BBC Radio 2 in the Park, the station’s much-anticipated annual flagship live music festival, is gearing up to bring a sensational weekend of music to Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex, from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 September 2025. This year promises a stellar line-up, featuring Bryan Adams headlining Saturday night and rock legends Def Leppard taking the top spot on Sunday night. What makes this particularly special for Chelmsford residents is that it marks the first time both headliners have performed in the city.
With such globally renowned artists and a diverse range of musical genres set to perform, demand for tickets is expected to be incredibly high, making it crucial to be prepared.
When and Where to Secure Your Tickets
Mark your calendars: Tickets for Radio 2 in the Park 2025 are scheduled to go on general sale on Wednesday 4 June, with sales commencing promptly at 8:30 AM.
It is absolutely vital to remember that Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing platform for Radio 2 in the Park. To ensure you secure valid tickets and avoid disappointment, you must purchase exclusively through Ticketmaster.
Tips for Boosting Your Chances
To give yourself the best possible chance of getting your hands on tickets, we strongly recommend the following:
- Register for a Ticketmaster account ahead of time. This step is crucial, as you will be required to have an account to join the virtual queue when tickets go on sale.
- Ensure all your Ticketmaster account details are up-to-date, including your payment information. This will help avoid any delays during the purchase process.
- Be ready to join the virtual queue right at 8:30 AM on Wednesday 4 June. Punctuality is key on sale day.
Ticket Pricing Breakdown
Here’s a clear overview of the ticket prices for Radio 2 in the Park 2025:
- Friday Radio 2 in the Park Pre-Party tickets are priced at £32, plus an additional booking fee. This marks the return of the popular Friday night DJ party, which debuted last year in Preston, featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters like Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan, DJ Spoony, and Michelle Visage.
- Saturday and Sunday tickets are priced at £63 per day, plus an additional booking fee.
Reserved tickets for Essex Residents
In a significant benefit for locals, just under one third (specifically, 30%) of general admission tickets will be held back for purchase by Essex residents. This initiative aims to give those living in the local area a preferential opportunity to attend this flagship event in their home county.
To confirm your eligibility for these reserved tickets, you will need to enter your home postcode when placing your order on Ticketmaster. This measure ensures that these tickets are genuinely allocated to residents within the Essex area.
The Star-Studded Line-Up
Radio 2 in the Park boasts a diverse line-up across three days, promising something for every music enthusiast:
- Friday 5 September – DJ Party Kick-off:
- DJ Spoony’s Good Grove
- Michelle Visage’s Handbag Hits
- Rylan’s Rybiza Hits
- Scott Mills’ Wonder Years
- Vernon Kay’s Dance Sounds of the 90s
- Saturday 6 September – Headliner: Bryan Adams
- Bryan Adams: “This will be my first time performing in Chelmsford, and I’m genuinely looking forward to bringing the show there. There’s something exciting about playing in a new place, especially somewhere that’s filled with a Radio 2 crowd ready to rock”.
- Belinda Carlisle: “I am super excited to be joining up with them again this year for Radio 2 in the Park”.
- Ella Henderson: “I’m truly ecstatic to be performing at Radio 2 in the Park! It’s such a great event and I can’t wait to share the stage with so many incredible artists”.
- Jessie J: “It’s in Essex and I get to sing some old classics and new music? Bring it ON!!”.
- Kid Creole and The Coconuts: “Looking forward to bringing some tropical funk and conga lines to Radio 2 in the Park festival”.
- Marti Pellow: “It’s going to be a joy to bring some love and a few familiar songs to the park”.
- Ronan Keating: “I’m thrilled to be stepping out on stage for Radio 2 in the Park”.
- Stereophonics: “We are looking forward to kicking off the weekend in Chelmsford”.
- Sunday 7 September – Headliner: Def Leppard
- Def Leppard: “Def Leppard have never had the privilege of performing in Chelmsford before, but this will all change on September 7! We are very much looking forward to headlining on the Sunday”.
- Anastacia: “I’m so looking forward to performing at Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford, singing the hits, having a party on stage”.
- David Gray: “I’m really thrilled to be playing at Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford on Sept 7. This will be my last UK appearance of the year. The only way is Essex!”.
- Louise: “I am so excited to perform at Radio 2 in the Park in September, I’d better get working on the set list… See you all in Chelmsford”.
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor: “It’s wonderful to be returning to Radio 2 in the Park this year to sing for the lovely Radio 2 audience in Chelmsford”.
- Soul II Soul: “It’s always a blessing to bring the Soul II Soul vibes to the people — especially with something as iconic as BBC Radio 2 in the Park”.
- Suede: “We have great memories of headlining in Hylands Park way back in 1999 so are really looking forward to returning”.
Can’t Make It? Catch Up on BBC Services
For those unable to attend in person, the entire weekend’s electrifying performances will be available to catch up on via Radio 2, BBC Sounds, and BBC iPlayer. This ensures that no one misses out on the action.
Radio 2 in the Park has a strong legacy of bringing world-class music events to various UK cities. Last year, the festival was held in Moor Park, Preston, featuring Sting and the Pet Shop Boys, while in 2023, Victoria Park in Leicester hosted Tears for Fears and Kylie. This year’s Chelmsford event promises to continue that tradition of unforgettable live music experiences.
Image credits:
BBC
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