Radio 1 Big Weekend festival

Radio 1’s Big Weekend is taking place in Stockwood Park, Luton, LU1 4LX

Radio 1 Big Weekend date for 2025 is tbc

Radio 1 will have music starting at 4pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday and Sunday so make sure you leave enough time to go through ticket checks and security.

 

Opening Times:

Friday 24th May: Gates open at 2pm with a headline opener act starting at 4pm.

Saturday 25th May: Gates open at 10:30am with the Main Stage opener act starting at 1pm.

Sunday 26th May: Gates open at 10:30am with the Main stage opener act starting at 1pm.

On Friday 24th May last entry for Radio 1 Big Weekend is 22:00, the event ends at 23:00.

On Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th May last entry for Radio 1 Big Weekend is 21:00, the event ends at 22:00.

Yes, but please be aware professional photography equipment such as zoom lenses are not allowed in the venue. Please also note selfie sticks will not be permitted at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. 

Event security at Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be briefed to permit those with babies / small children to bring larger bags into the arena – all bags will still be subject to a full search.

Buggies will also be permitted entry to site and will be subject to searching. Please speak to the Security Supervisor at the main entrance if you have any questions.

There will be a welfare tent within the arena where baby-changing facilities will be available.

On Friday 24th May, Saturday 25th May and Sunday 26th May there is no age restriction for the event; however, those aged 15 and under will need to be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over at all times. If you are under 18 please ensure you have permission from your parent and guardian to attend. Those aged 2 and under do not require a ticket, but must be in the care of an adult aged 18 or over.

We operate the Challenge 25 Policy and you may be asked for ID to verify your age when purchasing alcohol. We accept the following forms of ID: a valid passport; a valid EU photo card driving licence; or a photographic ID card with the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme – PASS - hologram.

Anyone breaking the rules and regulations governing the ticket purchase process may have any purchased tickets cancelled without notice.

The following articles are not permitted within Radio 1 Big Weekend:

• Drugs, including so-called legal highs
• Drones
• Professional photography equipment
• Animals other than registered assistance dogs
• Alcohol (unless purchased on-site)
• Selfie Sticks
• Chairs (except for registered access customers)
• Golf / large umbrellas (1 metre or more)
• Flags
• Knives
• Fireworks
• Smoke canisters
• Sky or Chinese lanterns
• Gas canisters (including aerosols over 250ml and nitrous oxide / CO2 Dispensers)
• Megaphones
• Air horns
• Sound systems
• Spray cans
• Balloons
• Flares
• Weapons
• Dangerous or hazardous items
• Laser devices
• Glass (including perfume and aftershave)
• Cans
• Poles
• Blow torches
• Unauthorised items for trading, including any goods using unauthorised event logos
• Any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety including unofficial tabards / high-viz.

Please note, that cigarettes & tobacco will not be available to purchase within the event site.

 

Drug Use

Radio 1's Big Weekend does not condone the use of drugs. It is illegal to buy, sell or take drugs. Drugs enforcement laws are as applicable on site as anywhere else in the UK and we will be conducting searches and using sniffer dogs to disrupt illegal activity.

 

Remember if you take drugs and become ill, depressed or concerned, make sure you ask the nearest member of staff to direct you to our Welfare Tent. If you or someone you are with has a bad reaction and needs medical help, talk to the nearest member of staff immediately. Let the medics know what has been taken. You could save a friend’s life.

Drones 

There will be a no-fly zone in place around the whole event site. The use of drones within this area, as well as large gatherings of populated areas and in close proximity to buildings, is illegal. We will be actively monitoring drone activity and will be working with the Police to disrupt and prosecute any illegal activity.

Radio 1 will be searching every bag that comes into the event. We have restricted the size of bags that are allowed in to help make this easier – no bigger than A4 (maximum dimensions W21cm x H30cm x D8cm) and limited to one per person. We may also search bags once you are in the arena.

You are also likely to undergo a search as you enter – this may include the use of search wands. You could also be searched once you are in the arena.

