BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend - 9th-10th May Lydiard Park Swindon

Discover Europe's biggest free ticketed event

What happens at Big Weekend?

Across the Main and In New Music We Trust stages there is a varied mix of UK and international artists - from household names, to brand new artists championed by Radio 1's specialist DJs.

A new addition for 2007 was a third stage where Radio 1 dance and specialist DJs played with special guests. While in 2008 the BBC Introducing stage appeared, showcasing unsigned talent.

Who's played at Big Weekend?

The Prodigy, Lily Allen, Dizzee Rascal, Snow Patrol, Akon, Calvin Harris, Madonna, The Kooks, Usher, The Enemy, Nelly, Editors, The Raconteurs, The Zutons, Kasabian, Scissor Sisters, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Gnarls Barkley, Keane, Muse, Mylo, Pink, Primal Scream, Razorlight, Sugababes, Foo Fighters, Chemical Brothers, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Destiny's Child, Alicia Keys, Jamiroquai, Basement Jaxx, White Stripes, Stereophonics, The Darkness, Travis, Dido, Ash, Kelis, Faithless, The Streets, Avril Lavigne, Magic Numbers, Kaiser Chiefs, Maximo Park, The Kooks, Hot Chip and more.

How did Big Weekend start?

Radio 1's Big Weekend grew from the incredibly popular One Big Sundays - free open-air shows with top pop acts. When 100,000 people turned up to the Leicester show it was clear we were on to something good.

So it became One Big Weekend, spanning two days. Held under Europe's biggest tent (capacity 10,000 a day), it came to Manchester, Cardiff, Londonderry and Birmingham.

And the crowds kept growing. In 2005 we moved to Sunderland and a second tent went up, taking numbers to 15,000. With a new name, Radio 1's Big Weekend was born. In 06, 07 and 08 Dundee, Preston and Maidstone showed us an amazing two days, and this year it will be Swindon who hosts the party.