# Olivia Dean to Headline Final Day of Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026
**Olivia Dean** is set to headline the **Sunday main stage** at **BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026**, capping off the festival’s final day at Sunderland’s Herrington Country Park from May 22-24.[1][2] This announcement completes the lineup for one of the UK’s premier live music events, drawing massive excitement with over **31,000 tickets** available per day for Saturday and Sunday.[1]
## A Star on the Rise: Olivia Dean Takes the Sunday Spotlight
Olivia Dean’s selection as **Sunday headliner** underscores her meteoric ascent in the UK music scene. With critical acclaim and recent performances like her live rendition of “Man I Need” at the **BRIT Awards 2026**, Dean brings soulful R&B vibes and chart-topping appeal to close out the weekend.[1][5] Joining her on the main stage are heavyweights like **Niall Horan**, **Kehlani**, **Dermot Kennedy**, **CMAT**, and **Myles Smith**, blending pop, indie, and R&B for a diverse finale.[1][2]
Fans have been buzzing since the reveal, with Dean’s slot positioned as the perfect crescendo after Friday’s dance-heavy lineup led by **Fatboy Slim** and Saturday’s pop explosion featuring **Zara Larsson** and **Ellie Goulding**.[1][4] “Her inclusion reflects just how quickly her profile has grown,” notes coverage from music outlets, highlighting her award wins and streaming success.[1]
This isn’t just a booking—it’s a statement. Radio 1’s Big Weekend prioritizes breakthrough talent alongside established stars, and Dean embodies that balance. Her set promises high-energy anthems that could rival the festival’s most memorable moments from past years.
## Full Sunday Lineup: Depth Across Stages
Sunday’s roster extends far beyond the main stage, ensuring a packed day for all tastes.
### Main Stage Highlights
– **Olivia Dean** (headliner)
– **Niall Horan**
– **Kehlani**
– **Dermot Kennedy**
– **CMAT**
– **Myles Smith**[1][2]
### New Music Stage
– **Alessi Rose**
– **Ezra Collective**
– **FLO**
– **Holly Humberstone**
– **Jorja Smith** (Party Set)
– **Maisie Peters**
– **Odeal**[1][2]
The **New Music Stage** stands out for spotting future headliners, much like it has in previous editions. Acts like Jorja Smith and Ezra Collective bring jazz-infused grooves and rising-star energy, appealing to fans seeking fresh sounds amid the mainstream draws.[1]
Herrington Country Park’s expansive setup supports multiple stages, including the Main Stage, New Music Stage, and BBC Introducing Stage (full details pending for Sunday).[4] This multi-stage format creates a festival village vibe, with room for discovery amid the big names.
## Complete Festival Breakdown: What to Expect All Weekend
Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 shapes up as a powerhouse event, touring to towns like Sunderland that crave major music moments. Winner of the **Green Award at the UK Festival Awards 2025**, it emphasizes sustainability and local access.[2]
### Friday (May 22) – Dance Party Focus (18+)
**Main Stage:**
– **Fatboy Slim** (headliner)
– **FISHER**
– **MK**
– **Sonny Fodera**
– **Clementine Douglas**[4]
New Music and BBC Introducing stages feature underground electronic talents like **Ahadadream B2B Arthi**, **horsegiirL**, and **Jaguar**.[4]
### Saturday (May 23)
**Main Stage:**
– **Zara Larsson**
– **Ellie Goulding**
– **Louis Tomlinson**
– **Lola Young**
– **Skye Newman**
– **Nothing But Thieves**
– Plus Radio 1 DJ sets (e.g., **Charlie Hedges**, **Dean McCullough**).[4]
**New Music Stage:** **James Blake**, **Mitski**, **MUNA**, **Rachel Chinouriri**.[4]
## Tickets: Act Fast – Sales Start Tomorrow
Demand is poised to skyrocket with this lineup. **General Admission tickets** for Saturday and Sunday are **£44.50 each**, while **VIP passes** cost **£106.00 per day**. Around **31,000 GA** and **2,960 VIP** tickets drop per day via Ticketmaster—the sole official seller.[1]
Sales kick off at **5pm on Wednesday, March 11** for Saturday/Sunday (Friday details separate).[1] Age rules: Friday is 18+; Saturday/Sunday welcome all ages, but under-15s need an adult guardian.[4] Priority goes to local residents, aligning with the festival’s community focus.[2]
## Why This Year’s Big Weekend Feels Unmissable
Olivia Dean’s headline gig elevates Sunday to must-see status, but the full bill—from Fatboy Slim’s Friday rave to Niall Horan’s pop pull—spans genres without weak links.[1][4] Set in late May, it hits peak festival season, offering 31,000 fans daily an early-summer soundtrack under Sunderland’s skies.[1]
The event’s track record for sellouts and surprises adds hype. Past editions have launched careers, and 2026’s mix of veterans like Dermot Kennedy and buzz acts like FLO positions it for record attendance.[1][2] Whether you’re a die-hard Dean fan or hunting new favorites, Herrington Country Park awaits.
As tickets loom, one thing’s clear: Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026 is stacking the deck for an epic close. Mark your calendars—this is the lineup that could define the summer.
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Original source: BBC News – Olivia Dean to headline final day of Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2026
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