Olivia Dean Set to Headline BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 in Sunderland
Olivia Dean is slated to top the bill for the grand finale of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend as the touring festival makes its way to Sunderland, England, from May 22–24.
The acclaimed British soul-pop artist, who recently dominated the BRIT Awards with four wins, will anchor the main stage on Sunday, May 24. Joining her for the final day’s festivities are global pop star Niall Horan and R&B standout Kehlani.
The star-studded roster continues throughout the weekend, featuring main stage performances from Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson, and Lola Young. The event kicks off on Friday with a heavy focus on dance music, headlined by electronic pioneers Fatboy Slim and Sonny Fodera.
Sunday’s schedule also includes appearances by CMAT and Myles Smith on the primary stage. Meanwhile, the festival’s New Music Stage will host a vibrant selection of talent, including sets from Ezra Collective, FLO, and Jorja Smith.
This year’s event will be staged at Herrington Country Park, marking Sunderland’s first time hosting the Big Weekend. The festival has a tradition of rotating through various UK locations, with recent stops including Liverpool (2025), Luton (2024), and Dundee, Scotland (2023).
At 26, Dean is currently enjoying a meteoric rise following the debut of her second studio album, The Art of Loving. Her recent accolades include winning the Best New Artist trophy at the Grammy Awards. Later this year, she is scheduled to perform a highly anticipated six-night residency at London’s iconic O2 Arena.
Niall Horan is also preparing for a busy season, with his latest single, “Dinner Party,” scheduled for release on March 20. The track represents his first solo material since his 2023 UK Number 1 album, The Show. He also recently collaborated with Myles Smith on the acoustic-leaning track “Drive Safe.”
Founded in 2003, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend began as a free community-focused event designed to bring world-class music to different corners of the United Kingdom. Over the last two decades, it has transformed into one of the country’s premier music festivals, previously hosting legendary acts such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Sabrina Carpenter, and Coldplay.
Tickets for the festival’s opening night are already available via the official BBC website. General sale for Saturday and Sunday passes will begin at 5 p.m. GMT on March 11, with local Sunderland residents being granted priority access.
Standard day tickets are priced at £44.50 (approximately $60), while VIP packages are available for £106 ($142.73).
