BBC Radio 2 in the Park is making a triumphant return in 2025, and this year’s venue has music lovers buzzing. The iconic music festival will take place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, from Friday, 5 September to Sunday, 7 September 2025 — marking the first time the event has been held in Chelmsford.
📍 A New Home: Hylands Park, Chelmsford
Hylands Park is no stranger to large-scale music events, having previously hosted the famed V Festival. With its sprawling green fields and excellent transport links, the park is the perfect venue for thousands of Radio 2 fans expected to flock from all over the UK.
Chelmsford’s location in the East of England — just over 30 miles from London — makes it an accessible destination for festivalgoers travelling by car or rail. Its proximity to London Liverpool Street station means attendees can get there in under 40 minutes by train.
🎶 The Line-up: A Star-Studded Weekend
Radio 2 in the Park 2025 features a glittering line-up of world-class music acts, spanning decades and genres. Each day offers a unique blend of nostalgic hits and contemporary favourites.
Friday, 5 September – DJ Party Night
The festival kicks off with a high-energy DJ party hosted by Radio 2 favourites, including:
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Vernon Kay
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Scott Mills
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Rylan Clark
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DJ Spoony
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Michelle Visage
This evening is expected to deliver club classics and dancefloor anthems with an extra dose of Radio 2 charm.
Saturday, 6 September – Pop & Rock Icons
Saturday’s line-up features some of the UK’s most beloved music legends and chart-topping stars:
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Bryan Adams – Legendary rock vocalist known for hits like Summer of ’69 and Heaven
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Belinda Carlisle – Pop icon and former Go-Go’s lead singer
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Ronan Keating – Former Boyzone member turned solo star
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Jessie J – Powerhouse vocalist behind Price Tag and Domino
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Kid Creole & The Coconuts – Funky, theatrical 80s favourites
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Marti Pellow – Wet Wet Wet frontman
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Ella Henderson – British singer-songwriter and X Factor alum
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Stereophonics – Welsh rock stalwarts headlining Saturday night
Sunday, 7 September – Legends Live
Sunday’s line-up rounds off the weekend with an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and soul:
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Def Leppard – The legendary rock band closes the festival with a high-voltage headline set
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Anastacia – The vocal powerhouse behind I’m Outta Love
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Soul II Soul – Pioneers of British R&B with timeless hits like Back to Life
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Suede – Britpop royalty and Mercury Prize nominees
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Louise Redknapp – 90s pop sensation and Eternal star
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David Gray – Acoustic-pop maestro best known for Babylon
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Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Disco-pop queen with hits like Murder on the Dancefloor
🎟️ Ticket Information
Tickets for BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2025 will go on sale on Wednesday, 4 June 2025 via the BBC events website. Demand is expected to be extremely high, so fans are encouraged to register early and act fast when tickets become available.
🚗 Travel & Accommodation
Chelmsford is well served by:
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Train: Direct services from London Liverpool Street, Colchester, and Ipswich
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Road: Accessible via the A12 and nearby M25
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Parking: Hylands Park offers extensive on-site parking, but pre-booking is advised
Accommodation in and around Chelmsford includes a mix of hotels, B&Bs, and glamping options. Local authorities have confirmed that public transport will be boosted throughout the weekend to accommodate increased traffic.
🏞️ Why Chelmsford?
Bringing BBC Radio 2 in the Park to Hylands Park reinforces Chelmsford’s growing status as a cultural hub. The city, which became Essex’s first city in 2012, has a vibrant arts scene, rich history, and excellent infrastructure for live events.
It also marks a fresh chapter for the event, which was previously held in Preston’s Moor Park in 2024 and Leicester’s Victoria Park in 2023. BBC executives say the move to Chelmsford is part of an effort to bring Radio 2 closer to audiences across the UK.
🎤 Final Thoughts
BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2025 promises to be a musical celebration of epic proportions. With a stunning new location, a diverse and exciting line-up, and thousands of fans expected to descend on Chelmsford, it’s set to be one of the biggest events on the UK’s festival calendar this year.
Whether you’re a lifelong Radio 2 listener or just in it for the music, make sure you’re part of this unforgettable weekend in Essex this September.