Radio 1’s Big Weekend is a major UK music festival organized by BBC Radio 1. It is held each year in different locations across the UK and features performances from top artists. Many people are interested in attending Big Weekend but want to know how much the tickets cost before deciding to go.
Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for Radio 1’s Big Weekend vary depending on the location and year. Here are some example ticket prices from recent years:
Year | Location | Ticket Price |
---|---|---|
2022 | Coventry | £20 |
2021 | Online only | Free |
2019 | Middlesbrough | £18 |
As you can see, ticket prices in recent years have ranged from free up to £20. The festival was held online only in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so no physical tickets were sold.
How Tickets Are Sold
Tickets for Radio 1’s Big Weekend are extremely limited and highly sought after. There is always much more demand than supply. Tickets are allocated via a lottery system each year to ensure fairness.
Those hoping to attend must register their interest in advance online. The registration window is usually open 6-8 weeks before the festival. On the ticket sale date, registered fans are randomly selected to get access to purchase tickets. This lottery method aims to give everyone an equal chance at securing tickets.
Other Ways to Get Tickets
Because tickets sell out instantly every year, there are very limited ways to get them aside from the main lottery system.
Some tickets may be held back to be given away through BBC Radio 1 contests and giveaways. Following Radio 1 on social media and being aware of any special contests can help score access this way.
It is also possible to try to purchase tickets from third party resellers and ticket exchange sites. However, prices are usually inflated drastically above face value.
Tips for Getting Tickets
Here are some top tips for giving yourself the best shot at securing the coveted Radio 1 Big Weekend tickets:
- Register for tickets during the advance window well before the sale date.
- Make sure your personal info and payment details are up to date to streamline the purchase.
- Be on the ticketing website early on sale morning and keep refreshing.
- Have all household members register separately to increase chances.
- Follow Radio 1 social media for any presales or contests.
- Consider paying a bit more via a reseller if desperate to go.
The Experience
Securing tickets to Radio 1’s Big Weekend is difficult, but well worth it for the experience if you manage to get them.
It is one of the biggest music events in the UK each year. Fans get to see many top artists across genres like pop, rock, indie, dance and more perform. There are also opportunities to meet DJs and personalities from Radio 1 as well.
Each Big Weekend location also offers a chance to experience a different part of the UK. Whether it’s a major city like London or a smaller destination like Dundee, there is a uniqueness to each setting.
The festival atmosphere with all the music fans camping out and enjoying the performances together is electric. For major pop and rock fans, going to Radio 1’s Big Weekend is a dream.
Setlist Examples
To get a better idea of who you might see perform if you are able to get Radio 1 Big Weekend tickets, here are some examples of past setlists:
Radio 1 Big Weekend – Glasgow, 2018
- Taylor Swift
- Ed Sheeran
- Dua Lipa
- Sam Smith
- Fall Out Boy
- Shawn Mendes
Radio 1 Big Weekend – Hull, 2017
- Katy Perry
- Kings of Leon
- Little Mix
- Stormzy
- Zara Larsson
- Rita Ora
As you can see, the lineups always include the most popular music artists from a range of genres. There is something for all pop music lovers to enjoy.
Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, whether or not Radio 1’s Big Weekend is worth trying to get tickets for comes down to personal music taste and budget.
For huge pop and rock music fans, especially of the artists that tend to perform, Big Weekend is likely one of the best festivals all year. The chance to see so many top acts together in one place makes tickets worthwhile.
However, given the effort required to actually obtain tickets through the lottery system along with travel expenses, it may not be worth it for more casual music listeners. Spending upwards of £100+ for tickets and travel for a festival with mainstream artists may not fit into everyone’s budget or interests.
Conclusion
Radio 1’s Big Weekend offers an amazing music festival experience to see a stacked lineup of today’s biggest pop stars. But for those considering attending, tickets are notoriously difficult and expensive to acquire. Planning well ahead and being strategic with ticket registrations gives you the best shot at getting in on the Big Weekend fun.