Radio 1’s Big Weekend: ‘Luton is now officially cool’

Radio 1's Big Weekend, held in Dundee last year, is coming to Stockwood Park

People in Luton have been reacting to the news that Radio 1's Big Weekend is coming to their town in May.

Presenter Greg James revealed the location of the three-day festival on his BBC Radio 1 breakfast show.

Headliners are yet to be announced but last year Lewis Capaldi, Jonas Brothers and The 1975 topped the bill in Dundee.

Luton Town FC chief executive Gary Sweet, who was at Kennilworth Road stadium for the announcement, said "Luton is now officially cool".

BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James revealed the news live on his breakfast show from Kennilworth Road

Mr Sweet said the "feel-good factor" of the club's promotion to the Premier League has continued and added: "Hosting Radio 1's Big Weekend and some of the world's top music artists is sure to give everyone in our town another few days to remember."

Stockwood Park in the town will host the three-day festival, which starts on Friday 24 May.

'Big names - it's exciting'

Sade says it will 'bring something new' to the area

University of Bedfordshire student Sade Peddy lives in Hatfield and says the spectacle will be good for fellow students.

"There's not much to actually do in Luton, so it's bringing something new to the area," she said.

"Normally we just have the Wireless or Reading festivals and stuff like that, but nothing in Bedfordshire."

Benny is hoping to see big names like Adele at the festival

Fellow student Benny Davis said: "We have something to look forward to, it is quite exciting.

"I'll probably go. Big names, why not? I hope Adele comes, definitely. It's in May, it's going to be hot!"

'A positive thing'

Student Martin says there will be a lot of excitement in Luton

Business student Martin Ilesanmi said: "I'll be there!

"It will be lively, there will be excitement around here. It's going to be a positive thing.

"Students here often have nowhere to go, they usually go to London. I know most students are more than ready to be there."

'Inspirational'

Harry Brereton says the festival will be "really inspirational" for young musicians in Luton

Harry Brereton, 28, is a Radio 1 fan and head of music at Chiltern Academy secondary school in Luton.

"It's extremely exciting news - everybody has been talking about it!" he said.

"It's such a huge event, the idea of big world class acts coming here is pretty crazy.

"There are so many young musicians in Luton and I think the visibility something like this provides will be really inspirational for them, to see it on their doorstep."

'A huge win for Luton'

Councillor James Taylor said the "iconic festival" would benefit young people locally

Local Labour councillor James Taylor - also the council's portfolio holder for regeneration and inclusive growth - said the news was "a huge win for Luton".

He hoped the "iconic festival" would present opportunities for young people "including work experience, upskilling and volunteering".

"We will be working hard on the event delivery plans which will seek to minimise disruption," he added.

Luton Borough Council Lhas created a webpage with more details about the festival.

The line-up and information on how to get tickets was due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Last year, weekend tickets cost £29.00 plus a £4.50 booking fee, while Friday tickets cost £18 with an additional booking fee of £2.50.