Radio 1’s Big Weekend, for those not in-the-know, is the radio station’s flagship live music event. It’s known for bringing the planet’s biggest musicians to UK cities that don’t normally get such superstar gigs.
In the past the fest has brought Taylor Swift to Norwich, Stormzy to Exeter and the 1975 to Dundee, among many other memorable sets. Last year saw Coldplay and Sabrina Carpenter play Luton.
This year Radio 1’s Big Weekend isn’t being held anywhere particularly surprising – in fact, it’s one of the UK’s most legendary music cities. Liverpool will host the event this year.
Here’s everything else you need to know, from the rest of the lineup to how to get tickets
RECOMMENDED:
🎸 The best music festivals in the UK to book for 2025.
🎤 Parklife has revealed this year’s massive lineup – here’s how to get tickets
When and where is Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025?
The Big Weekend this year will be held in Liverpool’s Sefton Park from Friday May 23 to Sunday May 25.
How to buy tickets
Tickets will go on sale this Thursday March 13. A total of 34,500 general admission tickets will be available per day and they’ll cost £33.00 (+£4.50 booking fee per ticket) per day. You can buy a maximum of two tickets per day.
A total of 50 percent of tickets will be initially reserved for Liverpool City Council residents, and 40 percent for those in the Liverpool City Region (Sefton, Halton, Wirral, Knowsley, St. Helens). The rest are unreserved.
VIP tickets will cost £95.00 (+£5.70 booking fee) per day. These are all unreserved
Who’s on the lineup so far?
Fresh from a quick arena tour in December and before he sets off on several massive stadium shows, Sam Fender will play the festival. Also confirmed in the initial announcement were Blossoms, Lola Young, Myles Smith and Wet Leg.
As of March 11, more details have been revealed about the Friday and Saturday lineups. More on that below.
Friday lineup
Radio 1 Main Stage
- Biffy Clyro
- James Hype
- The Wombats
- Tom Grennan
- Radio 1 New Music Stage
Radio 1 New Music Stage
- Barry Can’t Swim
- Confidence Man
- D.O.D
- Jazzy
- Katy B
- Nia Archives
- Prospa
Saturday lineup
Radio 1 Main Stage
- Blossoms
- Myles Smith
- Sam Fender
- Tom Odell
- Wolf Alice
Radio 1 New Music Stage
- Aitch B2B AJ Tracey
- Artemas
- Good Neighbours
- Inhaler
- Jordan Adetunji
Sunday lineup
Radio 1 Main Stage
- Jorja Smith
- Lola Young
- Mumford & Sons
- Tate McRae
- Wet Leg
Radio 1 New Music Stage
- FLO
- JADE
- Joy Crookes
- Self Esteem
- South Arcade
What’s been said about the event?
About his headline slot, Sam Fender said: ‘Excited to announce we’re coming to Liverpool for Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May. Thanks for inviting us - see you there!’
Aled Haydn Jones, head of Radio 1, said: ‘We’re thrilled to bring Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025 to Liverpool. Liverpool’s vibrant music scene and rich history make it the perfect setting for this iconic event. With incredible artists already announced and more to be announced in the coming months, it’s set to be an unmissable weekend.’
Councillor Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ‘Radio 1’s Big Weekend has found the perfect home this year in Liverpool. Our music, our audiences and our history of delivering world class major events add up to what is certain to be an incredible three days this May.’
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.