BBC Big Weekend 2025: Liverpool Lineup, Tickets & Presenter News

There’s a reason music fans circle late May on their calendars. BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend lands in Liverpool this year, bringing three days of live performances to Sefton Park — and a few behind-the-scenes shifts that make the 2025 edition feel different. With headliners confirmed and presenter changes in the mix, here’s everything you need to plan your weekend.

Location: Liverpool, UK ·
Broadcast Date: 25 May 2025 ·
Organizer: BBC Radio 1 ·
Watch On: BBC iPlayer, YouTube

Five rows in the key facts table summarise the essentials: the event, its location, broadcast date, organiser, and previous edition — a quick orientation for anyone planning attendance.

Will there be a Big Weekend in 2025?

Yes — BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025 is confirmed and will take place in Liverpool. The festival runs from Friday 23 May to Sunday 25 May at Sefton Park, a large public space in the south of the city. It’s part of the long-running annual festival series that started in 2000 and moves to a different UK host city each year. Earlier editions have drawn crowds of over 100,000 across the weekend (Liverpool Express).

Bottom line: The Big Weekend is on, in Liverpool, from 23–25 May. Liverpool Tourism expects a significant economic boost from the three-day festival.

Where will BBC Big Weekend be in 2025?

Sefton Park in Liverpool is the confirmed location for the 2025 edition. The park has a history of large-scale live music events and offers enough space for multiple stages. VisitLiverpool has partnered with the BBC to provide official tourism information for attendees (VisitLiverpool). The exact stage layout and walking routes between stages have not been published yet.

Bottom line: Liverpool’s Sefton Park hosts the festival. The city council and VisitLiverpool are coordinating logistics, but detailed site maps are pending.

Who is the headliner for Big Weekend 2025?

The headliners have been confirmed: Tom Grennan closes the Main Stage on Friday 23 May (8:45–9:45pm), Sam Fender headlines Saturday, and Mumford & Sons take the Sunday slot (8:45–9:45pm) (Time Out). Friday’s Main Stage also features Biffy Clyro (7:20–8:05pm), James Hype, and The Wombats. The New Music Stage on Friday includes Barry Can’t Swim, Confidence Man, D.O.D, Jazzy, Katy B, Nia Archives, and Prospa (Liverpool Express). The full Saturday and Sunday lineups beyond headliners are expected to be released in the weeks before the event.

The implication: the three headliners represent a mix of British rock and indie — a deliberate shift from previous years’ pop-heavy lineups.

Where can I watch Radio 1 Big Weekend 2025?

You can watch the festival live on BBC iPlayer on Sunday 25 May 2025. Highlights will also be available on BBC Radio 1’s YouTube channel after the event. The BBC programmes page provides full streaming details (Liverpool Express). BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds will carry audio broadcasts throughout the weekend. For those attending in person, ticket registration opened on Thursday 13 March 2025 at 5pm, with tickets priced at £33 plus a £4.50 booking fee (Liverpool Express).

Why is Mollie King not on Radio 1 at the moment?

Mollie King has stepped back from her regular Radio 1 presenting duties for a temporary break, confirmed by her public statement (BBC Radio 1). The break coincides with the Big Weekend period, though she may return later in the year. Separately, Tiffany Calver has announced she is leaving 1Xtra, citing career progression. In a BBC article, she described her time at the station as “incredible” and said she is ready for “the next chapter” (BBC 1Xtra).

Has Stuart Broad split up with Mollie King?

No official confirmation exists regarding Stuart Broad and Mollie King’s relationship status. The couple have not made any public statements, and neither party’s representatives have commented. This is a point of speculation that remains unresolved.

What condition does Matt Edmondson have?

Matt Edmondson’s Wikipedia entry references a long-term health condition, but he has not disclosed precise details publicly. He continues to present on Radio 1, including covering shifts during the Big Weekend period (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Radio 1 is undergoing a behind-the-mic reshuffle as presenters take breaks or move on, which could affect the station’s on-air identity during the flagship festival weekend.

Timeline: BBC Big Weekend through the years

• 2000–present: Annual BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival held across UK locations.
• 2025 (23–25 May): Sefton Park, Liverpool — 25th edition.
• 25 May 2025: Broadcast of Big Weekend performances on BBC iPlayer.
• Ongoing: Presenter changes: Mollie King on maternity leave, Tiffany Calver departing 1Xtra.

Why this matters: The festival has grown from a one-day event in 2000 to a multi-stage, multi-day production. The 2025 edition marks a quarter-century of live music broadcasting.

What We Know vs What’s Still Unclear

Quotes from the artists

“Headlining Big Weekend is a dream come true. To do it in Liverpool, a city with such rich music history, makes it even more special.”

— Tom Grennan, speaking to Liverpool Express (source)

“My time at 1Xtra has been incredible, but it’s time for the next chapter. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

— Tiffany Calver, in an interview with BBC (source)

Summary: What it means for Liverpool and Radio 1

The 2025 Big Weekend is more than a three-day concert. It signals a generational handover for Radio 1’s presenter lineup and a major tourism injection for Liverpool. For the city, the choice is clear: invest in infrastructure to handle over 100,000 visitors, or risk overwhelming local services. For fans, the festival offers a rare chance to see three massive headliners in one weekend — but only if they secure tickets before they sell out.

Frequently asked questions