Ticket release for Radio 1's Big Weekend is delayed

The release of tickets for Radio 1's Big Weekend in Londonderry has been delayed until Wednesday 17 April.

A statement on the station's Facebook page read: "Due to technical issues that have come to light... we will have to delay making Radio 1's Big Weekend tickets available."

It comes after last year's problems ahead of Hackney Weekend.

Fans had difficulties with the ticketing process with many facing error pages and access denied messages.

"Please do not try and access the Radio 1's Big Weekend website or call the ticket line until that time," the statement continued.

"We are really sorry for the inconvenience this will cause - this is due to maintenance issues that took place overnight. We will give you more information shortly."

Tickets will now be available from 9am on 17 April.

It's the second year in a row there have been problems. Fans had difficulties getting hold of tickets for Radio 1's Hackney Weekend in March last year.

Some fans complained of hour-long waits.

Two stages

Organisers say 45% of the 37,500 tickets will be reserved for people living in the Derry City Council area.

A further 45% will only be available for people in Northern Ireland with the final 10% on offer for other people across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Tickets are free but there is a handling fee of £5 per pair.

The full line-up for the three-day festival on 24, 25 and 26 May will be announced in early May but Two Door Cinema Club and Olly Murs are already confirmed.

Under-16s hoping to go will have to be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.

The two stages will be set up in the heart of the city at Ebrington Square and the Pavilion, with 12,500 attending each day.

Organisers for the Big Weekend 2013 say it's not necessary to register for tickets in advance.

Tickets will be available at the website or by calling 0844 209 7353 (call charges apply).

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