Madonna to headline Radio 1's Big Weekend

BBC Radio 1 announced today that the station will kick off the 2008 festival season with Madonna headlining Radio 1's Big Weekend. The event takes place at Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent, on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May.

Chris Moyles announced the big news and the full main stage line-up on his show this morning. The line-ups for the rest of the stages will be announced throughout the day on Radio 1.

Across the weekend and over four stages, more than 30,000 lucky music fans will enjoy a stellar line-up of over 50 UK and international artists alongside world-class DJs.

Radio 1's Big Weekend is the station's free flagship event and the UK's biggest free ticketed music festival.

The main stage line-up in full is:

Saturday 10 May
Gates open at noon, curfew 10.00pm

Main Stage
* Madonna
* Usher
* The Fratellis
* Robyn
* Duffy
* Scouting For Girls
* The Feeling
* The Hoosiers

Sunday 11 May
Gates open at noon, curfew 10.00pm

Main Stage
* The Kooks
* Nelly
* Adele
* Newton Faulkner
* Goldfrapp
* The Enemy
* Pigeon Detectives
* One Republic

A truly multi-platform event, Radio 1's Big Weekend will be broadcast on Radio 1 and be available to watch on BBC Three, with five hours of coverage from the event, including a live broadcast of Madonna's performance on Saturday night.

There will also be a Madonna special on BBC One and coverage on BBC Two, BBC HD, Red button and online at bbc.co.uk/radio1, bringing the audience unprecedented levels of content.

More than 30,000 tickets will be available across the weekend. Listeners will be able to register for tickets for a week from Monday 21 April, 8.00am, until Monday 28 April, 10.00am, at bbc.co.uk/radio1.

More than 470,000 people applied for tickets last year and this year demand is expected to be even bigger. Each lucky applicant will receive a pair of tickets for either Saturday or Sunday.

Once again, Radio 1 will ensure that local residents are given preference for tickets. Tickets will be allocated randomly, but weighted in favour of those living in Maidstone, Kent and the surrounding areas, with a smaller amount distributed nationally.

Listeners registering across the UK will also have the chance to win tickets via Radio 1 on-air competitions in the week before the event.

Throughout the weekend, Radio 1 DJs Chris Moyles, Jo Whiley, Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Fearne & Reggie, Edith Bowman, Zane Lowe, Pete Tong, Judge Jules, Tim Westwood, Annie Mac, Dave Pearce, Greg James, Dick & Dom, Nick Grimshaw and Kelly Osbourne will be introducing the bands on stage, interacting with listeners online and on-site, plus broadcasting live from the event.

Chris Moyles said: "Big? With Madonna it's going to be massive!"

Jason Carter, Head of Live Music & Events, Radio 1 and 1Xtra, said: "Now with our eighth Radio 1's Big Weekend, we are delighted to be bringing the event to the South of England for the first time, to Maidstone, Kent.

"The event continues to grow in stature year-on-year and this year promises to be the best yet with four stages and a cross-section of the best performing artists from the newest UK acts right through to some of the biggest performers in the world.

"With over 30,000 free tickets being made available for listeners, if you are a successful applicant then you'll truly be one of the lucky ones! But for those that can't get to the event, there will be access via BBC TV, Red button, Radio 1 and online."

Brian Morgan, Maidstone Borough Council's Assistant Director of Development and Community Services, said: "Excitement is mounting in Maidstone as Radio 1's Big Weekend draws closer.

"The event will really put us on the map and create a lasting legacy for the town and our residents. We are working closely with the police and Radio 1 to make sure the event is a huge success and something Maidstone can be proud of."