Radio 2 in the Park 2026: Line up, timings, tickets, weather, and banned items for Stirling music festival

Chaka Khan and Simple Minds are set to headline the flagship festival at City Park, with the 2026 line up also including acts such as Deacon Blue, James Blunt, Blue, The Script and more also set to perform.

READ MORE: Deacon Blue on celebrating 40 years and getting back on the road

Taking place from Friday to Sunday, performances will be spread across two stages, with various DJs and presenters from BBC Radio 2 due to appear across the three day event.

If you are among those heading along, here is everything you need to know about Radio 2 in the Park Stirling - including when gates open, last entry, set times, banned items, weather and more.

When is Radio 2 in the Park Stirling?

Radio 2 in the Park will take place at City Park in Stirling from Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13.

What time do gates open? When is last entry?

The exact time that gates open for Radio 2 in the Park Stirling will depend on the day. On Friday, which starts later, gates will open at 4pm. Then on Saturday and Sunday, gates will open at 11am, ahead of the first set beginning at 12pm.

Last entry will come far later each evening, with a cut off time of 9.30pm on Friday or 8.15pm for the rest of the weekend.

Here is the full list of opening times - with last entry - for Radio 2 in the Park Stirling:

Friday

• Gates open: 4pm
• Last entry: 9.30pm

Saturday and Sunday

• Gates open: 11am
• Last entry: 8.15pm

What time will Radio 2 in the Park finish?

On Friday, the first day of Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling will end later at 10.30pm. Then on both Saturday and Sunday the final set will end between 9pm and 9.15pm.

Radio 2 in the Park Stirling: Full line up and set times for festival at City Park

There will be a slightly slower start to proceedings at City Park in Stirling, with events kicking off with the Pre-Party on Friday. This will see Radio 2 DJs including Sara Cox, Michelle Visage and Rylan all entertaining crowds until late in the evening.

Across the rest of the weekend, there will be two stages for festivalgoers to choose from, one featuring DJs while the main stage features a variety of acts.

On Saturday, Texas will kick things off on the Main Stage with Lulu, ABC, The Script and more to perform ahead of headliner Chaka Khan. Then on Sunday, Simple Minds will headline - their only UK gig this year - after sets from the likes of Deacon Blue, Level 42, and James Blunt.

Here are all of the Radio 2 in the Park stage times:

Friday set times

DJ Stage

• Sara Cox’s Wower Hour: 5pm - 6pm
• DJ Spoony’s Good Groove: 6pm - 7pm
• Gary Davies’ Sound of The 80s: 7pm - 8pm
• Michelle Visage's Handbag Hits: 8pm - 9pm
• Rylan’s Rybiza Anthems: 9pm - 10pm

Saturday set times

DJ Stage

• Tony Blackburn’s Golden Hour: 12pm - 1pm
• Shaun Keaveny’s Sounds of the 70s: 1pm - 2pm
• Paddy McGuinness’ School Disco: 2pm - 3pm
• DJ Spoony's Good Groove: 3pm - 4pm
• Gary Davies’ Sounds Of The 80s: 4pm - 5pm
• Jo Whiley’s Shiny Happy Playlist: 5pm - 6pm
• Rylan’s Rybiza Anthems: 6pm - 7pm

Main Stage

• DJ Set — Owain Wyn Evans: 12pm - 1pm
• Texas: 1pm - 1.30pm
• Lulu: 2pm - 2.30pm
• Jack Savoretti: 3pm - 3.30pm
• ABC: 4pm - 4.30pm
• Emeli Sandé: 5pm - 5.30pm
• The Script: 6pm - 6.45pm
• DJ Set — Vernon Kay: 6.45pm - 8pm
• Chaka Khan: 8pm - 9pm

Sunday set times

DJ Stage

• Jeremy Vine’s Hits and Headlines: 12pm - 1pm
• Shaun Keaveny’s Sounds of the 70s: 1pm - 2pm
• Jo Whiley’s Shiny Happy Playlist: 2pm - 3pm
• Gary Davies’ Sounds Of The 80s: 3pm - 4pm
• Romesh Ranganathan’s For The Love of Hip Hop: 4pm - 5pm
• OJ Borg’s One Hit Wonders: 5pm - 6pm
• Vernon Kay's Dance Sounds of the 90s: 6pm - 7pm

Main Stage

• DJ Set — OJ Borg: 12pm - 1pm
• Deacon Blue: 1pm-1.30pm
• Appleton: 2pm - 2.30pm
• Cast: 3pm - 3.30pm
• Blue: 4pm - 4.30pm
• James Blunt: 5pm - 5.30pm
• Level 42: 6pm - 6.45pm
• DJ Set — Gary Davies: 6.45pm - 8pm
• Simple Minds: 8pm - 9.15pm

What will the weather be like?

