This year, the travelling circus that is BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is being held in Exeter’s Powderham Castle on the 28th and 29th of May!
The Big Weekend is not only Europe’s largest free ticketed event (though a booking fee was added in 2012) but also one of its most chameleonic. Since 2003, the festival has set up camp in Cardiff, Londonderry, Birmingham, Sunderland, Dundee, Lancashire, Kent, Wiltshire, Gywnedd, Cumbria, Hackney and last year, Norwich.
Once upon a time, the Big Weekend dedicated their Saturday slot to dance music showcasing talent such as Swedish House Mafia, Deadmau5 and Calvin Harris. But as of 2005 both dates became about what dear Alex Turner loves most in the world… Rock ‘n’ Roll (or at least a very mainstream variety of it).
Last year’s event was headlined by the rock giants, Muse and the incredible Foo Fighters (pre-Dave Grohl’s broken leg). With acts such as Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, The Vaccines and Catfish and the Bottlemen gracing the Big Weekend with their slick pop and indie melodies as well.
The main headliners this year are Coldplay who are set to play both dates accompanied by Mumford & Sons. But if this isn’t your thing not to worry, also hitting up the mainstage is Catfish and the Bottlemen, The 1975, Years & Years and Tom Odell.
Meanwhile, the In Music We Trust stage is a fiery hot bed of talent with Wolf Alice, Jack Garett, The Last Shadow Puppets, CVRCHES and Tame Impala all set to play. So, get ready to throw on your Doc’s and denim to unleash your indie kid.
Tickets for BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend have already sold out. However, there are a final few tickets up for grabs in on-air competitions held on Radio 1 every weekend from 9th April to the 22nd of May. For information click here.
Words by Issy Marcantonio