Radio 1's Big Weekend is making a physical return this weekend after two years of streamed events. 2020 saw the festival's first virtual occasion, with artists performing from stripped-back sets fashioned within their homes, whilst 2021's event incorporated both Live Lounge performances and new artists making their festival debuts from home.
This year's festival, which is taking place in Coventry, is therefore anticipated to be a momentous occasion, as thousands of music fans are set to turn out to celebrate the return of festivals and live music after a rocky two years. The ticketing process was difficult for some, with those from postcodes local to Coventry being prioritised when tickets went on sale, which was not great news for those keen to travel to the festival.
The line-up incorporates some of the most popular British artists of this generation, such as Harry Styles, Sam Fender, George Ezra, Charli XCX, Calvin Harris, Anne-Marie, and Ed Sheeran. If you did not get tickets, but still want to tune in to watch Radio 1's Big Weekend and hear the biggest hits, then here's how.
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How to watch/listen:
Music lovers will be able to watch all the action live from the comfort of their own homes over the course of the coming weekend. From Friday night to Saturday night, BBC 1's Big Weekend will be livestreamed on BBC iPlayer - the stream times are as follows:
Friday, May 27
- Radio 1 Dance Stage: 7pm - 11pm
Saturday, May 28
- Main Stage: 12:30pm - 10:15pm
- Future Sounds Stage: 12:55pm - 9:45pm
Sunday, May 29
- Main Stage: 12:30pm - 10:15pm
- Future Sounds Stage: 1:05pm - 9:45pm
Highlights will be broadcast on TV over the weekend, too, if you're hoping to gather your family round to watch Big Weekend's biggest moments. On Saturday, May 28 at 10:20pm, BBC One will be broadcasting the highlights, with Radio 1's Clara Amfo, Vick Hope and Jordan North presenting.
For the Harry Styles fans among us, you will be able to watch the former One Direction member's set at 10:40pm on BBC One, which will be presented by Clara Amfo. Over on Red Button, Radio 1's Big Weekend Coventry - The Warm Up will help you get in the mood for Big Weekend, airing from Saturday, May 21 - Friday, May 27.
If you're busy this weekend but you don't want to miss out on the action, then fear not, as you will still be able to catch performances after the festival has wrapped up. You will be able to catch up on and revisit your favourite artist's performances for up to 30 days after broadcast.
Every set from both the Radio 1 and Future Sounds stages will be available to watch on demand on iPlayer, as well as selected tracks from across the weekend. BBC Sounds will also allow fans to enjoy live music moments from both stages.
If watching this weekend's performances simply is not enough for you, then you can have the ultimate behind-the-scenes Big Weekend experience via social media, through TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The BBC will be sharing clips from all Main Stage and Future Sounds performances, and will give viewers an exclusive glimpse backstage, treating them to moments with artists that fans usually don't get to experience.
On Radio 1 on Friday, May 27, there will be DJ sets aired live in full from 7pm - 12am, and all day programming will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Live sets will be broadcast from 12:30pm - 1am, including performances from the big-name headline acts.
Who is performing?
Now for the all-important question: who is performing this weekend? Here's the day-by-day line-up.
Friday, May 27
Future Sounds Stage:
- Disclosure
- BOYOCA
- Danny Howard
- Eats Everything b2b Shermanology
- Jodie Harsh
- LP Giobbi b2b Ben Hemsley
- Patrick Topping
- Pete Tong b2b Franky Wah
- Sam Divine
- Sarah Story b2b Jaguar
Radio 1 Dance Stage:
- AmyElle
- Bklava
- Craig and Grant Gordon
- Emily Nash
- LF System
- Meg Ward
- Nia Archives
- Prospa
BBC Music Introducing Stage:
- Anish Kumar
- Barry Can't Swim
- Hannah Laing
- Jaguar b2b ABSOLUTE
- Junior SIMBA
- Kilig
- Lau.ra
- TAAHLIAH
Saturday, May 28
Main Stage:
- Calvin Harris
- Ed Sheeran
- Aitch
- AJ Tracey
- Anne-Marie
- Central Cee
- Joel Corry
- YUNGBLUD
Future Sounds Stage:
- Sam Fender
- Easy Life
- Fontaines D.C.
- KSI
- Mimi Webb
- Pa Salieu
- Sigrid
- Tom Grennan
Radio 1 Dance Stage:
- Adele Roberts
- Charlie Tee
- Gemma Bradley
- Jaguar
- Nadia Jae
- Pete Tong
René LaVice
Sarah Story
Radio 1 Relax Tent:
- Penelope
- Sian Eleri
BBC Music Introducing Stage:
- Artemas
- Celina Sharma
- Deyah
- Jordan Mackampa
- Tamera
- Thomas Headon
- USNA
- Willow Kayne
Sunday, May 29
Main Stage:
- Harry Styles
- George Ezra
- Becky Hill
- Charli XCX
- Dermot Kennedy
- Jax Jones
- Lorde
- Mabel
Future Sounds Stage:
- Foals
- Alfie Templeman
- Griff
- Holly Humberstone
- Joy Crookes
- Koffee
- Rina Sawayama
- Wet Leg
Radio 1 Dance Stage:
- Arielle Free
- Danny Howard
- Jeremiah Asiamah
- Kenny Allstar
- Matty Chiabi
- Sian Anderson
- Target
- Tiffany Calver
Radio 1 Relax Tent:
- Jess Iszatt
- Jessie Marcella
BBC Music Introducing Stage:
- Alfie Indra
- Crawlers
- Danniella Dee
- Hope Tala
- Lizzie Esau
- piri & tommy
- Queen Millz
- Sad Night Dynamite
Let us know if you are looking forward to Radio 1's Big Weekend by logging in and leaving a comment down below.
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