Calling all music festival fans: Radio 2 Live 2022 is getting even bigger as it is moving from ’s Hyde Park to Temple Newsam Park in Leeds.
The BBC radio station’s annual music festival will be moving up north and be doubling in size as a result, with more than 20 artists – teased by the BBC as some of the ‘world’s most popular artists’ – set to be confirmed in June.
The event, which was previously a one-day festival and has had major acts including Elton John, , Pet Shop Boys, Take That and Lenny Kravitz on the bill, will descend on the sprawling park in West Yorkshire over two days on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18.
It certainly sounds like it’s going to give the likes of hit annual festivals a run for their money!
The Radio 2 DJ Tent will be making its debut, which will feature presenters ‘playing classic tracks from Motown in the 60s to the present day.’
DJ announced the news, saying: ‘It’s official! The news is OUT and I can tell you the whole Radio 2 family can’t wait to be in LEEDS this year for R2 Live.
‘We are ready for two days of dancing and singing along with our fabulous listeners and some brilliant live acts. Personally, I’m giddy to get my groove on in the Radio 2 DJ Tent!’
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, added: ‘Following our month of brilliant Piano Room performances in February, we’re thrilled that Radio Live will be held in Leeds, one of the great cities of the North. Live music is at the heart of the station so we can’t wait for us all to gather at Temple Newsam for two days of brilliant music, bringing everyone together to feel great!’
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, commented: ‘We’re incredibly excited to welcome Radio 2 Live to Temple Newsam and for people in Leeds to be able to look forward to performances from world-class artists on their doorstep.
‘Leeds has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years, so it’s great to see the city carrying on that proud tradition and to be working with the organisers to bring another major and unique event to Leeds.”
Radio 2 Live will be broadcast on the network and be available live and on demand on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer.
The move is part of the BBC’s continued plan to branch out into the North region and away from London.
Music fans have been able to breathe a sigh of relief this year as the majority of their beloved festivals are back after two years of cancellations due to the Covid pandemic.
Glastonbury is back on in June with headliners Billie Eilish, Sir Paul McCartney and Kendrick Lamar, while Reading and Leeds is also back in action this August, with the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Dave on the bill.
