Radio 2, the UK’s most popular radio station, is set to host its biggest live music event outside London at Victoria Park in Leicester on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September. The exciting news was revealed this morning on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, creating a buzz among music enthusiasts across the nation.
With a stellar lineup featuring some of the world’s most beloved pop stars, Radio 2 in the Park promises to be an unforgettable experience. Tears for Fears will take the stage as the headliners on Saturday night, marking their only UK festival appearance this year. On Sunday night, fans can look forward to Kylie Minogue’s first live UK concert performance in four years. The event will also introduce a Radio 2 DJ stage, where the station’s favorite presenters will curate a selection of the finest music spanning the past seven decades.
Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith of Tears for Fears expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “We love playing live and can’t wait to bring some of our favorite songs, old and new, to thousands of Radio 2 listeners.”
Kylie Minogue shared her excitement, stating, “Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of performing for BBC Radio 2 in many unique and varied settings. I’m thrilled to be headlining Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester later this year! I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you. See you on September 17th!”
Tickets for Radio 2 in the Park will go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 14 June at 8.15 am, with 35,000 tickets available for each day. They can be purchased on the official website, www.bbc.co.uk/radio2inthepark, along with full terms and conditions.
The lineup for the event is as follows:
Saturday 16 September:
- Tears for Fears
- Bananarama
- Texas
- James Blunt (his only UK festival appearance this year)
- Deacon Blue
- Beverley Knight
- Busted
- Soft Cell
Sunday 17 September:
- Kylie Minogue
- Pretenders
- Shalamar
- Rick Astley
- Jessie Ware
- Lemar
- Sam Ryder
- Simply Red (their only UK festival appearance this year)
In addition to the live performances, Radio 2 in the Park will feature presenters introducing artists on stage and broadcasting from the event. The shows and sets will be available to enjoy live and on demand on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer throughout the weekend and for 30 days thereafter.
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, expressed his excitement, saying, “Radio 2 is proud to play a huge range of timeless, melodic music, from pop to rock, soul to folk. We’re thrilled to reveal Radio 2 in the Park is coming to Leicester, bringing a stellar lineup of artists who have had hits in the past six decades. Together, they have sold over 250 million records and achieved 250 UK Top 40 hits! We can’t wait to bring our listeners and presenting family together for an unforgettable weekend of live music.”
Zoe Ball, host of The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, added, “Leicester, get ready to party, we’re coming for you! We’ve saved up a couple of years’ worth of energy, so we’re going BIG. Come and join us for the best weekend of music featuring Kylie, Tears for Fears, Bananarama, Pretenders, Jessie Ware, Texas, and so many more.”
Leicester’s City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, expressed his anticipation, saying, “Radio 2 in the Park will bring some of the world’s biggest artists for a weekend of live music in Leicester, promising a fantastic event for music lovers and the city. I am really looking forward to it.”
Numerous artists also shared their excitement for the event:
Bananarama: “We’re really excited to be playing Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester. It’s always great fun, and we can’t wait to see you all again.”
Beverley Knight: “My 50th birthday year has been nothing short of stellar so far, and it continues with me joining the lineup for Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester! I’m looking forward to getting onstage and doing what I do!”
Busted: “We can’t wait to be playing Radio 2 in the Park this summer. It means so much to us to be getting back out there and playing for everyone 20 years on, and we’re very excited to be swinging by Radio 2 in the Park in the middle of our UK Arena tour.”
Chrissie Hynde from Pretenders: “We’re really looking forward to Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester this year! Leicester, a proper rock town! Can’t wait!”
With such an impressive lineup and a breathtaking venue, Radio 2 in the Park is set to become an iconic event. Music lovers from all over the UK are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience this two-day extravaganza of live performances and unforgettable moments.
