Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get my tickets?
All tickets for Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be in the form of In App digital tickets, which will be sent to the purchaser within 2 weeks of the event, and no later than 3 days before. You can access your digital tickets in the Radio 1 Big Weekend App, using the same log in details (email address and password) used to purchase your tickets on Ticketmaster.co.uk. You will be required to show your digital tickets on entry to the event.
Tickets will not be emailed to you or available for print.
What happens if I don’t receive my digital tickets?
If you’re having problems accessing your digital tickets, please contact Ticketmaster Customer Service.
What if I can no longer attend?
If you have purchased tickets and can no longer attend the event, you may be able to sell your tickets at face value via Ticketmaster’s Fan to Fan resale. Fan-to-Fan resales will open for each specific event day once tickets for that day have sold out, and will close at midday on Friday 15th May 2026. With this exception, tickets may not be sold, traded, or offered for sale.
What are the opening/set times?
Friday 22nd May: Gates open at 2pm
Saturday 23rd May and Sunday 24th May: Gates open at 11am
Opening and set times will be released closer to the event.
When is last entry?
On all event days, the last entry is at 21.00, and the events will end at approx. 22:00.
What facilities will be provided for those with accessibility requirements?
Full information regarding accessible facilities available at this event and how ticketholders can register for these can be found on Accessibility Information page
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, but please be aware professional photography equipment such as zoom lenses or selfie sticks will not be permitted at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. A list of prohibited items can be found in the What to Bring section.
Can I bring my own food or drink?
Please see here for details regarding food and drink at the event.
You may bring in food and one soft drink to the event for your own personal consumption, provided the drink is in an unopened, sealed plastic or paper container no bigger than 500ml. Alcohol is NOT permitted to be taken into the event; neither are drinks in cans or glass containers. Empty re-usable bottles of any size metal or plastic (no glass) are permitted. Please refill your empty bottles at the water points inside the arena for free. Bottles must be sealed and untampered or empty so that they are not used for bringing in alcohol, you may be asked to dispose of liquid from any unsealed bottles.
How can I pay for food/drinks on site?
The event will operate as a contactless site, you can pay with debit card & Apple / Google pay.
Where can I charge my phone?
Phone charging facilities will be available for an additional cost
Is there a Lost Property point?
We will have a Lost Property point within the Welfare Tent, this will be open throughout the event.
For any lost property enquiries, please visit TLC Welfare.
Can I bring children/babies to the Event?
Parents and/or guardians are responsible for assessing whether the festival line-up, content, and atmosphere are appropriate for their child. While we strive to create an inclusive experience, some performances or environments may contain loud music, strong language, or other content that may not be suitable for younger attendees. Please review the line-up and event details before purchasing a ticket.
Security & Searches:
Event security at Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be briefed to permit those with babies / small children to bring larger bags into the arena – all bags will still be subject to a full search.
Buggies will also be permitted entry on to site and will be subject to searching. Please speak to the Security Supervisor at the main entrance if you have any questions.
There will be a welfare tent within the arena where baby changing facilities will be available.
Buggies & Pushchairs:
Buggies and pushchairs are allowed at this event. However, we strongly recommend that attendees be mindful that areas near the Main Stage will be extremely crowded, making it difficult to navigate with a buggy. For safety reasons, buggies may need to be moved to less crowded areas if necessary.
Please note child ‘pull along’ wagons/carts are not permitted at this event.
Can I bring my medication?
Generally, medication is not allowed at the event however, we understand that some people may need to carry this with them. If so, please bring your prescription or a doctor’s letter, and ID that matches your name and address. Keep all medication in its original packaging with your name on the label. Only bring the amount you need for the day and be ready to show these at the entrance if asked.
Check out our Accessibility Page for more information.
How do I stay up to date?
We’ll send you all the information you need to know about your visit in advance as well as updating the information here on our website. Plus, download the new Radio 1 Big Weekend App where you’ll be able to plan your day, make sure you don’t miss all your favourite artists, live updates.
Listen to Radio 1 in the run up to Big Weekend for all the latest.
If there’s anything you need while you’re at the event our staff will be on hand to help you.
Can my band play at Radio 1’s Big Weekend?
The line up for Radio 1 Big Weekend is curated by the Network’s Music Programming Team and will feature Artists from the Radio 1 playlist.
If you are a UK Artist wanting to play a BBC Festival stage you can send your music to the BBC Introducing uploader. You can upload tracks here and you may be considered for other events!
Any artist under the age of 16 would need a family member, guardian or carer to upload on their behalf. Please see the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before signing up.
How can I listen/ watch Radio 1's Big Weekend if I don't get tickets?
Performances and highlights will be available to watch/listen live across the weekend and in full on BBC iPlayer,BBC Sounds and at bbc.co.uk/bigweekend for 30 days. You can also find highlights on the Radio 1 YouTube channel.
Follow Radio 1 on Instagram and TikTok for all the behind-the-scenes content.
I live close to the event or operate a business in close proximity to the park, am I guaranteed a ticket?
Anyone living or operating a business in close proximity to Herrington Country Park and wanting to attend the event will need to follow the standard ticket purchase process – full ticketing information will be shared by the BBC in March 2026.
What about noise/ disturbance from the event?
The event will operate under an existing Premises Licence for Herrington Country Park and will adhere to the conditions of this licence. It is being organised by a team with a long track record of delivering major live music festivals and events across the UK and internationally, and a dedicated noise management team will be in place to manage this area.
There will be a dedicated helpline for any residents with any concerns including noise during the event, this phone number will be made available nearer the time.
How will the park be kept clean?
There will be a comprehensive cleansing plan in place in the run up to, during and after the three-day festival, which will see that the park is kept clean and tidy.
What about public access into the park?
It is the aim of the event organisers to minimise disruption as much as possible for regular users of Herrington Country Park whilst also adhering to Health & Safety legislation to keep everyone safe. In the lead up to the event and during the breakdown there will be some restricted areas as the event site is built / taken down.
Is camping available on site?
There will be no camping permitted within Herrington Country Park.
Can I take my dog to the event as it's in a park?
Only assistance dogs will be allowed for pre-registered access customers who have purchased tickets – full details on how to register for this can be found on Accessibility Information page
How do I contract the organisers?
Radio 1’s Big Weekend is organised in partnership by the BBC and Sunderland City Council.
Queries from local residents and businesses please use contact forms on www.mysunderland.co.uk/BBCbigweekend
Enquires from food traders should be directed to info@djcatering.co.uk
