Everything you need to know about BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Luton - including who's playing and how much tickets are

Luton has been unveiled as the location for BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend this year - which is set to take over one of the town’s largest parks for three days in May.

We wanted to give you all the latest information to help you keep with the event in the months leading up to it.

This article will be updated as more information is revealed.

When is it? The festival will run for three days, starting on Friday, May 24. On this day, gates open from 1pm with a 11pm finish. On Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, gates will be open from 10.30am, with the event finishing at 10.30pm. Sound tests will be carried out on Thursday, May 23.

Where will it be? The festival is being held in Stockwood Park, London Road, LU1 4LX.

How do I get a ticket? Tickets will go on sale this Thursday, March 21 at 5pm. You can book them here. Ticketmaster will manage the bookings, which the BBC calls “the only official ticketing agent for Radio 1’s Big Weekend”

How much are tickets? Tickets will cost £29.50 (plus a £4.50 booking fee per ticket).

Will there be any priority given to Luton residents when getting tickets? Tickets are geographically weighted, meaning that a share of tickets is ring-fenced for local people. .

How many stages will there be? This year, for the first time, there will be four stages across the three days, instead of just on the Saturday and Sunday. The Radio 1 Main Stage, Radio 1’s Future Sounds Stage, Radio 1 Dance Stage and BBC Introducing Stage will showcase around 100 acts, from the biggest stars in the world to new and emerging artists.

Who will be performing? What is the line-up like? The BBC have revealed acts for the first two days. Here is who will know will be performing so far:

Friday – Radio 1 Main Stage: Becky Hill, Chase & Status, Ella Henderson, Rudimental

Friday – Radio 1 New Music Stage: Dimension, Diplo, Eric Prydz, Hannah Laing, Kenya Grace, Sonny Fodera

Friday – BBC Music Introducing Stage: charlieeeee, Deeps, JGrrey, LAVZ and Sam Girling

Saturday – Radio 1 Main Stage: Aitch, Griff, Joel Corry, Mabel, Rag‘n’Bone Man, RAYE

Saturday – Radio 1 New Music Stage: Alfie Templeman, Caity Baser, Cat Burns, Charli XCX, Dylan, The Last Dinner Party, Shygirl, Tems

Saturday – BBC Music Introducing Stage: Cam Thomas, Issey Cross, Jarki Monno, Kiimi, Myles Smith, NewDad, Ryussi and Saloni

Sunday – Radio 1 Main Stage: Coldplay, Declan McKenna, Olly Alexander, Sabrina Carpenter, Vampire Weekend

Sunday – Radio 1 New Music Stage: beabadoobee, CMAT, Everything Everything, FIZZ, Olivia Dean, Sea Girls, Teddy Swims

Sunday – BBC Music Introducing Stage: JW Paris, Shehxna, Picture Parlour, Max Jones, Low Girl, Frozemode, Etta Marcus and Beth McCarthy

Do I need to be over 18 to attend? There is no age restriction at the festival. But those aged 15 and under will need to be accompanies by an adult at all times. Children aged two and below don’t need a ticket, but must be in the care of a person aged 18 or over.

How do I get to the airport on this busy weekend? London Road and Farley Hill will be closed periodically throughout the event. But there will still be access to the airport via New Airport Way, Kimpton Road, and Vauxhall Way which will all remain open. There may be extra congestion, so allow for more time to make your journey.

Will there be shuttle buses? The council says there won’t be shuttle buses but there will be signage to the routes from public transport and car parks, as well as volunteers on hand to direct and support people.

When will the park be closed for the event? The event will be set up on Thursday, May 9 and taken down by Monday, June 3. The council website states: “Much of the park will remain available to visitors, apart from the days of the festival weekend. Details of park access during the festival weekend will be confirmed closer to the event.”

How accessible will the event be? Full information on accessible facilities available at this event, and how ticket holders can register for these, will be shared on bbc.co.uk/bigweekend in due course.

Can disabled people bring their essential companions with them? The council confirmed that customers with accessible requirements will need to buy a general admission ticket for themselves. After that is purchased, they will need complete the form to request any accessible facilities they might require at the show – including a free essential companion ticket, if required.

How can I volunteer for the festival? Luton Rising, the borough council’s airport company, is looking for volunteers to get involved in the festival. The ‘Festival Makers’ will play an integral part at the event as they will welcome visitors to Luton and help them access the event. Volunteers will get free training on health and safety, communication and customer services and will receive a free T-shirt, lunch and snacks during their shifts, along with a goodie bag. Festival Makers need to be over the age of 16 to apply – or if under that age must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers will also be required to attend training. You can find out more and submit an application by clicking here.

What’s happening to the Luton Carnival? Luton Carnival has been moved to Bank Holiday Monday - on May 27, the day after the festival finishes.

What is being done to protect the wildlife living in Stockwood Park? The council and festival organisers are taking active measures to preserve habitats, grass and trees, and will also restore the park to its original state following the festival.

Will the park be re-turfed after the event? Luton Borough Council said: “Festival Republic / Radio 1 will mitigate against ground damage by using a trackway for vehicles crossing the park to load and unload. It’s likely some grass will die under the trackway but surrounding plant will spread to cover the gaps. The council will support with additional grass seed if necessary.

“If the ground is sufficiently wet to get damaged by number of people, we will re-sow with a mixture of top soil and grass seed. Our experience with other events in spring and summer is that grass under cover during an event does recover with minimal support.

“There may also be some possible ground compaction that will need attention. In that instance again appropriate top soil, plus seed will be put down.”

What about noise and disturbance from the event? The council’s website states: “The event is being organised by a team with a long track record of delivering major live music festivals and events. There will be a dedicated helpline for any residents with any concerns, including noise during the event. This phone number will be published nearer the time.”

What do I do if my business is affected by the festival? The council says it will be arranging an event for businesses in March to discuss its impact.