Radio1's Big Weekend 2026

[TMD_24]

The BBC are launching a new Radio 1 station focused on 2000's and 2010's music. Radio 1 Dance will also go on DAB as well as continuing on Sounds.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/plans-digital-music-stations-extensions-bbc-radio-1-bbc-radio-2-bbc-radio-3/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68226389

[BBCAaron]

I think launching a 00s-10s nostalgia station isn’t quite what is needed when Absolute 00s and 10s exist with a whole host of networks airing that recent nostalgia playlist. The thing that could’ve earned them some points is creating a Future Sounds / New Music Fix style station with a 24/7 focus on new music and new artist something that can target the music specialism audience that is unique to the BBC and feels like a bit of a better way to lure listeners to tune in on a regular basis leisurely at at anytime of day even for moments as a way of finding something different to add to playlist and have on radar.

[BBCAaron]

with Radio 1 Dance going on DAB+ adding Jeremiah’s and Tiffany Calver’s Radio 1 Xtra shows to the station wouldn’t go amiss with in keeping with the rave and club feel of the network.

[Jono]

Got to wonder if the new Radio 1 station had existed sooner if Scott would have fronted it.

It's an ambitious plan, at a time when I thought they'd be looking into closing stations, or not investing in DAB. I wonder if Radio 1 Relax will go?

Anyway, it's good to see - and I realise it'll be a minor cost involved.

[NathanS]

Surely the RadioCentre are going to object to it if it's anything other than existing content on Sounds or commissioned for the main networks (simulcasts, documentaries etc), especially in the case of a Radio 2 spin off...

[BBCAaron]

18 minutes ago, NathanS said:

Surely the RadioCentre are going to object to it if it's anything other than existing content on Sounds or commissioned for the main networks (simulcasts, documentaries etc), especially in the case of a Radio 2 spin off...

They have objected think given the fact that with Radio 2’s spin-off proposition it feels like its trying to compete with recent start-up Boom radio that has proven a success with older generations but couldn’t see this Radio 2 Extra station being a primary choice and it be something that elder listeners could listen in addition to stations like boom.

[ianwilk1999]

The link says it can be a place for emerging talent in presenter format

[ianwilk1999]

With some live shows. I wonder if this will be a place for the likes of Nat Oleary to do more shows for Radio 1

[BBCAaron]

1 hour ago, ianwilk1999 said:

With some live shows. I wonder if this will be a place for the likes of Nat Oleary to do more shows for Radio 1

It will be interesting to see when they smooth out the details and know what these stations are going to look like what formatting and programming is put out on the station the 00s-10s station is one of the biggest selling point as unlike with Radio 1 Dance and Radio 1 Xtra the purpose and the audience seems much clear as 1 Xtra launched to serve the young black community and Dance feels like a natural extension of the internet radio station and the stations specialist programming. This new station its harder to tell what it will become.

[Jono]

Was hoping there'd be a Radio 1 Indie personally! But given so much came out in the 00s it's probably going to be a big part of it. 

[NathanS]

3 hours ago, ianwilk1999 said:

With some live shows. I wonder if this will be a place for the likes of Nat Oleary to do more shows for Radio 1

Even if it somehow gets passed, how are they funding the cost of extra shows/presenters and producers without taking from the existing Radio 1 budget? That's the only way I can see them doing it.

 

[coffeeandgin]

Seems odd (even though they are probably fairly cheap to run) to launch new services while other areas like local radio continue to be cut and cut.

Plus there is an argument these new services are already covered to an extent - Bauer (through Kiss and Absolute) and Global (with Heart) already have decade stations and you have Capital Dance which probably covers much of the ground Radio 1 Dance does.

I guess though it gives further competition and choice for listeners which is no bad thing.

It does seem like the spin-off station that was probably the most distinctive in Radio 1 Relax is the one to go when it probably feels the most like the sort of station a broadcaster like the BBC should be covering elsewhere.

[coffeeandgin]

Intrigued to see what changes as a result of this happen to Radio 1 Dance - got to honest as a dance music fan while I'll listen to a fair chunk of the live stuff on Radio 1 if I wanted to hear a bit more dance I'd usually venture to Capital Dance rather than Radio 1 Dance. There's no substitute for live programming and live presenters there's a lot more of it on Capital Dance than presently on R1 Dance. Capital Dance felt more curated with its own presenters and playlists whereas R1 Dance feels like a dumping ground of repeats and playlists from overnight that you can just as easily get on demand.

[BBCAaron]

22 minutes ago, coffeeandgin said:

Intrigued to see what changes as a result of this happen to Radio 1 Dance - got to honest as a dance music fan while I'll listen to a fair chunk of the live stuff on Radio 1 if I wanted to hear a bit more dance I'd usually venture to Capital Dance rather than Radio 1 Dance. There's no substitute for live programming and live presenters there's a lot more of it on Capital Dance than presently on R1 Dance. Capital Dance felt more curated with its own presenters and playlists whereas R1 Dance feels like a dumping ground of repeats and playlists from overnight that you can just as easily get on demand.

