BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend FAQ
Sunderland's BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend - General FAQs
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Who is organising this event?
Radio 1's Big Weekend is organised in partnership by the BBC and Sunderland City Council.
What is the location of the event?
Radio 1's Big Weekend will be held at Herrington Country Park, in Sunderland.
What are the dates of the event?
Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May 2026.
What time does the event start and finish?
Friday 22nd: Gates open at 14:00
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th: Gates open at 11:00
Events will end at approximately 22:00 on all days.
How do I get a ticket?
You can purchase a ticket for Friday or Saturday only here - please note that Sunday has sold-out.
Before purchasing, please read the Terms & Conditions (T&Cs).
How do I get to the event?
All travel and transport information can be found here.
How can I travel to BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend by Metro?
If you're travelling from Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside or South Tyneside, take the Metro to Heworth Interchange, where frequent services will be running. From there, dedicated shuttle buses will take you to Herrington Park.
If you're travelling from Sunderland or nearby areas, use Park Lane Interchange to connect with the event shuttle buses.
Will Metro services be busy during the event weekend?
Yes. Services are expected to be busier than usual across the weekend, particularly on Sunday when Sunderland AFC are also playing at the Stadium of Light. Plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey, and check live updates using the Pop App.
How will crowds be managed at Metro Stations after the event?
Queuing systems will be in place at Heworth and Park Lane interchanges after the event. Please follow staff guidance to help everyone board safely and keep services moving efficiently.
Do I need a separate ticket for Metro and shuttle buses?
Yes. Shuttle bus tickets are not valid on Metro services. You'll need a valid Metro ticket for your journey. You can purchase your shuttle bus ticket on the event travel website www.bigweekendtravel.co.uk
What's the best way to pay for Metro travel?
For the cheapest and most convenient option, Nexus recommends applying for a Pop card at least a week in advance.
21 and under: Pop Blue
22 and over: Pop pay as you go
You can purchase paper tickets on the day, however there will likely be queues to use ticket machines and you could miss the next Metro. Avoid this by buying your ticket in advance.
What time is the last Metro from Park Lane after the event?
Last departures are:
- To Fellgate 11:55pm
- To South Hylton 11:34pm
Please plan your journey carefully to avoid missing the last service. You should also plan your onward journey from your final Metro station to avoid delays.
What time is the last Metro from Heworth after the event?
Last departures are:
To South Shields 11.33pm
Via Newcastle city centre
- To Airport 11.23pm
- To South Gosforth 12.18am
- To Tynemouth 11.30pm
- To Benton 12.15am
Please plan your journey carefully to avoid missing the last service. You should also plan your onward journey from your final Metro station to avoid delays.
How do I pay if I'm using the Tyne Tunnels?
If using the Tyne Tunnels to travel to BBC's Radio 1 Big Weekend, you can pay before you travel or no later than midnight the day after your journey.
You can pay online here, via our automated telephone payment line on 0191 574 0030 or at a PayPoint retailer.
If you sign up for a Pre-Paid account, you can save 10% on every journey and manage your account with our app (download for iOS or Android).
Please leave extra time for your journey as traffic is expected to busier across the weekend. Follow Tyne Tunnels on X @TT2Limited for travel updates.
How old do you have to be to attend?
Friday is an over-18s event only.
There are no age restrictions for general admission tickets for Saturday or Sunday but anyone aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over at all times. Children aged 2 and under do not require a ticket, but must remain in the care of an adult aged 18.
You must be 18 or over to purchase a VIP ticket for any day.
What about noise / disturbance from the event?
The event will operate under an existing Premises Licence for Herrington Country Park and will adhere to the conditions of this licence. It is being organised by a team with a long track record of delivering major live music festivals and events across the UK and internationally, and a dedicated noise management team will be in place to manage this area.
There will be two dedicated helplines for any residents with any concerns including noise during the event, a dedicated residents' hotline will be available throughout the event period, please call 0203 475 0716.
Will Herrington Country Park be closed or impacted because of BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend?
To safely host BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, temporary restrictions will be in place within Herrington Country Park at certain times before, during and after the event. These are needed to allow event infrastructure to be built, operated and then safely removed. The park will not be closed at all times - access will only be restricted when it is absolutely necessary, and the park will reopen whenever it is safe to do so.
To make sure the park remains safe, accessible and in good condition for everyone, a programme of improvement and maintenance works will be taking place.
What does this mean for park users?
- Some areas will be temporarily closed, but these will change as works progress — closures will move around different parts of the park rather than happening everywhere at once
- Safe alternative routes will be provided wherever possible
- Our priority is to maintain a safe environment for everyone - visitors, contractors and staff alike
We know how much the park means to our community and we're working hard to keep disruption to a minimum. These improvements will not only support the safe delivery of the event but will also leave lasting benefits for the park and its visitors.
When will Herrington Country Park be closed or impacted because of BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend?
Some areas of Herrington Country Park will be affected in the lead-up to, during and for a short period after the event.
From Tuesday 5 May, the gate near Love Lily car park will close at 7:30pm. There will be no road access to the lakeside car park or skate park car park, to allow for the event build. and will remain closed until 1 June.
The park will remain open to the public during the build and will close on Thursday 21st May and reopen Monday 25 May.
What areas of the park will be affected?
At certain times, footpaths, public rights of way, bridleways and access roads within Herrington Country Park may be temporarily restricted. Outside of these periods, routes will remain open as normal. Works will be carried out to allow temporary access arrangements for the event across the park and these areas will be reinstated following the event.
Appropriate signage will be in place to advise pedestrians and vehicles of alternative routes as required.
Who can I contact with any queries regarding transport and residents' permits?
There is a dedicated line available throughout the event period for any transport and permit enquiries - please call 0758 477 0762.
