Getty ImagesThe esteemed “Queen of Funk,” Chaka Khan, and the iconic Scottish band Simple Minds are set to headline this year’s Radio 2 in the Park, a significant music festival returning to Stirling.
Scheduled for September 11th to 13th in City Park, this event marks the first major broadcast music gathering in Scotland in three years, signalling a vibrant return to live cultural events.
The festival weekend will commence with a DJ party night on Friday, featuring popular Radio 2 presenters including Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan.
Saturday’s main stage will be graced by a stellar lineup, including The Script, ABC, Emeli Sandé, Jack Savoretti, Lulu, and Texas, culminating in a performance by the multiple Grammy-winning icon, Chaka Khan.
Sunday’s festivities will see performances from Deacon Blue, Level 42, James Blunt, Cast, Blue, and Appleton, before Simple Minds close the festival.
Getty ImagesAll performances throughout the weekend will be broadcast live on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with additional coverage available on iPlayer, extending the festival’s reach beyond the live audience.
Khan expressed her excitement about performing in Stirling, describing the city as a “magical place” and anticipating a shared experience of “songs, love, and beautiful memories” with the audience.
Jim Kerr of Simple Minds conveyed his anticipation for the festival, noting its significance as the band’s sole UK performance this year and a prelude to their 50th anniversary celebrations next year.
Kerr highlighted the special connection Simple Minds has with Scotland, his home country, and expects the Stirling performance to energize their upcoming activities.
He further elaborated that the band plans an energetic set designed to engage the audience fully, promising a lively atmosphere and a crowd that will be “jumping up and down.”
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, expressed his honour in bringing internationally acclaimed artists, alongside Scotland’s own musical talents, to Stirling for this prestigious event. He remarked on the unique opportunity for audiences to witness iconic songs performed live against the city’s historic backdrop.
Smith emphasized that the diverse range of musical genres featured reflects the broad appeal and varied programming of Radio 2, ensuring something for every music enthusiast.
Stirling CouncilThe previous major BBC music event in Scotland was Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Dundee in 2023.
Stirling’s landmarks, including the Wallace Monument, were illuminated in February in anticipation of the festival’s announcement.
This festival has previously been held in various locations such as Leicester, Preston, and Chelmsford, having moved from its long-standing venue in London’s Hyde Park in 2022.
City Park has a history of hosting significant music events, including the Stirling Summer Sessions in 2024, which featured notable artists like Tom Jones, Young Fathers, and Shania Twain.
It is noted that the Stirling Summer Sessions event was cancelled for 2025.
Tickets for the three-day festival will go on sale on Wednesday, June 10th, at 08:30 BST. Prices begin at £40 (plus booking fees) for the opening Friday pre-party, with Saturday and Sunday tickets priced from £84 (plus booking fees).
Business Style Takeaway: The selection of iconic artists like Chaka Khan and Simple Minds for Radio 2 in the Park highlights the enduring power of legacy acts to draw diverse audiences and create cultural moments. For brands and executives, understanding how nostalgia and established musical legacies resonate globally is key to crafting authentic and impactful marketing campaigns that connect across generations.
Based on materials from : www.bbc.com