CHERYL COLE, Rihanna, JLS and Dizzee Rascal will be just some of the acts to perform at what promises to be the music event of the year for the region.
Radio 1’s Big Weekend – the station’s annual music extravaganza – announced its line-up for the two-day festival which will take place at the Faenol Estate, near Bangor, on Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23.
And, within hours almost 130,000 music lovers had registered for the 40,000 tickets which are available free, but only online (see panel for details).
Chris Moyles, with a little bit of help from Zane Lowe, unveiled the comprehensive line-up of over 30 UK and international artists, which will include Florence & The Machine, Faithless, Paulo Nutini and Scouting for Girls, plus Welsh bands the Lostprophets, Kids in Glass Houses and Marina & The Diamonds.
More than 40,000 fans will be able to enjoy performances from four stages at the Faenol – the Main Stage; the In New Music We Trust Stage; the Outdoor Stage and the BBC Introducing Stage.
The Chris Moyles show producer, Aled Haydn Jones, from Aberystwyth could barely contain his excitement about the “stunning” line-up.
He said: “The line-up is brilliant, for me coming from Aberystwyth, I can’t believe we are taking this many stars and bands up to Bangor.
“I didn’t know beforehand because, as we were starting to build it up and trying confirm acts, I couldn’t take the tension any more, so I just found out this morning and I think it is brilliant.”
And unlike Huw Stephens and Zane Lowe – whose eyes will be on emerging acts like Stornoway and Bombay Bicycle Club – the Aber man’s attention will be on one of the most famous stars on the main stage.
“It’s got be Cheryl Cole for me.”
He will also be cheering on JLS who appeared on stage with Chris Moyles at last year’s Big Weekend in Swindon, “even before they had released a single”.
Radio 1’s live music and events editor, Jason Carter, said: “We’ve pulled out all the stops for our 10th BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend with an outstanding line-up of the best UK and international talent, along with new and emerging artists.
“It’s a great opportunity to put a national focus on North Wales as Radio 1 brings two days of distinctive programming encompassing the very best live music, fantastic sets and some original collaborations. And no-one has to miss any of it as it will be on radio, online, on TV and the red button.”
The local reaction to the festival and line-up was overwhelmingly positive.
Adam Isbell, the event manager of Bangor nightclub Amser/Time, said clubs, bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurant would all benefit greatly from the festival.
“I think there will be more than 20,000 coming each day and that is got to be good thing not just for Bangor but the whole of the region,” he said.
“The Big Weekend coincides with effectively our last weekend (the club will close as work on a new university arts centre starts) and we are planning something big (linked to the festival) to mark that.
“I hope that the Big Weekend will leave a legacy behind which puts the Faenol site on the festival map for years to come because it has the potential to become huge.”
The chairman of the People of Bangor campaign group Nigel Pickavance was equally effusive.
He added: “It will boost the profile of the city and will provide a lift for the economy and community spirit. Nothing like this has happened in Bangor before – in fact ever – and in my opinion it is going to be absolutely brilliant.
“My partner has already applied for our tickets so fingers crossed we’ll be one of the 40,000 going to the Faenol.”
Gwynedd Council’s corporate director, Iwan Trefor Jones, said: “We’re very proud to welcome these talented artists to Gwynedd. Our unique combination of breathtaking mountains and coastline will provide a fantastic backdrop for Radio 1’s Big Weekend. We look forward to showing the world what makes Gwynedd a great place to live, work and visit.”
Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones, Arfon AM, added: “I am delighted this major musical event is coming to Wales next month.
“This demonstrates our growing reputation as a venue for major events and shows that the facilities exist in all parts of Wales to host top class events.”
The line-up for the BBC Introducing Stage will be announced by Huw Stephens during his show tomorrow (9-10pm) while the line-up for the Outdoor Stage will be announced by Annie Mac on Thursday, while she deputises for Fearne Cotton (10am-1pm).
A truly multi-platform experience, Radio 1’s Big Weekend will be broadcast on Radio 1, with a major interactive presence online at bbc.co.uk/radio1 and many live performances available to watch on demand. There will be highlights on BBC Three and extended performances can be seen via the Red Button on digital TV during the weekend
