Radio One's Big Weekend is coming to our hometown of Swindon!!
Over the weekend of 9th/10th May 2009, Wiltshire will play host to the biggest live music event the county has ever seen.
In a massive coup for the town, BBC Radio 1 confirmed today that the station's annual flagship event, Radio 1's Big Weekend, will take place at Lydiard Park in Swindon.
The news was announced by Radio 1 presenter Chris Moyles on his breakfast show which was broadcast live from a bar in Swindon's town centre. Chris and his team were joined by Snow Patrol and N-Dubz who performed live - and both bands are also set to play at Radio 1's Big Weekend.
Chris Moyles said of the forthcoming event: "It’s the best weekend we have at Radio 1 and we always try to bring it to places that don't normally get big events like this. The people of Swindon are going to love it!"
Hosted by Radio 1 DJs, the Big Weekend is the UK's biggest free ticketed music festival and has an outstanding reputation for attracting some of the biggest and hottest UK and international acts to perform live.
Last year's event was held in Maidstone and saw Madonna, The Kooks, Usher and The Feeling appear among many other top name acts.
With live music across four stages, the two-day event will be broadcast on Radio 1 and and many live performances available to watch on demand via digital TV services.
There will be highlights on BBC Three and extended performances can be seen via the red button on television during the weekend.
There will also be a number of fringe-style events taking place in and around Swindon in the week leading up to the event showcasing local musical talent.
The Lydiard Park concert site is licensed to hold 20,000 people per day and the majority of the free tickets will go to residents of Swindon and the surrounding postcode area.
Cllr Phil Young from Swindon Borough Council, said: "This is a fantastic announcement for Swindon and we are working in partnership with Radio 1 to make sure that this is the best Big Weekend ever staged.
"As soon as Radio 1 approached the Council we were determined to make this happen in Swindon and when the eyes of the world are focussed on us for the weekend we will have a great opportunity to leave all of those who attend, watch and listen with a positive impression of our thriving town and borough."
Full details on how to obtain tickets and the full weekend line-up will be announced by Radio 1 shortly.
Fingers crossed we'll get the chance to apply to play at the Fringe Festival and hopefully possibly to open the event on the BBC Introducing Stage. Wish us luck!!