Simple Minds and Chaka Khan to headline BBC Radio 2 In The Park in Stirling

Simple Minds and Chaka Khan are set to headline the BBC Radio 2 In The Park festival 2026.

Radio 2’s flagship live music event will take place in Stirling this September.

The full line-up for the three-day music event in Scotland was announced on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show on Tuesday morning.

It was revealed that Chaka Khan will headline Saturday night and Simple Minds will headline Sunday night, which will be their only UK performance this year.

Simple Minds are one of Scotland’s most influential rock bands, formed in 1977 and led by Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill.

Rising to global fame in the 1980s, they achieved success with albums like New Gold Dream and hits including Don’t You (Forget About Me), which has surpassed one billion streams worldwide.

Kerr said: “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.”“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.”

Speaking about the festival, Chaka Khan said: “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.”

Others playing on the Saturday September 12 include: The Script, ABC, Emeli Sandé, Jack Savoretti, Lulu, and Texas.

The acts playing on Sunday September 13 are: Simple Minds, Level 42, James Blunt, Blue, Cast, Appleton and Deacon Blue.

BBC Radio 2 also announced that there will be a Friday night DJ Pre-Party to kick off the live music – featuring sets from Radio 2 presenters Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage and Rylan.

Jeff Smith, head of music for Radio 2, said: “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 Friday, Saturday and Sunday go on sale on Wednesday June 10 at 8.30am.

Tickets to the Radio 2 In The Park Pre-Party on Friday are £40. Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday are priced from £84.

Listeners and viewers will be able to catch all the action live throughout the weekend on Radio 2, BBC Sounds and iPlayer.