Radio 2 in the Park 2026 – Tickets, Lineup & Complete Guide
BBC Radio 2 in the Park has grown from a single-day London concert into a multi-day festival that travels to different UK cities. The 2026 edition is set for Stirling, Scotland, though several details remain unconfirmed. This guide brings together the latest information on tickets, lineups, timings, live streaming options, venue history, and what is still uncertain.
Radio 2 in the Park is organised by BBC Radio 2 and has been held annually since 2011, with a pause during the pandemic. The event typically features a mix of well-known heritage acts and contemporary artists, broadcast live on radio and streamed online. For 2026, the festival is expected to take place in Stirling, but exact dates and the full lineup have not yet been officially confirmed.
This article covers everything currently known about the 2026 event, past editions, and how to plan for attendance, based on official BBC announcements, historical records, and ticketing platforms.
How can I get Radio 2 in the Park tickets?
BBC Radio 2’s annual music festival.
City Park, Stirling, 11–13 September 2026 (dates vary by source).
To be announced for 2026; 2025 featured Bryan Adams and Def Leppard.
On sale via Ticketmaster; check the BBC website for priority information.
Key insights
- The festival has evolved from a single-day London event to a multi-day festival moving to different UK cities, including Preston, Chelmsford, and now Stirling.
- Ticket demand is high; the 2025 Chelmsford event sold out quickly, so setting alerts for 2026 is advisable.
- The official app provides real-time schedules, maps, and notifications – a useful tool for attendees.
- Past lineups consistently mix heritage acts such as Sting and Kylie Minogue with contemporary artists, and a similar blend is expected for 2026.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 (as ‘Radio 2 in Hyde Park’) |
| Organiser | BBC Radio 2 |
| 2025 Venue | Hylands Park, Chelmsford |
| 2026 Venue | City Park, Stirling (most likely official location) |
| 2025 Headliners | Bryan Adams, Def Leppard |
| 2026 Dates | 11–13 September 2026 (some sources list different dates) |
| Official App | Available on Google Play and the App Store |
Tickets for the 2026 Stirling edition have not yet gone on sale. No confirmed on-sale date has been announced, and the lineup remains listed as TBA on ticketing sites. According to Wikipedia, past ticket sales have been managed primarily through Ticketmaster, with occasional priority access for BBC Radio 2 listeners. The event is described as family friendly, though under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult, according to Skiddle.
Who is performing at Radio 2 in the Park?
2026 lineup – still unconfirmed
As of now, no artists have been officially announced for the 2026 festival. The headliners and supporting acts are marked as TBA (to be announced) across all major ticketing and event platforms. The BBC has not yet released any lineup details for the Stirling edition.
2025 lineup at Hylands Park, Chelmsford
The 2025 event, scheduled for 6–7 September at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, is headlined by Bryan Adams and Def Leppard. Tickets went on sale shortly after the location was confirmed. This information is recorded on Wikipedia.
Past lineups as a guide
Looking at previous years can give a sense of what to expect. In 2023, Kylie Minogue headlined Leicester’s Victoria Park, with support from Rick Astley, Sam Ryder, James Blunt, Bananarama, and Tears for Fears. In 2024, Pet Shop Boys and Snow Patrol topped the bill at Moor Park, Preston. For broader entertainment coverage, the Cast of the Holiday – Cast List & Where Are They Now 2025 offers related reading on past festival lineups and artist histories.
Radio 2 in the Park typically mixes heritage acts with current chart artists. Based on previous years, the 2026 lineup is likely to include a blend of classic pop, rock, and contemporary names, though nothing is confirmed.
What are the Radio 2 in the Park timings and schedule?
Typical event structure
The festival traditionally runs across two days, with doors opening in the late morning and music continuing into the evening. Exact set times are usually released a few weeks before the event via the official BBC Radio 2 in the Park app and the BBC website.
2026 schedule – not yet available
Daily timings for the 2026 Stirling event have not been published. Once the lineup is confirmed and the date draws nearer, the BBC typically releases a detailed schedule. For reference, the 2025 Chelmsford event is scheduled across 6–7 September, with each day featuring multiple acts from early afternoon until around 10 p.m.
Using the official app for real-time updates
The official Radio 2 in the Park app, available on Google Play and the App Store, provides real-time schedules, interactive maps, and push notifications for any last-minute changes. It is the most reliable way to stay informed on the day.
Can I watch Radio 2 in the Park live?
Yes, Radio 2 in the Park performances are traditionally broadcast live on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, and are also live streamed on BBC iPlayer. This allows audiences across the UK and beyond to follow the festival without attending in person.
The BBC iPlayer Radio 2 in the Park collection also features full sets from previous years, giving viewers a chance to experience past performances. This coverage has been a standard part of the festival since its early editions, as noted on Wikipedia.
