BBC Radio 2 has unveiled the lineup for its annual live music festival, Radio 2 in the Park 2026, set to take place at City Park in Stirling, Scotland, from September 11 to 13. The announcement, made on June 9, 2026, has generated significant public interest, leading to a surge in online searches for "Radio 2 in the Park 2026."
The festival will feature an array of renowned artists, with Chaka Khan headlining on Saturday night and Simple Minds closing the event on Sunday. This performance marks Simple Minds' only UK appearance this year, adding a special significance to their homecoming show. Frontman Jim Kerr expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Simple Minds in Scotland inevitably is always a bit special… we'll have the place jumping up and down." (stirling.gov.uk)
The full lineup includes:
Saturday, September 12:
- Chaka Khan
- The Script
- Emeli Sandé
- ABC
- Jack Savoretti
- Lulu
- Texas
Sunday, September 13:
- Simple Minds
- Level 42
- James Blunt
- Blue
- Cast
- Appleton
- Deacon Blue
The festival will commence with a Friday night DJ Pre-Party on September 11, featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan. Tickets for the pre-party are priced at £40 plus booking fees, while tickets for the main event start from £84 plus booking fees. Sales begin on Wednesday, June 10, at 8:30 a.m. via the official BBC Radio 2 website. (stirling.gov.uk)
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, highlighted the festival's diverse lineup, stating, "The range of musical genres represented is a testament to the breadth and diversity of music played on Radio 2 – there is truly something for everybody." (stirling.gov.uk)
Listeners and viewers can follow the event live across Radio 2, BBC Sounds, and BBC iPlayer throughout the weekend. (ontheradio.co.uk)