Radio 1 Big Weekend announced for Sunderland in 2026

It’s been 20 years since one of the country’s biggest live music events lit up the city.

But it’s been announced this morning that it’s returning to Herrington Country Park from May 22-24, 2026.

Speaking to Alex from Sunderland band Swindled, Greg James confirmed it was coming to the city on Radio 1 Breakfast

Alex, who just played a sold out show at Pop Recs, said on the show: “It’s absolutely unbelievable really. Everything in the city is going one way at the minute, with the Music City team and the football club’s doing really well, so it’s all positive news really.”

Over the course of the weekend, around 100 acts will perform - from the biggest names in music to exciting new and emerging artists. With around 80,000 fans expected to attend, the event promises to be an unforgettable start to the UK’s festival season.

The festival will shine a light on the city and the surrounding area as well as providing a major boost to the local economy, with huge demand for tickets ensuring the event sells out almost immediately every year.

Sunderland City Council is working alongside the North East Combined Authority to bring the event to the city.

Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "The fact that BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, one of the UK’s largest and most popular music festivals, has chosen Sunderland is fantastic news for our city, especially our young people. It’s a brilliant opportunity to shine a light on all the wonderful things about our city and our region.

"Not only will this event provide a multi-million-pound boost to our economy and opportunities for local young people and businesses, with tens of thousands in attendance and millions tuning in across the BBC, but it gives us an opportunity to step forward and showcase the very best of our ambitious, brilliantly vibrant, wonderfully diverse and transforming city.

"This is another landmark achievement for our city and reinforces Sunderland’s growing reputation as a City of Events.

"We’re excited to be working alongside the North East Combined Authority and the BBC to ensure that Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 is a fantastic experience all those attending the festival.

"I can’t wait to welcome the Big Weekend to Sunderland."

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "First the MOBO Awards, then Mercury Prize Awards and now Radio 1's Big Weekend is coming to Sunderland next year.

"It shows the North East of England really is the place to be.

"This is about more than music. It's about celebrating our world class talent and really showcasing the opportunities our creative industries can bring.

"I've pledged more than £25m to support cultural activities and events which attract global artists and put the region on the global stage. That means our fantastic home-grown artists have the opportunity for a music career right here in our region, without having to move away to find success.

"I'm delighted to welcome Radio 1's BBC Big Weekend 2026 and I’m looking forward to really kicking off next year's UK festival season in style."

Sunderland last hosted BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May 2005.

Further information about Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026, including headliners, full line-up and ticketing details will be announced on Radio 1 in the coming months.