Radio One Big Weekend

in Sunderland

Are You planning a Big Weekend in Sunderland?

Sunderland is set to host one of the biggest music events in the UK calendar as BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend arrives in the city this May. The announcement has already sparked huge excitement, with tens of thousands of music fans expected to travel from across the country for a full weekend of live performances, nightlife, and celebration.

If you are planning a trip with friends, now is the time to think about how and where you will stay.

For larger groups, a shared house in the city centre can turn a great event into an unforgettable weekend.

Ruby House

Ruby House offers an open plan indulgent luxury living Read more →

Sleeps 7

5G WIFI

High Spec

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Emerald House

Emerald House offers an inspiring space to host an event, unwind or gather outside. Read more →

Sleeps 8

5G WIFI

High Spec

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Sapphire House

Sapphire House guests can enjoy a quiet shared courtyard that offers an inspiring space to host an event Read more →

Sleeps 12

5G WIFI

High Spec

More info

BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Comes to Herrington Park

The 2026 edition of Radio 1 Big Weekend will take place at Herrington Park, a major green space to the south of the city that has previously hosted large scale live events. The park offers the space and infrastructure needed for a festival of this size, welcoming tens of thousands of fans across the weekend.

Local leaders have highlighted the huge economic and cultural boost the event will bring, showcasing Sunderland on a national stage and welcoming visitors into the city. The BBC has also positioned Sunderland as an ideal host thanks to its strong transport links, experience with major events, and vibrant city centre.

From The Place in Sunniside, Herrington Park is a short drive away with excellent road connections, making it easy for groups to travel together to and from the festival each day.

Find Your Stay

Explore Sunderland

Make the Most of the City While You Are Here

Radio 1 Big Weekend is rarely just a one-day trip. Fans typically turn it into a full weekend away, meeting friends, exploring the city, and enjoying late nights after the music finishes.

Sunderland offers plenty to explore between sets. One of the most recognisable landmarks in the area is Penshaw Monument, which sits just outside the city and offers panoramic views across Wearside. It is a popular stop for visitors and a great way to add something extra to your weekend itinerary.

Back in the city centre, Sunniside is packed with independent bars, restaurants, and cultural venues, all within easy walking distance of The Place.

Why Group Stays Make Sense for Big Weekends

Hotels across Sunderland will fill quickly for Radio 1 Big Weekend. The Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland sits close to the Stadium of Light, while the Holiday Inn Sunderland City Centre offers a central option that will be popular with festival goers.

For groups of friends, however, hotels often mean splitting up across rooms and missing out on the shared experience. That is where The Place Sunderland offers something different.

Our three beautifully renovated Grade II listed houses are located right in the heart of the city centre. Each house sleeps between seven and twelve guests and features high end kitchens, large dining spaces, and expansive living rooms that are perfect for pre festival meet ups and relaxed evenings after the music.

It is accommodation designed for socialising, celebrating, and making the most of a big weekend away.

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Perfectly Connected for Festival Travel

The Place is ideally located just metres from Sunderland Metro and National Rail stations, making it easy for guests travelling from Newcastle, Durham, Teesside, or further afield. Whether you are arriving by train or heading out to Herrington Park by car or taxi, the location keeps everything simple.

Staying centrally also means you can enjoy the city properly once the music ends, rather than heading back to isolated accommodation on the outskirts.

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Book Early for May in Sunderland

BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend is one of the most in demand music events in the UK, and accommodation demand in Sunderland will be extremely high. Groups planning to attend should book early to secure somewhere that keeps everyone together and close to the action.

The Place Sunderland combines space, style, and location, offering a premium group stay experience in the heart of the city. If you are planning a big weekend in Sunderland this May, make sure your accommodation is part of the experience, not just somewhere to sleep.

Explore our houses today and start planning a weekend your group will not forget.

Ruby House

Ruby House offers an open plan indulgent luxury living Read more →

Sleeps 7

5G WIFI

High Spec

More info

Emerald House

Emerald House offers an inspiring space to host an event, unwind or gather outside. Read more →

Sleeps 8

5G WIFI

High Spec

More info

Sapphire House

Sapphire House guests can enjoy a quiet shared courtyard that offers an inspiring space to host an event Read more →

Sleeps 12

5G WIFI

High Spec

More info

Sunderland

The Place, Athenaeum Street, Sunderland, SR1 1QX

+44 (0) 191 500 7077

info@theplacesunderland.com

Sunderland

Google Reviews

Comfortable, spacious, and a brilliant place to celebrate properly. Midweek, while juggling multiple businesses, I was able to use the boardroom to get work done in a quiet, warm, professional space, which made life much easier. I also have to mention the staff. The reception team were incredibly professional, friendly, and always happy to help with anything we needed. The housekeeper was just as impressive, everything was spotless, well looked after, and clearly cared for. You could really feel the pride they take in the place.

Great venue, great staff … made what could have been a stressful event extremely easy !!! All at Helen Wilson School of Dance and Drama thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas recital. That is in no small part with thanks to the wonderful venue. Best Wishes Helen Wilson xxx

I recently hired the boardroom to deliver a workshop, what a great space! Lovely comfy seats, tv and recording for presentations and lovely atmosphere. I had a tour of the building and I was blown away! The apartments are stunning! Really lovely place and friendly, helpful staff. Looking forward to hosting more events here in the future!

Attended a event in the function room, it is a lovely place, helpful and friendly staff, great facilities and location.

Huge living space with spacious bedrooms. Overall great experience. No issues with our stay at all! Jason was a great help. Thanks Jason!

Wonderful venue. Went to watch Helen Wilson School of Dance and Drama recital. Very comfortable and clean

Radio One Big Weekend

in Sunderland

Are You planning a Big Weekend in Sunderland?

Ruby House

Emerald House

Sapphire House

BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Comes to Herrington Park

Explore Sunderland

Make the Most of the City While You Are Here

Why Group Stays Make Sense for Big Weekends

Emerald House

Ruby House

Sapphire House

Perfectly Connected for Festival Travel

Book Early for May in Sunderland

Ruby House

Emerald House

Sapphire House

The Place, Athenaeum Street, Sunderland, SR1 1QX

Accommodation Hire