Big 2026 music announcements for Tyne and Wear
Radio 1’s Big Weekend heads for Sunderland while Lewis Capaldi announced for Newcastle's In the Park
A duo of significant music announcements have landed for the North East’s 2026 calendar.
BBC Radio 1 has confirmed that Big Weekend will take place in Sunderland from May 22–24, returning to Herrington Country Park for the first time since 2005.
The three-day festival, which moves location each year, typically brings around 100 artists ranging from global headliners to emerging acts. Last year North Shields’ Sam Fender headlined the event in Liverpool.
Radio 1 Breakfast presenter Greg James revealed the news on air, calling it “very exciting for the city” and highlighting the depth of music talent in the region.
He was joined by Alex from Sunderland band Swindled, who said the announcement reflected a growing confidence in the city’s cultural scene. The band is hoping for a slot on the BBC Introducing stage, which showcases up-and-coming artists each year.
News of the event’s North East return promises to keep up the region’s momentum after a 2025 which saw Newcastle host both the MOBO Awards and the Mercury Music Prize for the first time.
And talking of Tyneside, In the Park has confirmed that Lewis Capaldi will headline its 2026 edition at Exhibition Park on July 8. The show will be Capaldi’s biggest outdoor performance in the city and follows his recent 17-date sold-out arena tour and latest Number 1 single, Survive.
The announcement comes shortly after news that Paul Weller will also play the festival, headlining the park on July 10.
It will be the third Newcastle edition of In the Park, which debuted at Leazes Park in 2024 before moving to Exhibition Park in 2025, where Fontaines D.C. drew a large turnout. More acts for the 2026 programme are still to be announced.
Presale for Lewis Capaldi opens at 9am on November 20, with general sale from 9am on November 21. Radio 1’s Big Weekend will release its full lineup and ticket details closer to the event.