You can listen live on BBC Radio 2 or BBC Sounds, watch selected sets on BBC iPlayer, and check the official app for real-time updates. The 2026 broadcasts have not been formally announced but are expected to follow this pattern.
While past editions have been streamed live, BBC iPlayer access is typically restricted to UK viewers. International audiences may need to check local broadcast options or use a VPN, subject to BBC terms.
What is the history of Radio 2 in the Park?
The festival has undergone significant changes since its launch. Below is a timeline of key editions, venues, and headliners.
- 2011–2019: Held annually in Hyde Park, London.
- 2020–2022: Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2023: Returned at Victoria Park, Leicester, with headliner Kylie Minogue.
- 2024: Held at Moor Park, Preston, headlined by Pet Shop Boys and Snow Patrol.
- 2025: Scheduled for Hylands Park, Chelmsford, with Bryan Adams and Def Leppard.
- 2026: Announced for City Park, Stirling; headliners and full lineup TBA.
This timeline is based on information from Wikipedia and official BBC announcements. The move away from London after 2019 marked a strategic shift to reach wider audiences across the UK.
Where is Radio 2 in the Park held?
The 2026 event is confirmed for Stirling, Scotland, but the exact venue and dates are not yet fully settled across all sources.
Established information
- The 2026 festival will take place in Stirling, Scotland, as confirmed by BBC Radio 2.
- The most likely official location is City Park, Stirling, according to Wikipedia and Stereoboard.
- One source lists 11–13 September 2026 as the dates.
Information that remains unclear
- One festival guide suggests Stirling Albert Halls as the venue, which conflicts with other listings and appears less reliable for an outdoor festival.
- Date information is inconsistent: some sources say 7–9 August 2026, while others say 7–9 September or 11–13 September 2026.
- The full lineup, exact daily schedules, and ticket on-sale dates have not been announced.
Previous editions have been held at Hyde Park (London), Victoria Park (Leicester), Moor Park (Preston), and Hylands Park (Chelmsford). Each move reflects the BBC’s regional outreach strategy.
Why did Radio 2 in the Park move from London?
After a decade in Hyde Park, the festival was paused during the pandemic and returned in 2023 with a new format. Rather than returning to London, the BBC chose to move the event to different UK cities each year. This shift mirrors the approach of other BBC radio festivals, such as Radio 1’s Big Weekend, which also rotates locations to reach regional audiences.
The relocation to Leicester, Preston, Chelmsford, and now Stirling is part of a broader strategy to make the festival more accessible to listeners across the country and to support local tourism. Each host city has reported increased visitor numbers and economic benefits during the event weekend.
The BBC has not publicly detailed the exact reasoning for each venue change, but the pattern clearly points to a deliberate policy of regional rotation rather than a permanent London base.
What do official sources say about Radio 2 in the Park?
“Radio 2 in the Park 2026 is coming to City Park, Stirling.”
— Gary Davies, BBC Radio 2 Breakfast
“Two days of brilliant live sets from music’s biggest acts.”
— BBC Radio 2 official website
These quotes are drawn from the BBC’s official communications. The festival’s history and past lineups are documented on Wikipedia, and ticketing information is primarily handled through Ticketmaster.
What should I know before attending Radio 2 in the Park?
The festival is a ticketed, non-free event with no on-site camping, so nearby accommodation must be arranged separately. It is family friendly, though under-18s need to be accompanied by an adult. For those who cannot attend in person, live broadcasts on BBC Radio 2, BBC Sounds, and BBC iPlayer provide full access to the performances. For more details on event venues and capacity in Scotland, you may also find the P&J Live – Aberdeen Events, Tickets & Capacity Guide useful.
Frequently asked questions
Is Radio 2 in the Park free?
No, it is a ticketed event with paid admission.
Can I bring children to Radio 2 in the Park?
Yes, but age restrictions may apply. Check the venue policy.
Will Radio 2 in the Park 2026 be broadcast on TV?
Yes, portions are typically broadcast on BBC TV and iPlayer.
Are there camping options at Radio 2 in the Park?
No, the festival is a day/night event without on-site camping. Nearby accommodation is needed.
What is the official Radio 2 in the Park app?
An official app is available for iOS and Android, offering schedules, maps, and notifications.
Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?
Refund policies vary by ticket seller. Check the terms at the point of purchase.
Is the festival accessible for wheelchair users?
BBC events generally provide accessible viewing platforms and facilities. Contact the venue for specific arrangements.
How do I get to City Park, Stirling?
Stirling is served by train and bus. City Park is a short walk from the city centre. Check local transport for event-day services.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Policies vary by venue. Generally, sealed water bottles are allowed, but full picnic hampers may not be permitted.
When will the 2026 lineup be announced?
No date has been confirmed for the lineup announcement. Previous years saw announcements a few months before the event.
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