Security staff will be visible and on patrol both inside and outside of the venue.

Drugs and Explosives dogs will also be on patrol.

A network of CCTV cameras will be in place around the whole event site, these will be monitored from our event control room.

We’ve worked closely with the Police and other emergency services to plan a safe event for everyone.

There will be Police patrols around the event and local area.

There will be many other security measures in place that you can’t see.

Please note that Radio 1's accessible facilities are unable to cater for people with temporary impairments. This is considered to be anything that affects an individual for less than 12 months such as broken bones, healing injuries or pregnant women.

If you have a temporary impairment, please be aware that there will be a lot of walking at Radio 1 Big weekend. Please note that chairs are not allowed in the arena.

We recognise that some customers with accessible requirements cannot sit on the ground. We allow qualifying customers to bring a chair to use in the dedicated accessible viewing areas.

At check-in, the accessibility team will attach a tag to your chair. This will allow you to bring and use your chair in the dedicated viewing areas.

If you need to bring a chair, please make sure to note this on your accessible facilities application form.

 

1. Purchase your ticket to Radio 1 Big Weekend.

All customers must first purchase a General Admission ticket for the event.

Do not purchase a ticket for your essential companion as this cannot be refunded.

Please note, that Radio 1 do not sell disabled or accessible ticket types for this event.

If you haven’t already purchased your ticket to Radio 1 Big Weekend please do so by visiting our Tickets page.

 

2. Register your proof of accessibility requirements.

Assessment and registration of proof of accessibility requirements will be processed by the team at Nimbus Disability.

Already have a valid Nimbus Access Card?

All you will need to do now is complete the Radio 1 Big Weekend Accessible Facilities application form by clicking here. Please have your Nimbus Access Card I.D. number with you, as you will need to input this on your application form.

Don’t have a Nimbus Access Card?

You will need to register for a free Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass. This is issued by the Nimbus team and will be valid for 3 years to use at future events. (To register please visit https://www.bbc.com/backstage/bigweekend/access)

Once I have received a Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass – what do I do?

All you will need to do is complete the Radio 1 Big Weekend Accessible Facilities application form. Please have your Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass Card I.D. number on hand, as you will need to input this on your application form.

 

3. I have completed the Radio 1 Big Weekend Accessible Facilities application form – what do I do now?

The Accessibility Team will review your application and will contact you once it has been processed.

Access to the accessible facilities will be provided to customers based on the approved requirements listed on their Nimbus Access Card or Big Weekend Digital Access Pass. 

 

Essential Companion Tickets

If your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Pass Digital Access Pass indicates the essential companion requirement, we will automatically provide you with an essential companion ticket at no additional cost.

Do not purchase a ticket for your essential companion as this cannot be refunded.

The essential companion must be willing and able to perform all requirements as needed by the accessibility customer and must provide assistance to the customer during the unlikely event of an evacuation or other emergency.

Please note that essential companion tickets are free but are only available to customers who have purchased a ticket. If the customer with accessible requirements is a child of 15 years or under, they must be accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket. If the child also requires an essential companion, this will be indicated on their Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.

If the essential companion wishes to bring a child/children to Radio 1 Big Weekend, then the child/children must have a valid ticket (unless aged 2 or under) and must be accompanied by another adult who has purchased a ticket.

 

The essential companion ticket will be collected once you arrive to Radio 1 Big Weekend. More details about this will be available in the Accessibility Guide (https://www.bbc.com/backstage/bigweekend/access)

Access to accessible facilities will be determined by the requirements indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.

Once approved a detailed Accessibility Guide will be emailed out to you nearer to the event with Important Information regarding locations of facilities and more.

Accessible Viewing Areas

There are various accessible viewing areas available within the arena.

Raised Viewing Platform

The raised viewing platform is available for wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility. Access to the platform will be approved in accordance with the requirements indicated on your (Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.)

Only the approved customer and their essential companion or a +1 will have access to the raised viewing platform in order to accommodate as many customers as possible. Please speak to the stewards on the platform if you wish to swap your +1 for another friend.