Yes, I think that’s always been the problem for myself with these livestreams I’m not one that often listens to Capital Dance but know they do have a really good station and MistaJam and the rest of the team have done a good job of delivering a station that is less of a generic playlist with guests on the programmes and audience interaction and feels very thought out in playlist of what they choose to play. I think to an extent they could go further delving into the more underground scenes and sub genres of dance being a bit more eclectic and reflecting the broadness of the mass genre of dance. But as the only dance exclusive station of dance it’s something I can imagine is one that can be the mood booster for those working night shifts, going to the gym etc. with Radio 1 Dance it’s content is probably most enjoyed still at the weekends in simulcast or catch-up with certain programmes from likes of Danny Howard or Pete Tong. 

With the ability to catch Pete Tong, Essential Mix, Drum & Bass show on sounds app and can have it in feed through subscribing. I always wonder the stats of those who click on the dance station on the dial on bbc sounds.

[BBCAaron]

1 hour ago, Jono said:

Was hoping there'd be a Radio 1 Indie personally! But given so much came out in the 00s it's probably going to be a big part of it. 

I mean 6 Music does an indie forever programme and some of that era feels on Absolute and Radio X’s turf. It does feel like a 6 Music thing in sense of the playlist focusing on indie and alternative stuff but if they do a Radio 1 Indie there’d be 101 stations on the BBC Sounds app. I think it shows how radio has really changed in the last decade or so with so many stations becoming more themic and mood based. 

[DC]

I still feel anything from about 2016 upwards is still relevant to Radio 1 anyway now. Look how many artists releasing songs then are still doing it now and topping the playlist. Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, Beyonce, Stormzy etc. The second half of the 2010's definitely feels too recent to be nostalgic for me.

Feels strange that the 90's is being left out a little from this New Radio 1/Radio 2 digital thing. Granted Radio 2 play lots of 90's now, but a lot of it is play-it-safe type of stuff still. Charles & Eddie, Texas etc. Could have 90s stuff that Radio 2 wouldn't really play. Prodigy, Portishead, late 90's Nu Metal and Rock like Slipknot, Papa Roach etc.

[BBCAaron]

8 minutes ago, DC said:

I still feel anything from about 2016 upwards is still relevant to Radio 1 anyway now. Look how many artists releasing songs then are still doing it now and topping the playlist. Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, Beyonce, Stormzy etc. The second half of the 2010's definitely feels too recent to be nostalgic for me.

Feels strange that the 90's is being left out a little from this New Radio 1/Radio 2 digital thing. Granted Radio 2 play lots of 90's now, but a lot of it is play-it-safe type of stuff still. Charles & Eddie, Texas etc. Could have 90s stuff that Radio 2 wouldn't really play. Prodigy, Portishead, late 90's Nu Metal and Rock like Slipknot, Papa Roach etc.

I wonder if say they do manage to launch Radio 2 Extra station and it works out to be feasible to broadcast Sound of the 60’s and 70s exclusively on the station wonder if they could do a contemporary take on the Rock show with less of the classic rock from the 70s featured but some of the metal, grunge and emo rock stuff from 80s-00s. It should at least allow Radio 2 to look at it’s own prime programming and have a more of a creative liscense in creating content for the middle generations and take more risks than Heart, Virgin or Greatest Hits Radio and if Radio 1 effectively manages to launch it’s ‘Anthems’ and ‘Dance’ stations it should be able to take plenty of liberties when it comes to the stations main playlist.

[Jono]

12 hours ago, BBCAaron said:

I mean 6 Music does an indie forever programme and some of that era feels on Absolute and Radio X’s turf. It does feel like a 6 Music thing in sense of the playlist focusing on indie and alternative stuff but if they do a Radio 1 Indie there’d be 101 stations on the BBC Sounds app. I think it shows how radio has really changed in the last decade or so with so many stations becoming more themic and mood based. 

Although my friend has been an avid listener but says the music has gone in a different direction. 

I suppose maybe that's the direction of travel we are going in with FAST channels on telly.

[And what]

They have a planned morning show running for three hours four days a week
https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/documents/comm-brief-r1-dance-morning-show.pdf

More shows commissioned for the dance station too

https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/documents/comm-brief-r1-dance-industry-collaboration-show.pdf
https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/documents/comm-brief-r1-dance-pete-tong-essential-history-of-dance-music.pdf

[AndyK77]

3 hours ago, And what said:

They have a planned morning show running for three hours four days a week
https://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/radio/documents/comm-brief-r1-dance-morning-show.pdf

 

Surely that is almost certainly going to be hosted by Arielle?

[BBCAaron]

3 hours ago, AndyK77 said:

Surely that is almost certainly going to be hosted by Arielle?

