Why were Newcastle's music festival plans cancelled?

Newcastle's festival plans were cancelled to avoid clashing with BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend event in nearby Sunderland.

How many people are expected at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend?

Approximately 80,000 music lovers are expected to attend the free three-day event in Sunderland.

What investment is being made for Sunderland's Big Weekend?

Nearly £1 million is being invested by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and Sunderland City Council for the Big Weekend, covering transport and accessibility.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Newcastle Music Fest Shelved for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend

Newcastle Music Fest Shelved for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend

24 Jan

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Summary

Newcastle festival plans were cancelled to avoid clashing with Big Weekend.
BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is expected to attract 80,000 music lovers.
Nearly £1m will be invested in Sunderland's Big Weekend event.

Newcastle Music Fest Shelved for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend

A planned music festival on Newcastle's Town Moor has been postponed. Custodians initially earmarked the weekend of May 22 for the event, possibly a return of LooseFest, but have now shelved these plans. The decision was made to avoid a direct conflict with BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, scheduled to take place in Sunderland's Herrington Park during the same period.

This major BBC event is expected to attract around 80,000 music enthusiasts to Wearside for a free, three-day festival. Custodians of Newcastle's Town Moor announced that a festival event there will now be planned for 2027, citing that it is not economically viable to proceed in competition with the Big Weekend. LooseFest was last held in August 2024, featuring artists like Ronan Keating.