Surprise line-up addition for Big Weekend festival in Sefton Park
The band said they were "so excited" to be back at the festival and that they will be playing new songs for the Sefton Park crowds
A surprise addition to the line-up for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend festival was announced this morning. Global pop rock band HAIM have been added to the festival's 2025 line-up, performing in Sefton Park, Liverpool on Sunday, May 25.
The Grammy-nominated trio join an already stellar line-up featuring some of the biggest names in music including, Sam Fender, Tate McRae, Mumford & Sons, JADE, Tom Grennan, Confidence Man, Lola Young, AJ Tracey plus many more. The artists will take to the stage from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25 performing to an audience of over 100,000 music fans.
Speaking about the surprise line-up addition, HAIM say: “We are so excited to be back at Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Can’t wait to play some new songs for you in Liverpool!” More information on the line-up and tickets can be found on the Radio 1 Big Weekend website.
The station has also announced its outreach plans ahead of the festival, which includes an extensive programme including open mic nights and panels, for young people across the area.
BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Merseyside will join forces to host three open mic nights in venues across Merseyside. Sign-ups will be on a first come, first served basis at each venue each night.
A special one-off BBC Introducing show will air on both Radio 1 and Radio Merseyside on Thursday, May 22, between 8pm and 10pm with Radio 1’s Jess Iszatt and Radio Merseyside’s Dave Monks co-hosting live from the Radio Merseyside studio. The show will celebrate the local music scene, reflecting content captured from the open mic events and featuring Merseyside talent who will be performing on the BBC Introducing stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025.
In addition to open mic nights, Radio 1’s Life Hacks presenters, Lauren Layfield and Shanequa Paris and Newsbeat’s Eleanor Doyle will host a series of panels across Merseyside from Monday, March 31 to Thursday, April 3. The four panels will delve into key topics inspired by local young people, with Liverpool-based panellists and experts sharing their unique experiences and offering help, advice and insights to help young people take their next steps after school.
The topics and venues for the four panels are as follows:
Monday, March, 31: What’s Next? Navigating Life After School & College
Guests: Ryan Hall (@StillRyan), Nina Griffiths (Agent Academy), Holly Ellis (@the_scouse_scientist)
Venue: Shakespeare North Playhouse – Cockpit Theatre
Time: 4pm-5:30pm
Tuesday, April 1: Beyond the Spotlight: Alternative Careers in Culture and Sport
Guests: Tarek Musa (Music Producer), Alix Waldron (Director of New Stadium Development), Hayden Cunningham (Esports Development Officer)
Venue: Goodison Park
Time: 4pm-5:30pm
Wednesday, April 2: Real World Ready: Practical Skills for Money, Work & Independence
Guests: Sasha Minns (Street League), Amina Atiq (Freelance Creative), Writing On The Wall
Venue: Carmel College, Dalton Theatre
Time: 2pm-3:30pm
Thursday, April 3: Unstoppable You: Mastering Confidence, Connections, & Boundaries
Guests: Arts Emergency, Sian Davies (Comedian), Cordelia Stevenson (Arts Emergency), Writing On The Wall
Venue: Future Yard, Live Room
Time: 4pm-5:30pm
In May, Radio 1’s Life Hacks will dive into insightful reflections from the panels, highlighting key takeaways from their time in Liverpool. They'll journey deeper into the topics, where audiences across the UK can participate by asking questions. The shows will explore mastering essential life skills, building confidence, networking, alternative career paths and exploring different ways to take the next step after school.
The Radio 1 Life Hacks specials will be broadcast on:
- Sunday, May 18, 4pm-6pm
- Monday, May 19, 8pm-10pm
- Tuesday, May 20, 8pm-10pm
- Wednesday, May 21, 8pm-10pm
Tickets are free and available to book through Eventbrite.