Radio 2 In The Park Sunday Line Up

Alright, pull up a chair, grab a lukewarm brew, and let’s talk about the most glorious, slightly chaotic, and absolutely essential Sunday line-up for Radio 2 In The Park. If Saturday was the starter course of musical canapés, Sunday is the full roast dinner with all the trimmings—and probably a pudding you didn’t know you needed.

The Headliner Who Makes Grown Adults Weep (Happily)

Let’s be honest: Sunday belongs to Shania Twain. Yes, the woman who taught us that “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” was actually a fashion statement and a life philosophy. She’s headlining, and if you don’t hear at least three people screaming “Let’s go girls” at inappropriate volumes, you’re at the wrong park.

Fun fact: Shania once sold over 100 million records—that’s more albums than there are blades of grass in the average British park (rough estimate). She’s also survived Lyme disease, a divorce that could fuel a whole season of reality TV, and still has a voice that could shatter wine glasses from 50 paces. Expect sequins. Expect platform boots. Expect to cry during “You’re Still the One” while clutching your friend’s arm.

The Afternoon’s Secret Weapon: A Boyband Reunion (Sort Of)

Now, here’s where it gets deliciously weird. James Blunt is on the bill. Yes, that James Blunt—the man who sang “You’re Beautiful” and then spent the next 20 years being the internet’s funniest troll. But don’t let his sad-sack ballads fool you. This man is hilarious. He once said his songs are “musical diarrhea” and that being in the army taught him how to handle hecklers.

And get this: before he was a singer, he was a NATO reconnaissance officer in Kosovo. He literally risked his life to stop a war, and now he’s playing guitar in a park while you sip overpriced cider. That’s the most British plot twist since the invention of queueing. Expect him to banter about his own music like he’s roasting his own wedding photos.

The Quiet Storm: A Voice That Could Calm a Stampede

If you need a moment to recover from Shania’s glitterbomb, Ricky Wilson from Kaiser Chiefs is around. But wait—so is Sophie Ellis-Bextor. Yes, the “Murder on the Dancefloor” queen who recently had a massive TikTok revival. She’s basically a disco vampire who refuses to age. She looks exactly like she did in 2001, which is frankly suspicious and we should investigate.

Also sneaking onto the Sunday stage is The Corrs. Remember them? Four Irish siblings who were huge in the 90s? They’re back, and they still harmonize like angels who briefly took a break to run a B&B. Fun fact: their song “Breathless” was co-written by Robert John “Mutt” Lange—Shania Twain’s ex-husband. Awkward backstage conversations? We can only hope.

The Completely Bonkers Addition You Didn’t Expect

Here’s the curveball: Pete Tong is bringing his Ibiza Classics orchestra. That’s right—a classical orchestra playing dance music. Imagine a string section trying to play “Levels” by Avicii with a straight face. It’s like if Beethoven took ecstasy and discovered strobe lights. It’s going to be either transcendent or a glorious train wreck. Probably both.

And let’s not forget the Boomtown Rats. Yes, they’re still a thing. Bob Geldof will probably do a dramatic reading of a news headline before launching into “I Don’t Like Mondays.” He’s 72, still angry, and still wearing leather jackets. Respect.

The Forgotten Gem: A DJ Who Plays Vinyl in a Tent

There’s also a secret little stage (not really secret, it’s on the map) where Jo Whiley will be playing obscure tracks from 1987. She’s the cool aunt who knows about that one band from Belgium that only released one single. She’ll make you feel cultured while you’re standing in mud.

Pro tip: if you see a queue forming near a tent with tea towels hanging on it, that’s probably the BBC Radio 2 Folk Hour showcase. Don’t knock it. Folk music is the house music of people who own wellies and a dog named Dave.

The Surprising Fact That Will Win You Pub Trivia

Here’s a jaw-dropper: Radio 2 In The Park was originally called “Radio 2 Live” but they rebranded because someone thought “Live” sounded too much like “liver.” Also, the event is usually held in Leicester, but this year they moved it to Preston. Why? Because the organisers realised that if you throw a massive party, you might as well do it somewhere with cheap parking and a good chippy 200 yards from the main gate.

Also, did you know that Radio 2 reaches over 14 million listeners a week? That’s more than the population of the entire Netherlands. So when you’re standing in that crowd on Sunday, you’re technically part of a small country. No passport required, just a waterproof jacket and a willingness to sing about “Walking in Memphis” at 4pm.

Final Verdict: Just Go. Bring Snacks.

In summary: Sunday at Radio 2 In The Park is a magical beast. You get Shania’s glitter, James Blunt’s self-deprecation, Sophie’s disco, an orchestra doing drugs by Beethoven, and a man in a leather jacket who once organized Live Aid. It’s the musical equivalent of a Sunday roast with a side of Jägerbomb.

Just remember: wear comfy shoes. The field is bumpy, the beer is £8, and you will inevitably stand next to someone who knows every word to “Kiss from a Rose” by Seal (he’s not even playing, but they’ll still sing it). Embrace the chaos. Dance like your hips are stuck on a loop. And for heaven’s sake, don’t miss the final fireworks. They usually spell out “BBC” in the sky, which is either patriotic or terrifyingly good marketing.

See you there. I’ll be the one wearing Shania merch and crying into a burger.