BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend coming to Derry this May

Derry-Londonderry's City of Culture celebrations ratchet up another gear on May 25, 26 and 27 with the return to the city of the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend.

The first acts to be confirmed for the free bash are Two Door Cinema Club and Olly Murs. The festival will also be extended to a three-day event for the first time.

The weekend will kick off on Friday May 24, where there will be a day focused on dance music and BBC Radio 1Xtra plus the usual two days of big name acts and fresh new music on Saturday 25 and Sunday May 26.

“The last Big Weekend in the city in 2004 was a legendary music moment in Northern Ireland, and it’s so great to be able to return with an even bigger show second time around,” the BBC’s Jason Cartern enthuses. “The concerts will be almost twice the capacity of the previous visit, and for the very first time, the event will run across three days. I have no doubt it will be a spectacular weekend of music in the heart of the city.”

The fun and games will take place in Ebrington Square and The Venue, and also be broadcast live on Radio 1, Radio 1Xtra and BBC Three TV.

Headline artists, full line-up, and ticket information will be announced live on Radio 1 in the coming months. But keep an eye on HotPress.com where we'll keep you up to date with any further news.

City of Culture 2013 chairman Martin Bradley says: “We’ve already seen a wonderful, varied, diverse programme of events unveiled with something for everyone to enjoy. As we saw in the wonderful opening Sons and Daughters concert, Derry-Londonderry prides itself as a city of music and there is no better place for Radio 1 to come to than here this year. It’s going to be one huge party which will take the City of Culture celebrations to a whole new level over the course of a fantastic weekend.”