It's music to our ears – Radio 1 Big Weekend to bring superstars to city

It's been announced that Radio 1's Big Weekend is heading to Sunderland in 2026.

- by Katy Wheeler

It's been 20 years since one of the country's biggest live music events lit up the city.

But it's been announced that it's returning to Herrington Country Park from May 22-24.

Speaking to Alex Winn from Sunderland band Swindled, Greg James confirmed it was coming to the city on Radio 1 Breakfast.

Alex, who just played a sold-out gig at Pop Recs, said on the show: "It's absolutely unbelievable, really.

"Everything in the city is going one way at the minute, with the Music City team and the football club's doing really well, so it's all positive news really."

Over the course of the weekend, around 100 acts will perform-from the biggest names in music to exciting new and emerging artists.

With around 80,000 fans expected to attend, the event promises to be an unforgettable start to the UK's festival season.

The festival will shine a light on the city and the surrounding area and provide a major boost to the local economy, with huge demand for tickets ensuring the event sells out almost immediately every year.

Sunderland City Council is working alongside the North East Combined Authority to bring the event to the city.