BBC Radio 1’s Nick Grimshaw this morning announced that Coldplay, Ellie Goulding, Chase and Status, Bring Me the Horizon and Craig David will perform at Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2016. The news was announced on Nick’s Radio 1 Breakfast Show, with the DJ also revealing that Radio 1’s Big Weekend - the station’s flagship live music event - will be held in Exeter on 28th and 29th May.
Hosted by Radio 1 DJs, Radio 1’s Big Weekend is Europe’s largest free ticketed festival and has an unrivalled reputation for attracting live performances from some of the biggest and newest UK and international acts, bringing the nation together for a shared live music moment.
Thousands of lucky music fans will be able to enjoy the 2016 event that will be held at Powderham Castle - with the majority of the free tickets going to the residents of Exeter and the surrounding areas.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend travels to areas that wouldn’t usually host large scale music events of this kind. As well as shining a spotlight on the host city, in the lead up and via the event’s coverage, Radio 1’s Big Weekend provides a major boost to the local economy. The event is now in its 13th year and will be produced in partnership with Exeter City and Teignbridge District Councils.
Further information about Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2016, including the full line-up will be announced on Radio 1 in the coming months. Ticketing details will be revealed on Radio 1 on 21st March.
For the fifth year running, in the lead up to Big Weekend, Radio 1 and BBC Learning will produce Radio 1’s Academy, which aims to inspire local 16-19 year olds to take the next step in creative careers. Radio 1’s Academy will include a series of special events, local engagement and face-to-face activity in the area, beginning in April and culminating in May with a packed week of radio shows, gigs, masterclasses and Q&As. Keep listening to Radio 1 for further details.
Chris Martin from Coldplay says: “I was born and raised in Exeter so being part of Radio 1’s Big Weekend this year means a huge amount to me personally. I lived the first few years of my life less than 500 yards from where we’ll be performing so this couldn’t be more of a homecoming for me. Guy, Will, Jonny and I are honoured to be on the bill and we’re looking forward to a very special show.”
Ellie Goulding says: “Radio 1's Big Weekend is always a great event, and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it again this year.”
Craig David says: “I've always been a huge fan of Radio 1's Big Weekend and I'm excited to be a part of it this year. From hearing 'When The Bassline Drops' on the station to playing it live for the fans, this has been one of the most exciting journeys of my career.”
Nick Grimshaw says: “Big Weekend is my highlight of the year - I can't wait to bring you the best in live music and to spend a weekend celebrating the start of the summer in Exeter.”
Ben Cooper, Controller, Radio 1 and 1Xtra says: “We’ve taken Lady Gaga to Carlisle, Taylor Swift to Norwich and now we’re taking Chris Martin back home. We’re very proud to be able to bring such a diverse range of acts to Exeter, where they’ll be part of our biggest weekend of the year.”
Exeter City Council Leader Pete Edwards, said: “This is so exciting for the city and for the young people of Exeter and Teignbridge. The atmosphere will be amazing at Powderham Castle - a once in a lifetime experience.”
Cllr Jeremy Christophers, Leader of Teignbridge District Council, said: “Teignbridge District Council cannot wait to welcome Radio 1 and some of the world’s top artists to this beautiful part of Devon. The Academy will inspire hundreds of local 16-19 years old to take the next step in their careers and will set the scene for an unforgettable few days - and best of all it’s free!”
Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be broadcast live on Radio 1, streamed in vision at bbc.co.uk/radio1, with highlights on 1Xtra. All performances will be available to watch on demand on Radio 1’s BBC iPlayer channel (bbc.co.uk/tv/radio1).
