Radio 2, the UK’s most listened-to radio station with 13.23 million weekly listeners (RAJAR Q1 2024), is gearing up for its annual Radio 2 in the Park event. This year, the three-day pop extravaganza will feature performances from some of the world’s most-loved pop stars alongside DJ sets from some of the station’s adored presenters. The event will take place in Moor Park, Preston, Lancashire, from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8.
For the first time, the festivities will include a Friday night Radio 2 in the Park Pre-Party on the DJ stage.
Headlining Acts:
- Sting: The legendary artist will headline on Saturday night with his new power rock trio, featuring long-time collaborator Dominic Miller (guitar) and dynamic drummer Chris Maas (Mumford & Sons, Maggie Rogers). Sting will perform selections from his timeless discography, including solo hits, surprise rarities, and classics from The Police.
- Pet Shop Boys: The iconic duo will headline on Sunday night, presenting their highly acclaimed Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live production, featuring classic hits and the latest singles from their best-selling new album ‘Nonetheless.
Full Line-up:
Saturday, September 7:
- Sting
- Sugababes
- Snow Patrol
- Craig David
- Kim Wilde
- Pixie Lott
- Shaznay Lewis
- Travis
Sunday, September 8:
- Pet Shop Boys
- Manic Street Preachers
- Sister Sledge feat. Kathy Sledge
- Paul Heaton
- Gabrielle
- Shed Seven
- Delta Goodrem
- Haircut 100
Friday Pre-Party (September 6, 5-11pm):
- Featuring DJ sets by Sara Cox, Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan, and DJ Spoony.
Tickets for all three shows will go on sale at 8:15am tomorrow (Tuesday, June 4) and will be available via the BBC Radio 2 in the Park website. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday events, held over a 170,000 square foot site, will be priced from £59 plus booking fee. Tickets to the Radio 2 in the Park Pre-Party will be available at £30 plus booking fee.
Statements from Key Figures:
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2: “Following last year’s incredible Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester, we are delighted to hand the baton to Preston. Only Radio 2 could present another star-studded lineup featuring some of the UK’s and the world’s most loved pop artists from the last six decades performing their biggest songs. We can’t wait to bring the Radio 2 listeners and presenting family together in Preston for an unforgettable weekend of live music.
Zoe Ball: “Our Radio 2 family can’t wait to be back with our listeners dancing and singing our hearts out! We’ve all grown up listening to Pet Shop Boys and Sting, they sure know how to put on a great show so hold tight Preston. We’re going to have a blast.”
Vernon Kay: “Lancashire!! Birth place and home of many great things we can be proud of…but the future is a weekend like no other in Preston. Radio 2 will be adding a huge moment to the history books of Lancashire that the Red Rose can be proud of. The biggest radio station in the UK hosts a party like no other in a county like no other. Bring your dancing boots Preston ’cause the Gang at Radio 2 are coming to entertain and put big smiles on faces!!
Adrian Phillips, Chief Executive at Preston City Council: “Only the BBC and Radio 2 could secure such an incredible line up of artists to perform in Preston in September. We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to Radio 2 in the Park, as well as our favourite presenters, who we love to listen to day in, day out. It promises to be the biggest live event Lancashire has seen in many years, and everyone can’t wait to enjoy what promises to be a fantastic weekend of live music in the city.
Additional Highlights:
Sting, Sugababes, and Snow Patrol have expressed their excitement about performing in Preston. Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody shared, “We’ve played live shows for Radio 2 many times over the years, and we always have fun. So it’ll be great to be back on stage with Radio 2 once again.”