That or Connor Coates or Charlie Tee. If there is a specific designated live dance show across digital radio and BBC Sounds able to be plugged into cars, at home and in public spaces which are how Radio 1’s listeners mostly listen to the station live that isn’t a simulcast. The station could consider to not play many dance tracks in that morning slot to give distinctions between the two programmes. It would be interesting if this could also be the time where Charlie Hedges leaves Rickie and Melvin to become the DJ for this morning show with Rickie & Melvin for weekend afternoons and something different for mid-mornings all together on the flagship 1 station

[AndyK77]

26 minutes ago, BBCAaron said:

That or Connor Coates or Charlie Tee. If there is a specific designated live dance show across digital radio and BBC Sounds able to be plugged into cars, at home and in public spaces which are how Radio 1’s listeners mostly listen to the station live that isn’t a simulcast. The station could consider to not play many dance tracks in that morning slot to give distinctions between the two programmes. It would be interesting if this could also be the time where Charlie Hedges leaves Rickie and Melvin to become the DJ for this morning show with Rickie & Melvin for weekend afternoons and something different for mid-mornings all together on the flagship 1 station

And you could imagine a gradual extension of the schedule.

My suggestion of Arielle was twofold - firstly it coincides with her leaving Early Breakfast and secondly, she is the dance DJ with most extensive experience of mainstream presenting (except Charlie Hedges).

[Acelink]

This is so overdue, although almost to the point where the limbo listeners between radio one and two may already have been lost to commercial

I think they could do with a brand new naming and brand approach across the whole radio estate opposed to extension names.

Interesting discussion - Like a fantasy schedule -  if you had to rename the full bbc radio estate including these new proposals - how would you approach it? 

 

[BBCAaron]

3 hours ago, Acelink said:

This is so overdue, although almost to the point where the limbo listeners between radio one and two may already have been lost to commercial

I think they could do with a brand new naming and brand approach across the whole radio estate opposed to extension names.

Interesting discussion - Like a fantasy schedule -  if you had to rename the full bbc radio estate including these new proposals - how would you approach it? 

 

I think the BBC would be desperate to avoid this as this would cause anger and confusion for listeners I’d atleast have a BBC News Radio and BBC Sports Radio killing off the ‘5Live brand’ for more streamlined news coverage axing any phone in shows that focus on topical news discussion. I’d have regional variations of the BBC News and Sports radio stations with majority of the time simulcasting a national news and sport feed but bringing regular local news and sport bulletins and special news coverage and broadcasting of local sport. With a BBC World News station replacing the World Service brand in the U.K for 24/7 dedicated focus on international news being capable to do live breaking news stories and more coverage of international elections and politics.

I’d have BBC Radio 1 Dance to be simply BBC Dance or other names like BBC Radio Dance or Dance or sounds something that had a less youth focus that could target and attract dance and electronic programming listeners from 6 Music and Radio 2 with shows for Sherelle and other archive content from the BBC archives and new commissioned programmes.

I’d launch a BBC Global Sounds station globally in partners with other international broadcasters it partners with the EBU and stations that Radio 1 Dance has teamed up for Europes biggest night in dances they have done. Giving access to programming produced by the BBC and its partners as a showcase of a global music scene beyond the U.K with showcasing some of BBC’s music programmes from Music Planet (Radio 3), AfroSounds with DJ Edu (R1X), Jamz Supernova (R6M) and Gilles Peterson (R6M), Asian Networks Global Beats (AN). This station would highlight the global diversity of music, arts and culture from across the globe made available in the same means as World Service is across the globe.

Replacing the non-news content found on Radio 4 would be BBC Sounds Showcase a digital service reflecting how the broadcaster is going to promote their non-news radio 4 programmes in podcast format for BBC Sounds.

BBC 6 Music would simply become simply become BBC Music with two sister stations one BBC New Music which would bridge between specialist music targeted to the youth demographic on Radio 1 with programmes from Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri to Tom and Deb from 6 Music. Second sister station would be BBC Music Introducing playing only artists that are supported by BBC Introducing or have been on BBC Introducing with mix of the regional and national shows.

Radio 1 becomes BBC Fresh as the new BBC youth brand with sister station fresh Fresh Xtra or Fresh X for short being a station for music and culture targeted to young people from minority communities and cultures 

Radio 2 comes BBC Radio 1 with BBC Radio 1’s sister station launching as Radio 1 Extra targeting the elder demographic of Radio 1 Xtra’s audience with inclusion of other genres like jazz, ska, golden age hip-hop, blues, soul and funk.

BBC Radio 3 would become BBC Symphony with a sister station BBC Symphony Showcase with more focus on new and contemporary classical music.

BBC local brands and Asian networks brands remain unchanged.

[R1Fan1]

3 hours ago, Acelink said:

This is so overdue, although almost to the point where the limbo listeners between radio one and two may already have been lost to commercial

I think they could do with a brand new naming and brand approach across the whole radio estate opposed to extension names.

Interesting discussion - Like a fantasy schedule -  if you had to rename the full bbc radio estate including these new proposals - how would you approach it? 

 

Ideally it would make sense to line the radio numbers up with the channel numbers; so Radio 1 becomes Radio 3, Radio 2 becomes Radio 1, Radio 3 becomes Radio 4, etc, but obviously this is all quite unlikely.