Ed Sheeran, AJ Tracey and Wolf Alice are among the eight artists announced for BBC Radio 1’s Virtual Big Weekend.
The artists will record performances for the summer event that will run between 28 May and 31 May 2021. The eight artists announced are Ed Sheeran, AJ Tracey, Anne Marie, Celeste, London Grammar, Mabel, Royal Blood and Wolf Alice.
Announcing the line up on Instagram, BBC Radio 1 wrote: “ From 28th – 31st May we’re bringing you over 100 performances for Radio 1’s Big Weekend of Live Music!Get ready for brand new sets from: Ed Sheeran @AJTracey @AnneMarie @Celeste @LondonGrammar @Mabel @royalblooduk @wolfalicemusic Friday 28th May is dedicated to all-new sets from some of the biggest names in Dance music. Start your bank holiday weekend with a soundtrack by @ericprydz, @feelmybicep, Floorplan, @honeydijon, @logic1000____, @michael_bibi_, @patricktopping, Paul Woolford, @solomun and @theblessedmadonna .”
Ed Sheeran’s performance at the Big Weekend will be his first in over a year after he announced a break from music in December 2019. The British pop star announced his break on Instagram, writing: “Gonna go on another break again. The Divide era and tour changed my life in so many ways, but now it’s all over it’s time to go out and see some more of the world. I’ve been a bit non stop since 2017 so I’m just gonna take a breather to travel, write and read.” After becoming a Dad late last year, Sheeran released a new song ‘Afterglow’ in December 2020.
Other artists among the weekend’s line-up are rising UK stars Enny, Bad Boy Chiller Crew and Kynsy, who will be performing remotely via a pre-recorded set. In a statement on this year’s line-up, Radio 1 wrote: “Alongside the new sets, listeners will be able to enjoy some of the most memorable Radio 1 performances to have taken place in recent years, from Piano Sessions to the Live Lounge, as well as previous Big Weekend performances. The line-up includes performances from Rihanna, Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, The 1975, Sam Smith, Foals, Lizzo, Dua Lipa and many more.”
This is the second year in a row Radio 1’s iconic summer event has had to move online due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be streamed across BBC Sounds and BBC IPlayer between 28 May and 31 May to be enjoyed “in parks, on beaches, in pub gardens” as coronavirus UK lockdown restrictions ease. Last year the event was due to be held in Dundee, but due to uncertainty around the pandemic, the radio station ultimately cancelled the Scotland based event.
