Music legends Simple Minds and Chaka Khan are confirmed as headliners for BBC Radio 2 In The Park, set to bring a star-studded line-up to Stirling this September.
The full line-up for the three-day Scottish festival was unveiled on Tuesday morning. Chaka Khan will headline Saturday night, with Scottish rock icons Simple Minds topping the bill on Sunday for their sole UK performance this year.
Formed in 1977 and fronted by Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, Simple Minds rose to global prominence in the 1980s. Their success includes acclaimed albums like New Gold Dream and the enduring hit Don’t You (Forget About Me), which has now surpassed one billion streams worldwide.
Speaking about their upcoming performance, frontman Jim Kerr expressed his excitement: “We are delighted, we’re really delighted. The fact that it’s gonna be in Stirling, which is not so far from our neck of the woods, and the fact that, you know, Simple Minds in Scotland inevitably is always a bit special, so all of that combined with the fact that it’ll be Simple Minds’ first and only gig in the UK this year and you know it’s gonna kick off a whole loud momentum for us so we’re already really looking forward to it.”
Kerr added: “Our set will be very upbeat, we’ll want to involve the crowd, and obviously, crowds in the UK, crowds in Scotland are never shy when you ask them and Simple Minds live, well, I’m pretty confident in saying we’ll have the place jumping up and down.”
Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan also shared her anticipation for the festival, stating: “Stirling is such a magical place. I just love the charm and spirit of the Gateway to the Highlands. Can’t wait to share the songs, the love, and make some beautiful memories together.”
The festival, scheduled for September 12 and 13, boasts an impressive roster. Saturday’s stage will feature The Script, ABC, Emeli Sandé, Jack Savoretti, Lulu, and Texas, alongside headliner Chaka Khan.
Sunday’s line-up includes Simple Minds, Level 42, James Blunt, Blue, Cast, Appleton, and Deacon Blue.
A Friday night DJ Pre-Party will kick off the weekend, featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan.
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Jeff Smith, head of music for Radio 2, highlighted the event’s significance: “It’s a real privilege to bring some of the world’s biggest artists, including many of Scotland’s greatest, to the historic city of Stirling for this year’s Radio 2 In The Park. You’ll hear many of these stars’ iconic songs performed live against the backdrop of this incredible setting. The range of musical genres represented is a testament to the breadth and diversity of music played on Radio 2 – there is truly something for everybody.”
Tickets for all three days go on sale on Wednesday, June 10, at 8.30am. The Friday night DJ Pre-Party tickets are priced at £40, while Saturday and Sunday tickets start from £84.
For those unable to attend in person, all the action from the weekend will be broadcast live across Radio 2, BBC Sounds, and BBC iPlayer.
