Radio 2 has announced the headline acts for Radio 2 in the Park 2026, with Chaka Khan and Simple Minds topping the bill in Stirling.
The station’s annual live music event will take place at City Park in Stirling, Scotland, from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September.
Chaka Khan will headline the Saturday night, while Simple Minds will close the event on Sunday, in what Radio 2 says will be the band’s only UK performance of 2026.
The full line-up was revealed on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, with tickets going on sale on Wednesday 10 June.
Radio 2 in the Park heads to Scotland
This year’s event marks the first time Radio 2 in the Park has been staged in Scotland, following previous editions in Leicester, Preston and Chelmsford.
The 2026 line-up leans heavily into heritage pop, soul and rock, with a number of Scottish acts also appearing across the weekend.
Saturday’s bill features Chaka Khan, The Script, Emeli Sandé, ABC, Jack Savoretti, Lulu and Texas.
Sunday’s line-up includes Simple Minds, Level 42, James Blunt, Blue, Cast, Appleton and Deacon Blue.
Sara Cox among Friday night DJs
Radio 2 will also bring back its Friday night DJ Pre-Party, featuring sets from Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage and Rylan.
Sara’s appearance comes during a period of change at the station, as she prepares to leave Teatime and move to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show later this year.
Other Radio 2 presenters will appear across the weekend, with Vernon Kay also confirmed for a DJ set on Saturday.
Vernon said Simple Minds closing the weekend would be “unbelievable”, adding that Scotland “always brings such an amazing energy”.
Tickets and coverage
Tickets for Radio 2 in the Park 2026 go on sale on Wednesday 10 June at 8.30am.
Tickets for the Friday Pre-Party are priced at £40 plus booking fee, while Saturday and Sunday tickets start from £84 plus booking fee.
The event will also be broadcast across Radio 2, BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer throughout the weekend.
COMMENTS