BBC Radio 2’s flagship festival arrives in Scotland for the first time this weekend, bringing Chaka Khan, Simple Minds, Texas, Lulu, Deacon Blue and thousands of music fans to Stirling City Park.

Stirling is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of music fans this weekend as BBC Radio 2 in the Park comes to Scotland for the first time.

The three-day festival will transform City Park into one of the country’s biggest live music venues from Friday 11 September until Sunday 13 September, with a line-up featuring some of the most recognisable names in pop, rock and soul alongside Radio 2 presenters hosting DJ sets throughout the weekend.

For Scottish music fans, the event is particularly significant. It marks the first time Radio 2 has brought its flagship outdoor festival to Scotland, while Stirling will become the centre of the station’s live broadcasts across radio, BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer.

When is Radio 2 in the Park?

The festival takes place over three days: Friday 11 September, Saturday 12 September, Sunday 13 September.

Friday begins with a special Radio 2 DJ Pre-Party, while the main live artist programme runs across Saturday and Sunday. Traffic Scotland says gates open at 5pm on Friday and 11am on both Saturday and Sunday. Friday’s event is expected to finish at around 10.30pm, with Saturday and Sunday ending at approximately 9.15pm.

Where is it being held?

Radio 2 in the Park is being staged in City Park, one of Stirling’s historic green spaces beneath the city’s famous castle. The park forms part of the wider Royal Park, whose history stretches back to the 12th century when it was used by Scotland’s monarchs as royal hunting grounds. Today it provides a dramatic setting for outdoor concerts, with Stirling Castle overlooking the festival site.

Everything you need to know about Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling this weekend

The full Radio 2 in the Park line-up

This year’s programme mixes international stars with some of Scotland’s best-loved artists.

Friday 11 September The opening night is a Radio 2 DJ celebration featuring:

• Sara Cox

• DJ Spoony

• Gary Davies

• Michelle Visage

• Rylan

Saturday 12 September

Headliner: Chaka Khan

Also performing:

• The Script

• Texas

• Emeli Sandé

• ABC

• Jack Savoretti

• Lulu

Radio 2’s DJ stage will feature Tony Blackburn, Shaun Keaveny, Paddy McGuinness, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Jo Whiley and Rylan.

Sunday 13 September

Headliner: Simple Minds

The Glasgow band will play in their only UK performance of 2026.

Also performing:

• James Blunt

• Level 42

• Blue

• Deacon Blue

• Cast

• Appleton 

Sunday’s DJ stage includes Jeremy Vine, Jo Whiley, Gary Davies, Romesh Ranganathan, OJ Borg, Shaun Keaveny and Vernon Kay.

Traffic Scotland is warning of heavier traffic on the M9, A9, M80, A84 and roads approaching Stirling throughout the weekend.

Festival parking is available only in dedicated locations and must be booked in advance. A Friends and Family pick-up and drop-off point will operate from Castleview Car Park.

Event shuttle buses will run from several locations across all three days, providing additional transport into Stirling for festival-goers.