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"Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" will this year come from Sunderland, as BBC Radio 1 again assembles some of the most exciting stars in the world for a weekend of live music over the late May bank holiday. This year's lineup is banging, too — Fatboy Slim, Zara Larsson, Ellie Goulding and Olivia Dean are all performing at Herrington Country Park.
Here's how to watch "Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" Sunderland online from anywhere with this VPN — and potentially for free.
"Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" Sunderland is a three-day event running from Friday, May 22 through to Sunday, May 24. Sets and highlights will be broadcast on BBC One and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.
• WATCH FREE — BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch BBC iPlayer anywhere — use NordVPN 100% risk-free
In the past, the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Stormzy, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Bruno Mars have appeared across such venues as Exeter, Coventry, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Norwich.
This year, there are more than 100 artists performing, with huge names like Fatboy Slim, MK, and Sonny Fodera on the Friday for a night of dance music. There's more of a pop vibe on Saturday, with Zara Larsson, Ellie Goulding, Skye Newman, and Lola Young on the schedule. For the final day on Sunday, the main attraction will be Olivia Dean — artists don't get much bigger for the festival closer.
So, get on your dancing shoes and read on now to find out how you can watch "Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" online and from anywhere.
Can I watch 'Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026' for free?
"Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" will stream for free in the U.K. on BBC iPlayer.
Fatboy Slim will also be airing on BBC One at 10:40 p.m. on Friday, May 22, Zara Larsson's set at 10:50 p.m. on Saturday night. The final day of performances will be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday, May 24 at 10:45 p.m., including Olivia Dean's festival closer. There will also be daily highlights available on BBC television and BBC iPlayer.
All you need to be able to watch along are a U.K. postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB) and a valid TV license.
Outside Britain on holiday? Unlock "Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" Sunderland with NordVPN (75% off).
How to watch 'Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026' from anywhere
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in the U.K. and watch iPlayer for free, as if you were back home.
Not all VPNs works for this – but NordVPN does (we use it daily) and you can get an exclusive offer below:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "Radio 1's Big Weekend" Sunderland online and on-demand.
How to watch 'Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026' in the U.K.
On Friday, May 22, you can watch Fatboy Slim performing from Sunderland. Coverage will air on BBC One at 10:40 p.m. BST.
It's a little bit later on Saturday, May 23. You can tune in to BBC One from 10:50 p.m. BST to see Zara Larsson and more.
On Sunday, you'll need to switch up to BBC Two to catch Olivia Dean and more, with coverage starting at 10:45 p.m.
If you're busy at any point, you can load up BBC iPlayer and catch all the best performances on-demand. You'll also be able to listen along to the event via BBC Sounds at any point during the weekend, too.
Outside the U.K.? You don't have to miss this show if you are a Brit living abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We'll explain how to do that below...
Can you watch 'Radio 1's Big Weekend' in the U.S.?
There is no dedicated broadcast of "Radio 1's Big Weekend" in the U.S. and you won't find it on any streaming service, but there is still a way to watch along.
Select coverage will be shown on the BBC Radio 1 YouTube channel over the course of the weekend. You can also access BBC iPlayer from the States if you use a VPN, as we explain below.
Watch titles from across the pond by signing up to NordVPN, where you can access British streaming services, if terms allow. You'll need to be a British citizen and have a TV license, of course.
If you're up in Canada it's the same solution, as there is no streaming or broadcast release for "Radio 1's Big Weekend" aside from the YouTube coverage.
Can you watch 'Radio 1's Big Weekend' in Australia?
Unfortunately, there is no coverage of "Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026" on any streaming platform or TV channel in Australia.
If you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under you can catch the show on your usual domestic streamer by using a VPN such as NordVPN.
'Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026' — all you need to know
'Radio 1's Big Weekend 2026' - performers
On Friday, you'll see the following musicians:
- Fatboy Slim
- Clementine Douglas
- MK
- Sonny Fodera
- FISHER
- Ahadadream B2B Arthi
- horsegiirL
- L.P. Rhythm
- Ewan McVicar
- NOTION
- Marlon Hoffstadt
- Jaguar
- Jude Lawless
- Ellie Scougall
- Max Jones
- Mia Lily
- Sorley
- Anish Kumar
- Niamh
Saturday's coverage features the following artists:
- Zara Larsson
- Ellie Goulding
- Skye Newman
- Louis Tomlinson
- Lola Young
- Nothing But Thieves
- James Blake
- Erin LeCount
- Mitski
- Rachel Chinouriri
- Wasia Project
- Florence Road
- MUNA
- Bella Barbe
- EMMA HARBS
- Tom A Smith
- BombayMami
- LeoStayTrill
- Swindled
- Heidi Curtis
- Aaron Rowe
For the final day on Sunday, here's who will be involved in the lineup:
- Olivia Dean
- CMAT
- Niall Horan
- Kehlani
- Dermot Kennedy
- Myles Smith
- Ezra Collective
- FLO
- Holly Humberstone
- Maisie Peters
- Alessi Rose
- Odeal
- Jorja Smith
- Jenna Cole
- Finn Forster
- Venus Grrrls
- Able Jack
- DC3
- Imogen and the Knife
- RUBII
- Wohdee
What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?
Lots – including "The Other Bennet Sister", "Race Across The World", "Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr", "MasterChef", and "Making Life On Earth: Attenborough's Greatest Adventure".
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