Headliners Announced for Stirling Festival
Radio 2 in the Park 2026 will take place at City Park in Stirling, Scotland, from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, with Chaka Khan headlining Saturday night and Simple Minds closing the festival on Sunday. The announcement was made on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show. Simple Minds' performance will be their only UK show this year, according to lead singer Jim Kerr.
Friday DJ Pre-Party Returns
Back by popular demand, the festival will kick off with a Friday night DJ Pre-Party featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan. The three-day event will include live performances from some of the world's biggest musicians, alongside DJ sets from the station's presenters. Listeners can catch all the action live on Radio 2, BBC Sounds, and iPlayer.
Chaka Khan: A Legendary Career
Chaka Khan, born Yvette Marie Stevens on the South Side of Chicago, rose to prominence at 18 as the lead voice of Rufus. She has released 23 studio albums and recorded over 2,000 songs across six decades. In November 2023, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Musical Excellence Award, and in 2026, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Speaking about the festival, Khan said: “Stirling is such a magical place. I just love the charm and spirit of the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. Can't wait to share the songs, the love, and make some beautiful memories together.”
Simple Minds: Scotland's Own
Simple Minds, formed in 1977 and led by Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, are one of Scotland's most influential rock bands. They achieved global fame in the 1980s with albums like New Gold Dream and hits including Don't You (Forget About Me), which has surpassed one billion streams worldwide. Their 2024/25 global tour drew over 1.5 million people. Kerr expressed excitement: “The fact that it's gonna be in Stirling which is not so far from our neck of the woods... Simple Minds in Scotland inevitably is always a bit special... it'll be Simple Minds' first and only gig in the UK this year... Our set will be very upbeat, we'll want to involve the crowd.”
What's at Stake
The festival reflects Radio 2's commitment to bringing diverse musical acts to audiences across the UK. Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, said: “It’s a real privilege to bring some of the world’s biggest artists, including many of Scotland’s greatest, to the historic city of Stirling... The range of musical genres represented is a a sign of the breadth and diversity of music played on Radio 2 – there is truly something for everybody!” The event also highlights the station's ability to draw large crowds and generate significant listener engagement.
Public Impact and Audience Experience
Vernon Kay, who hosts the UK's most listened to radio show with 6.6 million listeners each week, said: “We are in for such a treat of live music - Simple Minds closing out the weekend is going to be unbelievable! Scotland always brings such an amazing energy... I'm so excited to DJ on Saturday - you can expect all the dance bangers from the 90s!” The festival offers a mix of genres, appealing to a broad audience. Tickets for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday go on sale on Wednesday 10 June at 8.30am via the BBC website.
Next Steps
Tickets for the Radio 2 in the Park Pre-Party on Friday are priced at £40 (plus booking fee), while Saturday and Sunday tickets start from £84. Full terms and conditions are available at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2inthepark. The festival will be broadcast live on Radio 2, BBC Sounds, and iPlayer, allowing fans across the UK to tune in.
As reported by BBC.
