Every year, Radio 1 throws a massive party, and they call it their Big Weekend. This year’s Big Weekend takes place on the 10th and 11th May at Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent.

What To Expect

If previous Weekends are anything to go by, there’ll be a whole host of Radio 1 presenters there to host the event. And there’ll be a glittering array of the UK’s finest musical talent.

Although it’s a free event, you will have to register for tickets on the Radio 1 website to get in. Apparently the majority of free tickets will be reserved for people from the Kent area.

To ensure a fair distribution of tickets in the region, Radio 1 will ask listeners to register their details and then select by random based on postcode.

The Big Weekend 2008 Line-up

Details of the line-up have been quite hush-hush so far, but we do know that Scouting For Girls are confirmed for the bill. I’ll update this post whenever new details are available.

The Fringe Festival

I’ve always wondered what the Fringe Festival was – and wrote it off as something to do with hairdressing. It’s actually a way to showcase musical talent from the area that the Big Weekend takes place in. If you’re part of a band from the Maidstone/Kent area, I recommend you check this page out for more information on how to apply.

In addition to the Fringe Festival, Radio 1 are also putting on a fourth stage this year, “the BBC Introducing Stage – which will feature the best new and emerging UK talent selected from new music shows across the BBC.”

I’m pleased to see new music being so well catered for this year. Many of the Radio 1 DJs are instrumental in getting new acts showcased, so this is great news. It’ll definitely be worth tuning in to catch some of these acts in May.

(Update: Lisa’s already covered the Fringe Festival.)