Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026
A look inside an unforgettable, sun-soaked Sunday at Sunderland’s Radio 1 Big Weekend.
If I could bottle the feeling of Sunderland’s Radio 1 Big Weekend, it would be pure, unfiltered joy.
The UK knows how to do a festival, no matter the rain, mud, or welly-trodden terrain. Resilience is simply part of the charm. So, when you add sunshine and soaring temperatures into the mix? Well, you are witnessing the British summer at its absolute best.
Last weekend, I spent my Sunday soaking up every bit of that brilliant energy. Here’s a look inside my day at Herrington Country Park.
The entire site at Herrington Country Park was alive from the get-go, having just arrived at the end of Niall Horan’s set. The atmosphere was incredible. Standing there with a cold beer in hand, as the midday sun beat down, listening to ‘Slow Hands’ echo across the park, I remember thinking: yep, summer has officially started.
Summer also weaved its way into the dress code, which everyone absolutely nailed.The first thing I noticed was the sea of polka dots worn across the park. This print is no longer just a summer staple, it is now the unofficial uniform to see Olivia Dean – and with her taking the headline slot later that day, you could already feel the hum of anticipation in the air. (For my outfit details, click here).
For our first full set, we saw FLO – London-based girl band – at the New Music Stage, and they seriously delivered. FLO feature heavily on my workout playlist, so you can imagine my energy was sky high for this set. They lit up the stage with their angelic harmonies and sharp choreography, and I enjoyed every second bopping along to undisputed bangers ‘Walk Like This’ and ‘Check’.
Waiting for FLO by the New Music Stage.
FLO lit up the stage with their angelic harmonies and sharp choreography.
Catching the sun by the New Music stage between sets.
With the weather so remarkably perfect, wandering the grounds between stages became a pleasure in itself. Much of the day was spent simply enjoying the food stalls, relaxing on the grass, and taking in some well-needed UV rays – while keeping a sharp eye out for Greg James. (Unfortunately, our search was unsuccessful).
Between sets, we filled our stomachs with a portion of margarita pizza loaded fries and chilled by the ‘BBC Introducing’ stage, which is where Olivia Dean played her set back in 2023…look at her now!
Enjoying some margarita pizza loaded fries (these hit the spot).
By the BBC Introducing stage.
Catching some well-needed UV rays.
Of course, it would’ve been rude not to take a ride on the ferris wheel. We hopped on during Dermot Kennedy’s set, meaning the queues were short and we got an incredible view of the main stage crowd, with Penshaw Monument beautifully framing the landscape.
Once we made it back down to earth, it was time to grab another drink and make our way back to the Main Stage to see Kehlani. She was brilliant, pairing smooth R&B with effortless choreography, and ending the set perfectly with my personal favourite ‘Nights Like This’.
The incredible view from the ferris wheel, with Penshaw in the background.
Kehlani delivered an energetic R&B set.
As the sun began to dip into a golden glow, we headed back over to the New Music Stage to catch the end of Maisie Peters, before getting groovy with Ezra Collective.
Band leader Femi Koleoso told the crowd, ‘We really believe in joy in this band,’ and joy is exactly what flooded that tent. Their beautiful jazzy numbers brought an infectious energy, and between the wide smiles and nonstop dancing, you could feel the sheer happiness radiating through the crowd.
Catching the golden hour glow.
Ezra Collective brought infectious joy with their soulful set.
Then, it was time for the grand finale: Olivia Dean. We followed the crowds over to the Main Stage for the highly anticipated headline set, which was just as incredible as I imagined. Olivia’s voice is as buttery as it is on her records, and both her joyous energy and touching lyrics had the entire crowd completely captivated from start to finish. And, as always, she looked drop-dead gorgeous (I need all of her dresses, immediately).
As daylight faded, it was a picture-perfect scene to finish the day. Olivia’s vibrant pink stage glowed against pale blue and yellow hues, framed beautifully by Penshaw Monument and a golden sunset sky. As the final notes of ‘Man I Need’ echoed out beneath the fading sun, one thing was clear: it doesn't get much better than this.
Olivia Dean closed the day beautifully with her headline set.
The sun setting on Herrington Country Park.
A picture-perfect scene to finish the day.
