Sunderland, both in music and sports. Alex hopes his band will perform on the Introducing stage, which showcases up-and-coming artists.

Sunderland last hosted the Big Weekend in 2005, with a lineup that included Gwen Stefani, Foo Fighters, and The Black Eyed Peas. Last year, the festival was held in Liverpool, attracting about 100,000 fans. Headliners included Sam Fender, Tom Grennan, and Mumford & Sons, with Ed Sheeran making a surprise appearance. The majority of tickets are reserved for local residents, and the festival is seen as a great way to promote the city. Sunderland City Council is working closely with the BBC to ensure the event is safe, inclusive, and enjoyable. Local residents are thrilled about the festival's return, hoping it will highlight Sunderland's vibrant music scene and positive atmosphere.