BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend to take place in Exeter, announces first acts

01 February 2016, 09:59 | Written by Laurence Day

(News)

(Coldplay)

Coldplay, Ellie Goulding, Chase & Status, Bring Me The Horizon, and Craig David are the first names for this year's BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend.

This year's event will take place at Exeter's Powderham Castle on 28-29 May.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin says: “I was born and raised in Exeter so being part of Radio 1’s Big Weekend this year means a huge amount to me personally. I lived the first few years of my life less than 500 yards from where we’ll be performing so this couldn’t be more of a homecoming for me. Guy, Will, Jonny and I are honoured to be on the bill and we’re looking forward to a very special show.”

Ben Cooper, Controller of Radio 1 and 1Xtra, added: “We’ve taken Lady Gaga to Carlisle, Taylor Swift to Norwich and now we’re taking Chris Martin back home. We’re very proud to be able to bring such a diverse range of acts to Exeter, where they’ll be part of our biggest weekend of the year.”

Ticket details will be revealed on 21 March - the "majority" of tickets will be given to residents of Exeter and the surrounding area.

The Big Weekend is Europe's biggest free ticketed festival, and last year featured headliners Muse, Florence and The Machine, Taylor Swift and Foo Fighters in Norwich.

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is once again due to be broadcast live on Radio 1, with all performances streamable via the iPlayer.