Forget blue skies and sunshine, the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend is the true mark of the British summer. The first major festival of the year brings some of the biggest names in music, including headliners Raye, Coldplay, Chase & Status and Vampire Weekend, to Stockwood Park in Luton for three days of pure carnage. Here's where to watch Radio 1 Big Weekend online for free – from anywhere.
After spending years crafting and grafting in the shadows of her contemporaries, Raye is finally getting her flowers. The South London singer-songwriter took home a record six Brit Awards in March for her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues.
While Coldplay, Chase & Status and Vampire Weekend also have big slots on the Main stage, it's Raye, The Last Dinner Party, Sabrina Carpenter and, of course, Charlie XCX that are generating the most buzz.
Follow our guide to watch a Radio 1 Big Weekend live stream from all over the world – including free options. We've also listed the full Radio 1 Big Weekend lineup for all four stages further down the page
How to watch Radio 1 Big Weekend free online
Unblock any stream with a VPN
If you're keen to watch Radio 1 Big Weekend but you're away from home and access to the show is geo-blocked, then you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you're not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.
Use a VPN to watch Radio 1 Big Weekend from anywhere:
Using a VPN is as easy as one-two-three...
1. Download and install a VPN – as we say, our top choice is NordVPN
2. Connect to the appropriate server location – open the VPN app, hit 'choose location' and select the appropriate geographical location
3. Go to the broadcaster's live stream – so, in this case, just head to BBC iPlayer
Can you watch Radio 1 Big Weekend in the US, Canada, or Australia?
Radio 1 Big Weekend is only televised in the UK, with countries like the US, Canada, and Australia missing out entirely.
Brits currently away from home can use a VPN to watch Radio 1 Big Weekend on BBC iPlayer from abroad.
Radio 1 Big Weekend lineup and schedule
(All times BST)
FRIDAY, MAY 24
Main stage
- Chase & Status
- 1Xtra's Throwback Party with Joelah and Keke
- Becky Hill
- Ella Henderson
- Nathan Dawe
- Rudimental
- Radio 1 Anthems with Sam and Danni
- Radio 1's Dance Anthems with Charlie Hedges
- Radio 1's Party Anthems with Matt and Mollie
- Radio 1's Soundsystem Party with Jeremiah Asiamah
New Music stage
- Eric Prydz
- Diplo
- Dimension
- Hannah Laing
- Kenya Grace
- Sonny Fodera
- Wilkinson
Dance stage
- A Little Sound
- Ammara
- ESSEL
- Girls Don't Sync
- Joy Anonymous
- salute
- Sammy Virji
- Y U QT
Introducing stage
- charlieeeee
- Deeps
- JGrrey
- LAVZ
- Sam Girling
- Victor Ray
SATURDAY, MAY 25
Main stage
- RAYE
- 1Xtra's Throwback Party with Joelah and Keke
- Aitch
- Asian Network Certified with AJD
- Griff
- Jax Jones
- Joel Corry
- Mabel
- Rag’n’Bone Man
- Radio 1 Anthems with Sam and Danni
- Radio 1's Dance Anthems with Charlie Hedges
- Radio 1's Soundsystem Party with Jeremiah Asiamah
- Radio 1 Workout Anthems with Rickie and Melvin
New Music stage
- Charli XCX
- Alfie Templeman
- Caity Baser
- Cat Burns
- DYLAN
- The Last Dinner Party
- Shygirl
- Tems
Dance stage
- Asian Network Certified with AJD
- Charlie Tee
- DJ Target
- Jaguar
- Jeremiah Asiamah
- Kenny Allstar
- Panjabi Hit Squad
Introducing stage
- Cam Thomas
- Issey Cross
- Jarki Monno
- Kiimi
- Myles Smith
- NewDad
- Ryussi
- Saloni
SUNDAY, MAY 25
Main stage
- Coldplay
- AJ Tracey
- Alyx Holcombe
- Asian Network Certified with AJD
- Declan McKenna
- London Grammar
- Olly Alexander
- Vampire Weekend
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Radio 1 10s with Nat O'Leary
- Radio 1's Dance Anthems with Charlie Hedges
- Radio 1's Pop Anthems with Dean McCullough
- Radio 1's Rave Up with Arielle Free
- Radio 1 Workout Anthems with Rickie and Melvin
New Music stage
- beabadoobee
- CMAT
- Everything Everything
- FIZZ
- Olivia Dean
- Remi Wolf
- Sea Girls
- Teddy Swims
Dance stage
- Charlie Hedges
- Danny Howard
- DJ Kizzi
- Martha
- Sarah Story
- Tiffany Calver
Introducing stage
- Beth McCarthy
- Etta Marcus
- Frozemode
- JW Paris
- Low Girl
- Max Jones
- Picture Parlour
- Shehxna