Press
Releases |
 |
 |
Radio 1's Big Weekend comes to Maidstone
´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 1 confirmed today that the station's annual flagship event, Radio 1's Big Weekend, will this year take place in Mote Park, Maidstone on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May 2008.
Ìý
The fantastic news was announced by Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles as his breakfast show was broadcast live from Leeds Castle, Maidstone.
Ìý
Chris and his team were joined by Scouting For Girls who performed a live session. The band were also announced as the first act confirmed to appear at Radio 1's Big Weekend.
Ìý
This year a fourth stage, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Introducing Stage, will be added, bringing some of the best new and emerging UK talent selected from new music shows across the ´óÏó´«Ã½.
Ìý
Hosted by Radio 1's roster of DJs, Radio 1's Big Weekend is the eighth of its kind hosted by the station and the UK's biggest free ticketed music festival.
Ìý
The event is renowned for having some of the biggest and hottest UK and international acts performing live to kick off the UK's festival season.
Ìý
With live music across four stages over two days, the event will be broadcast on Radio 1 and will have a major interactive presence online at bbc.co.uk/radio1 with many full live performances available to watch on demand.
Ìý
Highlights will be available to watch on ´óÏó´«Ã½ TV and extended performances will be available via the red button on TV during the weekend.
Ìý
The site will be licensed to hold 20,000 people per day.
Ìý
Radio 1 will be making sure the majority of free tickets go to residents of Maidstone and the surrounding Kent area.
Ìý
To ensure a fair distribution of tickets in the region, Radio 1 will ask listeners to register their details and then select by random based on postcode.
Ìý
Over the coming months, listeners can keep listening to RadioÌý1 and visiting bbc.co.uk/radio1 for the full line-up, details on how to register for free tickets and to get answers to frequently asked questions.
Ìý
Chris Moyles said: "The Radio 1's Big Weekend events are one of the highlights of our year. I know that sounds like a line but it's true.
Ìý
"I hope everybody gets excited about it and to the lucky ones that get tickets, trust me, it'll be the best thing Maidstone sees this year!"
Ìý
Jason Carter, Radio 1's Editor of Live Music and Events, said: "Radio 1 is very proud to announce Maidstone as the hosts for our eighth Big Weekend, with massive line-ups of some of the biggest artists in the UK and from around the world performing in Mote Park, a fantastic site.
Ìý
"As well as bringing a stellar line-up, it'll be an great opportunity for Radio 1 to put a national focus on Maidstone and the South East region and all that it has to offer."
Ìý
Councillor Dan Daley, Maidstone's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: "This is a great boost for Maidstone music. Maidstone has a fantastic music offer to suit all tastes from classical concerts to a great club scene – but we haven't seen anything like this before.
Ìý
"Maidstone will kick off this year's festival season, with top UK and international artists. Last year Preston saw headline acts like Kaiser Chiefs, Stereophonics and Razorlight and I am sure this year's line-up will be just as exciting.
Ìý
"There will be a lasting legacy for our county town. Preston estimated a £1.3million boost to their local economy, and the event will serve as an inspiration for everyone involved in music in Maidstone."
Ìý
Radio 1 Publicity
Ìý
|
Printable version