Everything you need to know about Radio 1's Big Weekend coming to Liverpool

HUGE NEWS! The iconic Radio 1’s Big Weekend is heading to Liverpool!

One of the UK’s most anticipated music events, Radio 1’s Big Weekend, is back for another incredible year, this time in our very own city.

The announcement took place this morning, Tuesday 28 January, on Radio 1’s Breakfast show hosted by Greg James. Who has been bigging up the event all morning!

Radio 1’s Big Weekend has hosted some of the biggest names in music, and 2025 promises to be no exception.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event, from the lineup to the tickets and what to expect:

When and where is it happening?

Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025 is set to take place over three days, for an unforgettable weekend of music.

Past host cities including Middlesbrough, Coventry, and Dundee.

And now, the festival is finally coming to Liverpool, held at the iconic Sefton Park on 23 – 25 May 2025.

Credit: Radio 1's Big Weekend — Credit: Radio 1’s Big Weekend

Why has Radio 1 chosen Liverpool?

The city is no stranger to huge events, and with our musical history it’s about time we were chosen to host Radio 1’s Big Weekend right?

Here’s a few reasons why they may have chosen us:

UNESCO City of Music: Liverpool proudly holds the prestigious title of UNESCO City of Music, a recognition of its unmatched contributions to the global music scene. From The Beatles to today’s local talent, music is in the city’s DNA.
We know how to host BIG events: Liverpool has a proven track record of hosting unforgettable events. From Cunard’s Queen Anne naming ceremony to the spectacular Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, the city has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class celebrations.
Sefton Park is the perfect venue: Sefton Park is no stranger to hosting major festivals, including Africa Oyé, LIMF, and Fusion Festival. It’s the ideal backdrop for Radio 1’s biggest weekend of the year.
The stars love Liverpool: When Taylor Swift came to town, she ignited a wave of “Swiftie fever” across the city. P!NK also wowed crowds with her incredible live performance last year. In 2025, even more stars are set to descend on Liverpool, making us a go-to destination for music icons.

This morning, Greg James was asking listeners about where to go in Liverpool and how ‘excited’ he is to explore the city properly for once during the weekend.

The lineup

The lineup for Big Weekend is always legendary, and 2025 is will be no different.

The first artists to be announced are (in alphabetical order):

Wet Leg
Blossoms
Lola Young
Myles Smith
Sam Fender

Previous years have seen performances from global superstars like Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Stormzy, and Rihanna.

Expect a mix of chart-toppers, rising stars, and Radio 1 favourites across multiple stages.

Full lineup announcements will be made closer to the date, so keep listening to Radio 1 to find out more, and stick with us here at The Guide Liverpool as we bring you all the latest!

How to get tickets

Tickets for Big Weekend are notoriously in high demand. Typically, they’re released in phases, with a significant portion allocated to residents of the host area. Last year, 40% of tickets were allocated for the residents of the host city.

So good news if you have a Liverpool post code!

Usually you enter ballot to see if you can buy your tickets, so keep an eye on Radio 1’s official channels for release dates and prices… tickets in 2024 cost £29.50 with a £4.50 booking fee.

What to expect

Over the course of the weekend, around 100 acts will take to the stage, from the biggest artists in the world to exciting new and emerging artists, performing across four stages: Radio 1 Main Stage, Radio 1 New Music Stage, Radio 1 Dance and BBC Introducing. With over 100,000 music fans expected to attend, the event promises to be an unforgettable music spectacular.

Festival Vibes: Expect food stalls, fun activities, and areas to chill between sets.
Live Broadcasts: If you can’t attend in person, don’t worry. Radio 1 will broadcast performances live on radio, TV, and online, so you won’t miss a moment.

Travel and accommodation

Big Weekend is a camp free festival so if you’re coming from outside of the city it may be worth booking a hotel so it’s best you plan ahead!

With thousands of fans flocking to the event, hotels and transport options fill up quickly. Liverpool has loads of hotels across the city, and Sefton Park is walking distance from St Michael’s train station in Aigburth.

Just a quick stroll down Lark Lane and you will be there.

Why you should go

Radio 1’s Big Weekend isn’t just a music festival – it’s an experience. It brings together fans, and global superstars for a weekend of incredible live music – we can feel the excitement already.

Whether you’re there to see your favourite headliner or discover new artists, it’s a celebration of music you won’t want to miss.

Stay updated

For the latest announcements, follow Radio 1 on social media and visit the official Big Weekend website, and don’t forget we at The Guide Liverpool will be bringing you all the latest news and info.