BBC Radio 1 has revealed the first wave of artists for Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026, with dance music legends and global DJs leading the opening day of the hugely popular festival
The annual event will take place from 22–24 May 2026 at Herrington Country Park in Sunderland, bringing one of the UK’s biggest music weekends to the North East.
Each year the festival travels to a different UK location and showcases a mix of major chart stars, DJs and emerging talent across multiple stages.
First Artists Announced
The first acts confirmed are set to perform on Friday’s dance-focused opening night, with legendary DJ Fatboy Slim leading the line-up alongside some of the biggest names in electronic music.
Artists confirmed so far include:
- Fatboy Slim
- Sonny Fodera
- FISHER
- MK
- Clementine Douglas
- Ewan McVicar
- Arielle Free
- Charlie Hedges
- Sarah Story
- NOTION
- Marlon Hoffstadt
- Ahadadream B2B Arthi
- horsegiirL
- L.P. Rhythm
Additional performers will appear across the New Music Stage and BBC Introducing Stage, showcasing emerging artists and future stars.
More artists for Saturday and Sunday are expected to be announced soon by BBC Radio 1.
One of the UK’s Biggest Music Events
Radio 1’s Big Weekend has been a staple of the UK festival calendar since 2003, attracting tens of thousands of fans and delivering performances from some of the biggest names in music.
The three-day event typically features multiple stages including the Radio 1 Main Stage, Radio 1 Dance Stage, Radio 1 New Music Stage and BBC Introducing Stage.
Around 100 artists are expected to perform across the weekend, making it one of the most exciting events of the UK festival season.
Tickets
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and traditionally sell out quickly due to huge demand.
More Line-Up Announcements Coming Soon
With more artists still to be revealed, Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest highlights of the UK festival season.
Fans can expect further lineup announcements on BBC Radio 1 in the coming weeks as excitement builds for the return of the iconic festival.
Published on 06 March 2026 by UKFG
Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026 Fatboy Slim CHARLIE HEDGES MK Sonny Fodera Arielle Free Fisher Clementine Douglas
