Radio 1 launch Big Weekend Experience in Dundee

Radio 1 is set to make a triumphant return to Dundee with the inaugural Big Weekend exhibition – Radio 1’s Big Weekend Experience. This immersive showcase will be hosted at V&A Dundee and is scheduled to run from December 1 to January 7, 2024.

The exhibition promises to provide a comprehensive exploration of Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2023 in Dundee, featuring captivating highlights from the weekend. Collaborating with local community groups and partners in Dundee, the exhibition will incorporate contributions from performers, Radio 1 listeners, and even those who have generously donated their cherished festival memorabilia, photos, and items.

In an innovative move, Radio 1 is partnering with V&A Dundee’s Learning Team to create a virtual version of the exhibition, ensuring that the Big Weekend Experience is accessible online. To enhance the visitor experience, an exhibition Audio Guide, hosted by none other than Greg James and Arielle Free, will be available on BBC Sounds starting from December 1.

Leading up to the launch of Radio 1’s Big Weekend Experience, the station is gearing up to be present in Dundee, with Arielle Free broadcasting live on Monday, November 27.

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, expresses his excitement, stating, “Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2023 was a huge success generating a tremendous economic boost for Dundee, so it’s incredibly special that we are returning there for this exciting legacy project. This has been a mammoth task, and I’d like to thank our wonderful partners V&A Dundee for helping us create something truly iconic. I can’t wait for the public to see Radio 1’s Big Weekend Experience!”

Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, shares the enthusiasm, stating, “V&A Dundee is delighted to be working in partnership with Radio 1 to bring the Big Weekend Experience to life, just 6 months on from the amazing Big Weekend that was filled with music, fashion, fun, and sun, a highlight for so many in Dundee and across Scotland this Summer.”

Describing the upcoming exhibition as uplifting and joyful, Bell highlights the collaborative aspect, with the exhibition being co-created in real time with festival-goers and listeners of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. She expresses hope that the exhibition will feel real, relevant, and reflective of the special cultural experience shared by many during Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2023 in Dundee.

Radio 1’s Big Weekend Experience aligns with the BBC’s commitment to creating more content across the UK, aiming to get closer to audiences and better reflect, represent, and serve all parts of the country. As part of the BBC’s across the UK strategy, BBC Radio 1 has been broadcasting seven days a week from Salford since 2022 and recently launched a brand-new show from Cardiff.