Olivia Dean to Close Out Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026
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Olivia Dean will headline the final night of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend as the popular festival arrives in Sunderland, England, from May 22-24.
The British pop and soul artist, who recently garnered four awards at this year’s BRIT Awards, will close the Sunday main stage alongside Niall Horan, the former One Direction member, and U.S. R&B star Kehlani.
The lineup also includes performances by Zara Larsson, Louis Tomlinson, and Lola Young throughout the weekend. The festivities will kick off on Friday with a dance music-driven opening day featuring renowned DJs Fatboy Slim and Sonny Fodera.
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Other acts on Sunday’s main stage include CMAT and Myles Smith, while the festival’s new music stage will feature performances from Ezra Collective, FLO, and Jorja Smith, among others.
This year’s event will mark the first time BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is held in Sunderland, having previously taken place in cities such as Liverpool, Luton, and Dundee in recent years.
At 26, Dean is enjoying a remarkable breakout year following the release of her second album, The Art of Loving, last September. She was awarded the best new artist title at this year’s Grammy Awards and is scheduled to headline six sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena later this year.
Meanwhile, Horan is preparing to release his new single, “Dinner Party,” on March 20, marking his first solo project since his chart-topping album, The Show, which debuted in 2023. He recently collaborated on the track “Drive Safe” by Myles Smith.
Since its inception in 2003, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend has evolved into a major free annual festival aimed at showcasing pop artists across different regions of the U.K. The event has featured a plethora of stars over the years, including Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Harry Styles.
Tickets for the opening day of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend went on sale last week, with Saturday and Sunday tickets available starting March 11 at 5 p.m. GMT, prioritizing local residents. General admission tickets for Saturday and Sunday are priced at £44.50 ($60) per day, while VIP options are available for £106 ($142.73).