The line will operate during the following times during the event weekend:
- 10:00am - 11:00pm on Friday 22 May
- 9:00am - 11:00pm on Saturday 23 May
9:00am - 11:00pm on Sunday 24 May
How will this affect local residents and businesses?
We understand that large events can cause disruption and are working to minimise impacts as much as possible. BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend will also bring significant benefits to Sunderland, including increased visitor spend, national exposure for the city and a boost to local shops, cafés, bars and accommodation providers.
We would like to reassure residents living close to Herrington Country Park or nearby routes, that a great deal of work is being undertaken to minimise disruption and manage access carefully.
To support delivery of the event, works will take place within Herrington Country Park, and some footpaths may need to close for short periods. Appropriate signage will be in place to advise pedestrians and vehicles of alternative routes as required.
A series of road closures will be in place around the park on event days to manage access safely. Resident access will be maintained through a controlled permit system to allow movement as freely as possible. If residents have specific caring responsibilities or are planning an important social event during this time, we will work with them as part of the traffic management plan to support their needs. Please contact us using the online form detailed below to notify us in advance.
Will there be a residents' contact number available during the event?
Yes. There are two dedicated residents' hotlines available throughout the event period. For transport and permit enquiries call 0758 477 0762 and for all other enquiries, call 0203 475 0716.
The lines will operate Monday to Friday during normal working hours, and additionally from:
- 10:00am - 11:00pm on Friday 22 May
- 9:00am - 11:00pm on Saturday 23 May
9:00am - 11:00pm on Sunday 24 May
Will local residents impacted by road closures receive access permits during the event?
Yes. Residents living within road closures close to the event area will receive two hand-delivered permits, along with a letter explaining the road closures and key information. These have been delivered between Friday 8 May and Monday 11 May.
What should I do if I haven't received my permit?
If you haven't yet received your permits, please complete the form at the top of the Frequently Asked Questions on this page, choosing 'Travel & Transport' and they will be issued to you.
What should I do if I need an extra permit?
All properties will be issued with two permits. If you require an additional resident permit there will be supporting information on the letter explaining how to apply.
Will there be any road closures affecting local routes?
Yes. Temporary road closures will be in place around the event site from 8.00am on Friday 22 May until 1.00am each day during the event weekend. All roads will be fully reopened by 1.00am on Monday 25 May.
The A183 (Chester Road) from the A19 junction to the roundabout with Chislehurst Road will be closed to all traffic except local buses. The northbound slip road at the A19/A183 junction and Foxcover Road will also be closed to all traffic except emergency service vehicles. Signed diversions will be in place to help manage traffic.
A clearway (no stopping or parking) will also be in operation along the full length of the A183 and B1286 to help keep traffic moving safely.
When will road closures be in place?
Temporary road closures will be in place from 8.00am on Friday 22 May until 1.00am each day during the event weekend. Roads will reopen overnight, with all routes fully open again by 1.00am on Monday 25 May.
Some restrictions, including lay-by closures on the A19 and the northbound slip road at the A19/A183 junction, will remain in place for the duration of the Find more info above under 'Road closures'.
Will lay-bys on the A19 be open during the event?
No. For safety reasons, all lay-bys on the A19 (both northbound and southbound) between the A690 and A1231 will be closed for the duration of the event to prevent people stopping or dropping off on the dual carriageway.
Will there be parking/drop-off restrictions near the event?
Yes. A clearway (no stopping or parking) will be in place along the A183 from the A19 (Chester Road) to the A182 (Shiney Row) and the full length of the B1286 (Herrington Road) for the duration of the event. This is to help keep traffic moving safely and reduce congestion in the area.
Will there be walking routes to the event?
Designated walking routes have been published. However, we strongly encourage ticket holders to book and use the dedicated shuttle bus service where possible to help manage travel safely and efficiently. BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Travel Guide | Sunderland 2026 | Transport & Parking
Can I walk along Chester Road to get to the event?
Yes, pedestrian access is allowed from Chester Road (in both directions) to Herrington Country Park. However, some sections may have restrictions in place for safety reasons. Please follow designated walking routes, signage, and steward guidance to reach the event safely.
How will the park be kept clean?
There will be a comprehensive cleansing plan in place in the run up to, during and after the three-day festival, which will see that the park is kept clean and tidy.
Will emergency services still be able to access the area?
Yes. Emergency services will have full access at all times, alongside vehicles directly involved in delivering the event. Safety for residents, visitors and staff is the top priority.
What about public access into the park?
It is the aim of the event organisers to minimise disruption as much as possible for regular users of Herrington Country Park whilst also adhering to Health & Safety legislation to keep everyone safe. In the lead up to the event and during the breakdown there will be some restricted areas as the event site is built / taken down.
What facilities will be provided for those with accessibility requirements?
Full information regarding accessible facilities available at this event and how ticketholders can register for these can be found here.
Is camping available on site?
There will be no camping permitted within Herrington Country Park.
Can I take my dog to the event as it's in a park?
Only assistance dogs will be allowed for pre-registered access customers who have purchased tickets - full details on how to register for this will be made available via bbc.co.uk/bigweekend in due course.
How do I contact the organisers?
Full event information will be published on www.bbc.co.uk/bigweekend in March. Follow Radio 1 on Instagram and X for all the latest updates.
Queries from local residents and businesses please use contact forms here BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend - Questions & Enquiries
Enquires from food traders should be directed to [email protected]
Dedicated residents' hotlines will be available throughout the event period - for transport and permit enquiries call 0758 477 0762 and for all other enquiries, call 0203 475 0716.
The lines will operate from:
10:00am - 11:00pm on Friday 22 May
9:00am - 11:00pm on Saturday 23 May
9:00am - 11:00pm on Sunday 24 May
