Chaka Khan & Simple Minds Set to Rock Radio 2 in the Park Festival!

Chaka Khan, known as the 'Queen of Funk', and the legendary band Simple Minds are set to headline this year's Radio 2 in the Park festival, which will take place in Stirling's City Park from September 11 to 13. This marks the first major BBC music event in Scotland in three years, making it a highly anticipated occasion for music fans across the country. The festival will kick off on Friday night with a lively DJ party, featuring sets from popular Radio 2 presenters such as Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan.

Saturday's lineup is packed with well-known artists, including The Script, ABC, Emilie Sandé, Jack Savoretti, Lulu, and Texas, all performing before the multiple Grammy-winning Chaka Khan takes the stage. Chaka Khan, famous for her powerful voice and hits like 'I'm Every Woman', expressed her excitement about performing in Stirling, calling it a 'magical place'. She said she can't wait to share her music and create wonderful memories with the audience.

On Sunday, the festival continues with performances from Deacon Blue, Level 42, James Blunt, Cast, Blue, and Appleton, leading up to the headline act, Simple Minds. The band's frontman, Jim Kerr, will close the festival with an energetic set. He mentioned that playing in Scotland is always special for Simple Minds, especially since this will be their only UK show this year. Kerr promised an upbeat performance and hopes to get the crowd involved, saying he's confident the audience will be jumping and dancing along.

All the live performances throughout the weekend will be broadcast on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, as well as available to watch on iPlayer, allowing fans who can't attend in person to still enjoy the music. Jeff Smith, the head of music for Radio 2, said it's a privilege to bring such a diverse range of world-class artists to Stirling. He highlighted the variety of musical genres represented at the festival, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

City Park, the venue for the festival, is a large open space with a stage set up in the middle and Stirling Castle visible in the background, creating a stunning setting for the event. The last major BBC music event in Scotland was Radio 1's Big Weekend in Dundee in 2023. Previous editions of Radio 2 in the Park have been held in cities like Leicester, Preston, and Chelmsford, after moving from its long-time home in London's Hyde Park in 2022. City Park also hosted the Stirling Summer Sessions in 2024, featuring artists like Tom Jones, Young Fathers, and Shania Twain.

Tickets for the festival go on sale on Wednesday, June 10, at 8:30 am. Prices start at £40 for the Friday pre-party, while tickets for Saturday and Sunday begin at £84. With such a star-studded lineup and a beautiful location, Radio 2 in the Park is expected to be a highlight of the year for music lovers in Scotland and beyond.