All raised viewing platforms have ramped access, wheelchair-accessible toilets, and charging points. There will be a bar at the main stage viewing platform.

A limited amount of fold-out chairs will be available at each platform. If you have been approved for this facility you may bring your own chair. Please make sure you note this on your accessible facilities application form.

Raised viewing platforms may get busy, please note that these are operated on a first-come first served basis.

Please note that raised viewing platforms are not covered so please dress for all weather conditions.

Ground Level Viewing Area

A dedicated ground-level viewing area will be available to those who need a less crowded area and/or the option of sitting for short periods of time. Please note that this area will be on grass.

Access to the ground level viewing area will be approved in accordance with the requirements indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.

Customers may be accompanied on the ground floor viewing area by an essential companion or +1 if required.

Please speak to the stewards in the ground-level viewing area if you wish to swap your +1 for another friend.

Limited seating is available in the ground-level viewing area, and it is operated on a first-come first served basis.

If you have been approved for this facility you may bring your own chair. Please make sure you note this on your accessible facilities application form.

Accessible Toilets

Wheelchair-accessible and standard toilets for accessible customers are located across the arena. All toilet locations will be shown on the site map and in the Accessibility Guide that you will receive before the event.

Changing Places Unit

A changing places unit will be provided which includes a height adjustable bed with hoist, sink and toilet. Please note, hoist slings will not be provided so please bring your own if required. The location of the changing places unit will be outlined in the Accessibility Guide.

Accessible Entrance

We will provide a dedicated entrance lane for customers with accessibility requirements to access the arena.

Quiet Space

There will be a quiet space located within the arena. The aim of this space is to provide a safe, low-level stimulation and recalibration zone for any customers with accessibility requirements who need to use it.

Food & Drink

Dedicated accessible lanes will be available at each main bar. This section of the bar will have a lowered counter and bypass the main queuing system. Large print menus will be available at the bars.

Food concessions will all have large print menus available. Staff are briefed and committed to assisting customers who need extra assistance.

Medication

Refrigerated medication storage is available in the arena. Customers who require this must submit an Accessible Facilities Application Form.

We recommend bringing a copy of your doctor’s letter or prescription. Please keep all medication in its original boxes and place it in a labelled bag or box.

Deaf Customers 

A British Sign Language performance interpreting service will be provided on request by qualified interpreters from Performance Interpreting.

Please make sure you request this service on the Accessible Facilities Application Form.

Customers who have requested the service will be contacted by the interpreting team to get an understanding of which performances they would like covered. Please note, this is not guaranteed and is subject to change.

Full performance interpreting schedules will be included in our Accessible Guide, along with details and the location of our information and welfare service available for Deaf customers at BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend.

Hearing Loops

Hearing loops will be installed at the accessible entrance, main stage platform and second stage platform.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs will be approved in accordance with the requirements indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.

A spending area will be available for assistance dogs.

Not all dogs are Assistance Dogs. They have been specially trained to provide a service, to behave in crowds, and noisy situations and to not soil unless directed to do so.

Travel and Arrival

Specific travel information will be sent out by email to customers with accessibility requirements prior to the event.

Accessible Car Park

BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend has a dedicated Accessible Car Park located close to the arena entrance. The route from the car park to the arena entrance is mostly hard-standing level ground.

This car park has very limited spaces available. Accessible parking passes will be allocated on a first come first served basis and approved in accordance with the requirements indicated on your Nimbus Access Card or Radio 1 Big Weekend Digital Access Pass.

Drop off Pass

If you are being dropped off at or picked up from BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, please let us know on your Accessible Facilities Application. We will then supply a drop-off pass for the dedicated Pick Up and Drop Off zone.

Shuttle Service

A shuttle service will be provided from Luton Parkway station. More information about this service will be detailed in the Accessibility Guide.

Trains

The closest train stations to Stockwood Park are Luton Airport Parkway Station and Luton Railway Station. Each train station is roughly 1.5 miles from Stockwood Park.

We recommend accessible customers travel to Luton Airport Parkway Station as this station has step-free access to all train platforms.