The weather across the weekend in Stirling is forecasted to be fairly mild according to the Met Office but jackets will likely be necessary.

On Friday, there will be sunny intervals with highs of 17°C. Then on Saturday, light rain is predicted throughout the day so make sure to wear some wellies and take your waterproofs.

On Sunday the weather looks as though it will improve with sunny intervals predicted, though it’s worth checking in closer to the event.

What do I need to bring?

All tickets are digital, and will be available within the Radio 2 in the Park app or on Ticketmaster. These should be downloaded before arriving at the festival to avoid any potential issues.

Is Radio 2 in the Park cashless?

Yes, the festival is a cashless event so make sure you have your debit card or mobile phone to pay via contactless or card.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes, there are age restrictions in place for the event. Unless a child is aged 2 years and under, every attendee will need a valid ticket. In addition, anyone in attendance who is under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Proof of age may be requested and as such all ticketholders should ensure they have photo ID on them.

Can I still get Radio 2 in the Park Stirling tickets?

Yes, there are still tickets remaining for BBC Radio 2 in the Park 2026.

These will be available to purchase from Ticketmaster, and you can find out more about how to get last-minute tickets here.

Can I bring a chair?

This will depend on if you purchased a “Bring Your Own Chair” ticket for Saturday or Sunday at Radio 2 in the Park Stirling.

VIP ticketholders will also be permitted to bring a chair into the festival ground, though only those with a “General Admission – Bring Your Own Chair” ticket may do so for standard entry.

No chairs will be allowed at all on Friday. There is a designated area for chairs on site, which will be signposted. As for the size of chair allowed, they must fall within the following dimensions: W60cm x H98cm X D68cm.

Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.

What items are banned from Radio 2 in the Park?

For those heading along to City Park in Stirling for the Radio 2 festival, there are a few things to keep in mind before you go.

Firstly there will be security checks in operation, particularly for any bags. If you plan on tacking a bag with you, it must be no larger than a sheet of A4 paper (W21cm X H30cm X D8cm).

Unlike other festivals, food for personal consumption will be permitted as long as it fits within the permitted bag size. In addition, empty re-usable bottles are allowed so long as they are no larger than 1 litre. Glass bottles are banned and you may be asked to empty your bottle.

Here is the full list of banned items for Radio 2 in the Park Stirling:

• Aerosols over 250mls
• Air horns
• Alcohol (unless purchased on site)
• Animals other than registered assistance dogs
• Audio visual equipment and cinematographic equipment
• Backpack hydration packs
• Balloons
• Banners
• Barbeques (including disposable barbeques and camping stoves)
• Bicycles
• Blow torches
• Candles or naked flames
• Cans
• Chairs are not permitted at Friday’s event. Chairs are only permitted on Saturday and Sunday with the correct purchased ticket. Customers cannot bring a chair of any kind to the event unless they have the correct ticket. Please see our FAQ page for more information on bringing chairs to this event.
• Child ‘pull along’ wagons/carts
• Cork screws, cheese and bread knives (unless wooden or plastic cutlery)
• Dangerous or hazardous items
• Drones
• Drugs and illegal substances, including so called legal highs
• Fireworks
• Flags & Flag poles
• Flares
• Gas canisters (including aerosols over 250ml and nitrous oxide / CO2 Dispensers)
• Gazebos, tents or shelters
• Generators
• Glass items of any kind (including bottles, dishes, drinking vessels, perfume or aftershave)
• Golf / large umbrellas (1 metre or more)
• Hampers or cool boxes
• Inflatable chairs or sofas
• Kites
• Knives, metal or ceramic knives or cutlery
• Laser devices
• Megaphones
• No medication unless recognisable or accompanied by a doctor’s note or prescription,
• Picnic blankets/blankets
• Professional photography equipment
• Selfie Sticks
• Sky or Chinese lanterns
• Smoke or gas canisters/cylinders (including aerosols and nitrous oxide)
• Sound systems
• Spray cans
• Tables
• Unauthorised items for trading, including any goods using unauthorised event logos
• Unauthorised reflective jackets / hi-vis vest
• Unidentifiable substances
• Weapons, dangerous or hazardous item. Any article that might be used as a weapon and / or compromise public safety including unofficial tabards / high-viz.
• Zoom lenses