Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 begins on 22/05 and lasts for 3 days, wrapping up on 24/05.
In the UK, there are 13 other festivals on the same weekend.
Based on its maximum daily capacity of 32,000, we class Radio 1’s Big Weekend as a Medium festival.
The festival is considered a family friendly and children are welcome, but there’s no specific children’s entertainment on site. There is no minimum age for entry.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend is a day festival offering access only, meaning you have to arrange accommodation off-site.
2026 tickets: TBR
The 2026 lineup has not yet been announced – get notified when it drops.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend is 1 of 21 music festivals in the North East of England. The festival’s full address is: Herrington Country Park, Chester Rd, Penshaw, Houghton le Spring, DH4 7EL.
We asked a popular AI tool a few things about Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Here’s what it told us 👇
Radio 1’s Big Weekend is truly unique because it’s completely free to attend! Tickets are distributed via a ballot system, making this major music festival accessible to everyone. What further sets it apart is its nomadic nature; the festival moves to a different UK town or city each year. This brings world-class artists and a full festival experience to new communities annually, often transforming spaces and offering residents an incredible opportunity to see huge acts perform right on their doorstep, all courtesy of the BBC.
For first-timers, planning ahead is crucial! Always check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, including comfortable shoes for walking and standing. Arrive early to navigate security and get a good spot. Make sure your phone is fully charged or bring a portable power bank, as signal can be patchy. Familiarise yourself with the site map and stage times via the official app. Stay hydrated by using water refill stations, and designate a meet-up point with friends in case you get separated. Most importantly, embrace the incredible, free music experience!
Something not many people know about Radio 1’s Big Weekend is the prioritised ticket allocation system. While it’s a national ballot, a significant majority of tickets are specifically reserved for residents of the host city and its immediate surrounding areas – often around 60%. A further proportion goes to residents of the wider region. This ensures that the local community, who directly benefit from and facilitate the festival, are given the best chance to attend, making it a truly community-focused event despite its national appeal.
The atmosphere at Radio 1’s Big Weekend is electric and overwhelmingly positive. There’s an infectious sense of excitement and celebration, fuelled by the incredible opportunity to see top artists for free. Crowds are diverse, encompassing families enjoying the daytime sets and enthusiastic music fans dancing through the evening. Expect a vibrant, high-energy environment filled with friendly faces, singing along to their favourite tunes. It feels like a massive, collective party, creating unforgettable shared memories and a joyous, welcoming vibe throughout the weekend.
As the information in this box (and this box only!) has been generated by AI, we can't guarantee its accuracy.
Festnav is not affiliated with Radio 1’s Big Weekend and is not responsible for prices, ticket availability or any facilities offered at Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
This information is presented with our best intentions but it may be incorrect as things change.
If you’ve got tickets for 2026 or are hoping to attend, add Radio 1’s Big Weekend your Festival Planner here.
If you’ve been before, add the year(s) you attended to your Festival Profile below.