Luton Railway Station is a category B3 station. This means there is step-free access via lift to platform 5 only (trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands). There will be steps to all other platforms.

Please note that there is steep terrain from both stations to Stockwood Park.

Special Effects & Lighting

Some performances may use special effects such as smoke machines, lasers, strobe lights, moving lights, fireworks, and other effects at this event. Be aware that they may be used at any time.

In line with the BBC’s commitment to sustainability, please consider your transport methods and travel sustainably where possible. With other events and major national and international travel expected on this weekend, major traffic congestion is expected on all major roads in and around Luton. Travel to the event by train where possible.

 

Walking

Stockwood Park is just over 1 mile from Luton Town Centre.

Walking routes from the town centre to the event entrances will be via Farley Hill Road and Cutenhoe Road both of which take you into Stockwood Park.

 

Cycling

Please note that the event site is located at the top of a hill.

The cycle route from the town centre is via London Road and there will be a limited amount of free bike parking located at Green Gate at the main entrance on Farley Hill and at Red Gate on London Road next to Stockwood Rugby Club. Cyclists should bring their own padlocks and all belongings left will be at the owners own risk.

Please stick to the above approved cycle routes as there will be a road closure on Farley Hill Road and Cutenhoe Road.

 

Local Bus Service

Local bus services for the weekend will operate from Luton Busway Interchange and will be affected over the weekend.

There will be no service via Farley Hill Road during the weekend and limited bus services on London Road. To see a full schedule of services, please visit the Luton Council Website.

Additional bus services will be provided after the event from the Luton Busway Interchange. More details to follow.

 

By Train

We strongly advise that ticket holders travel by train to this event where possible.

Stockwood Park is approximately 1.5 miles from Luton Railway Station. Please be sure to check the National Rail website to plan your journey and most importantly to check the time of your last train home from Luton Railway Station. Allow plenty of time to get to and from the station, as Thameslink and EMR expect services to be busy across the network over the weekend.

We recommend that customers with Access requirements travel to Luton Airport Parkway Station as this station has step free access to all platforms. Luton Railway station is a category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms.

 

Friends & Family Pick Up / Drop Off Point

If you are being picked up or dropped off for the event by a friend or family member, please use the approved event Meet & Greet point for the event in Capability Green Business Park. This can be accessed at the entrance to the Business Park at the Capability Green fountains roundabout (LU1 3LU). This is just under a mile walk from the event location via a well lit and stewarded route.

 

Taxis

If you are using a Black Taxi to get to the event they will be able to drop off in Luton Town Centre, which is around a 20 minute walk from site. Private hire vehicles will be able to drop off in Capability Green Business Park.

When leaving the event pre-booked private hire vehicles should be booked from Capability Green Business Park. There will be road closures in the area close to Stockwood Park so please make sure the driver follows event signage within the area.

A dedicated Black Taxi and private hire vehicle pick up point will be established for after the event on Inkerman Street.

It will not be possible to call Ubers to pick up around the site.

 

Official Event Parking

We strongly advise ticketholders against driving to this event and advise they make use of public transport wherever possible, for both ease and sustainability.

There is no parking at the event site and strictly no parking in the roads surrounding Stockwood Park to event ticket holders. These areas are restricted to local resident permit parking only and any vehicles without a permit will be fined and could be towed.

For ticket holders with access requirements please see our Accessibility page for more information on how to apply for parking, this will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

A small amount of bookable ‘park and walk’ spaces will be available in locations that are a short walk from the event site. For more information on the different locations available and to pre-book a space please visit the Luton Borough Council website. 

Please only book official event parking endorsed by Luton Borough Council.

 

Road Closures

To help festival attendees arrive and leave the event site safely, there will be a number of road closures in operation around Stockwood Park from 24th to 26th May. A road closure map will be published on https://one.network/ in the coming weeks.

Please be considerate of local residents and do not park cars or arrange transport on any of the residential streets surrounding the event site and use the official, dedicated areas as highlighted above.