Sting and Pet Shop Boys to headline Radio 2 in the Park in Preston

Radio 2 in the Park is set to take place at Moor Park from September, on Friday 6, until Sunday, September 8.

Details were announced by Zoe Ball on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show earlier today (June 3). It will feature performances from some of the world’s most-loved pop stars alongside DJ sets from presenters.

Pet Shop Boys (Image: BBC)

The Manic Street Preachers, Sugababes, Craig David, Snow Patrol, Travis and Sister Sledge, and other musicians are also set to perform.

Sting will perform with his new trio, dubbed Sting 3.0, on Saturday.

Sting said: “I’ve never been to Preston in my life, so I'm really looking forward to joining the Radio 2 line up as the Saturday headliner.  

“I want to give a full picture of my entire career. Of course, I will sing Roxanne, Message In A Bottle, and Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, but there will also be some deep cuts as well.

“We will be a trio on stage which is very flexible, and the songs are strong enough to take them back to their bare essence with no keyboards, no backing vocalists - just me, a guitar player, and a drummer.”

Pet Shop Boys will headline Sunday night and their set will feature classic hits and the latest singles from their best-selling new album ‘Nonetheless’.

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of Pet Shop Boys said: “We’re looking forward to our first ever show in Preston and also to headlining this great annual Radio 2 event.”

As announced on the Vernon Kay show on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, this year for the first time there will be a pre-party on Friday, September 6 from 5-11pm, featuring some of the Radio 2 family of DJs taking to the stage to entertain 5000 listeners.  Presenters including Sara Cox, Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan and DJ Spoony will be playing sets.

Jeff Smith, head of music for Radio 2, said: “Following last year's incredible Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester, we are delighted to hand the baton to Preston.

"Only Radio 2 could present another star-studded line-up featuring some of the UK and the world's most loved pop artists from the last six decades performing their biggest songs. We can’t wait to bring the Radio 2 listeners and presenting family together in Preston for an unforgettable weekend of live music.”

Zoe Ball said: “Our Radio 2 family can't wait to be back with our listeners dancing and singing our hearts out! We've all grown up listening to Pet Shop Boys and Sting, they sure know how to put on a great show so hold tight Preston. We're going to have a blast.”

Vernon Kay said: “Lancashire!  Home of many great things we can be proud of but the future is a weekend like no other in Preston. 

“Radio 2 will be adding a huge moment to the history books of Lancashire that the Red Rose can be proud of. 

“The biggest radio station in the UK hosts a party like no other in a county like no other.  Bring your dancing boots Preston ‘cause the Gang at Radio 2 are coming to entertain and put big smiles on faces“ 

Adrian Phillips, chief executive at Preston City Council said: “Only the BBC and Radio 2 could secure such an incredible line-up of artists to perform in Preston in September. 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to Radio 2 in the Park, as well as our favourite presenters, who we love to listen to day in, day out.

“It promises to be the biggest live event Lancashire has seen in many years, and everyone can’t wait to enjoy what promises to be a fantastic weekend of live music in the city.”

The full line-up for Radio 2 in the Park

Saturday, September 7

• Sting
• Sugababes
• Snow Patrol
• Craig David
• Kim Wilde
• Pixie Lott
• Shaznay Lewis
• Travis

Sunday, September 8 

• Pet Shop Boys
• Manic Street Preachers
• Sister Sledge feat. Kathy Sledge
• Paul Heaton
• Gabrielle
• Shed Seven
• Delta Goodrem
• Haircut 100

Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday events, which take place over a 170,000 square foot site, will be priced from £59 plus booking fee. Tickets to the Radio 2 in the Park Pre-Party will be available at £30 plus booking fee.