The Radio 1 Big Weekend is a major music festival hosted annually by BBC Radio 1. It features some of the biggest artists in pop, rock, hip hop, and more performing live across multiple stages over a weekend. If you’re looking to attend Big Weekend this year, one of the key details you’ll want to know is how much tickets cost.
Ticket Prices
Big Weekend ticket prices can vary from year to year, but generally they are very reasonable for a major music festival. In recent years, standard weekend tickets have been priced around £20-50 for the full weekend. Tickets for the 2019 Big Weekend in Middlesbrough were £18 per day if purchased in advance.
There are usually tiered ticket options available as well:
- Standard tickets – £20-50 for the full weekend
- VIP tickets – £60-100 for upgraded amenities and access
- Camping tickets – £10-20 to camp on-site if available
Compared to many other festivals which can charge upwards of £200-300 for a weekend pass, Big Weekend offers a lot of music for a great value. As a publicly-sponsored event focused on youth, keeping ticket prices affordable and accessible is a priority.
When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
Tickets for the Radio 1 Big Weekend usually go on sale 4-6 months prior to the festival. The specific on-sale date is announced on the Radio 1 website and social media pages.
In recent years, the ticket on-sale dates have been:
Year | On-Sale Date |
---|---|
2019 Middlesbrough | February 25, 2019 |
2018 Swansea | January 29, 2018 |
2017 Hull | January 30, 2017 |
Demand for Big Weekend tickets is always extremely high. In 2019, over 80,000 fans applied for 45,000 weekend tickets in under an hour. Many buyers report the ticket website crashing due to high traffic volume when sales open. Arranging fast internet and being ready right when tickets go live gives you the best chance at securing them.
Where to Buy Tickets
Big Weekend tickets are sold through the official Radio 1 website. Here are some tips for navigating the ticket buying process:
- Set up an account ahead of time – This saves you precious seconds at checkout.
- Check the Radio 1 site frequently as the on-sale date approaches for updates.
- Have all your payment details saved and ready to go.
- Enlist friends to try for tickets too and coordinate – The more people trying, the better chance you have.
There are often pre-sales that give fans early access to tickets before the general on-sale date. These pre-sales require pre-registration and offer only a limited number of tickets. But it can be one way to beat the rush if you don’t score tickets during the main sale.
within minutes of the general on-sale time, so persistence is key. But with preparation and a little luck, you can get in on one of Britain’s best music festivals at an affordable price.
Who’s Headlining and Performing?
The Radio 1 Big Weekend lineup is always packed with an eclectic mix of top artists from the UK and around the world. While each year’s lineup varies, you can expect to see the hottest acts in pop, hip hop, dance, rock, indie and other genres performing.
Some examples of major artists that have headlined or performed at recent Big Weekends include:
- Ed Sheeran
- Taylor Swift
- Bruno Mars
- Sam Smith
- Cardi B
- Anne-Marie
- Rita Ora
- Twenty One Pilots
- Florence + The Machine
- Kings of Leon
- Stormzy
- Dua Lipa
The specific lineup for each year is usually announced 2-3 months before the festival. It’s kept secret up until then! But you can always expect A-list stars, the hottest new acts, and fresh discoveries at Big Weekend.
How Many Stages Are There?
The Radio 1 Big Weekend takes place on multiple stages throughout a large outdoor site or stadium venue. The exact number and layout varies by location, but you can typically expect to find:
- Main Stage – Headliners and top acts on the biggest stage.
- In New Music We Trust Stage – New and emerging artists.
- BBC Introducing Stage – Acts curated by BBC Introducing shows and DJs.
- Dance Stage – DJs and electronic acts.
With this multi-stage setup at Big Weekend, there is continuous live music going on from the start of the festival each day until the end. You’ll have to choose between overlapping sets and navigate from stage to stage to catch all your must-see acts.
What are the Big Weekend Set Times?
Doors at Big Weekend typically open around 11am or noon each day. The first acts will hit the stages shortly after doors open and the music continues nonstop until about 10pm when the headliner closes out the night.
Set times are posted in advance on the Radio 1 website and app so you can plan who to see. Main stage headliners usually play for 60-90 minutes in the prime time slots of 7-10pm. Other acts get 30-45 minute sets scattered throughout the day across the various stages.
With savvy scheduling, you can usually catch portions of 4-6 acts each day. It’s a marathon, so be ready to do a lot of walking between stages and standing for 10+ hours!
How Does the Big Weekend Weather Affect Plans?
Since Big Weekend is an outdoor festival in the UK, weather can definitely impact the experience. Rainy or cold conditions make navigating between muddy stages a challenge.
If heavy rain and lightning storms occur, sets may be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons. Umbrellas are typically not allowed for fears of obstructing views, so pack ponchos and rain boots if the forecast looks stormy.
Big Weekend happens every year in late May or early June, so mild weather and sunshine are more likely than winter conditions. But you have to be prepared for anything – layers and rain gear are a smart packing list move.
When and Where is Big Weekend 2023?
The location for Big Weekend 2023 has not been officially announced yet by BBC Radio 1. It will be held somewhere in the UK over a weekend in late May or early June as usual.
In recent years, Big Weekend has visited cities like Inverness, Hull, Swansea, and Middlesbrough. The festival often moves between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Once the 2023 location is confirmed, transportation and hotel accommodations in that city are sure to book up fast. Keep an eye out for the venue announcement so you can start making plans!
Top Tips for Attending
Here are some top tips for making the most of your Radio 1 Big Weekend experience:
- Study the set times – Use the Radio 1 app to build your schedule in advance.
- Arrive early – Give yourself extra time to get through security.
- Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated and save money.
- Portable phone charger – Your phone will drain fast from photos and videos.
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll walk 10+ miles over the weekend!
- Cash – Vendors may not take credit cards.
- Earplugs – Protect your hearing without missing the music.
- Weather essentials – Sunscreen, poncho, umbrella, etc.
Most importantly, go in with an open mind ready to discover new acts and make amazing memories. Big Weekend is a highlight of the UK music calendar, so embrace every moment!
How to Watch and Listen from Home
Can’t make it to Big Weekend in person this year? You can still join in on the fun by tuning in from home.
BBC Radio 1 provides many options for at-home listening and viewing:
- Live radio broadcast all weekend on BBC Radio 1.
- Live stream on BBC Radio 1’s website.
- Live stream on Radio 1’s YouTube channel.
- Live updates on Radio 1’s Facebook page.
- Performances and highlights on BBC iPlayer.
The Radio 1 website also has fun extras like exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. So even if you can’t make it in person, soak up the Big Weekend magic across BBC’s digital platforms.
Start Getting Excited!
The Radio 1 Big Weekend brings the biggest pop music party to a different UK city each year. Now that you know all about the festival and how to get tickets, it’s time to get hyped.
Keep posted on Radio 1 for the 2023 details including location, dates, and lineup. This guide told you everything you need to know to score tickets, plan your weekend, and have an epic time at an incredible value. See you at Big Weekend!