Madonna Playing Kent
The original plans of playing a promo gig in London for Hard Candy on May 10 have changed as it has just been officially announced by the BBC that Madonna will be appearing at the music festival in Kent that day.
Madonna is to headline the main stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Maidstone, in Kent.
The international superstar, who went to number one in the UK singles chart with 4 Minutes on Sunday, will play the two-day event on Saturday 10 May.
30,000 fans are expected at Mote Park to enjoy more than 50 other bands and solo artists on 10 and 11 May.
Other acts taking part include The Fratellis, Robyn, Duffy, Scouting For Girls, The Feeling and The Hoosiers.
Listeners can register for tickets for one week from 8am on 21 April until 10am on 28 April.
Register now at Radio 1’s Big Weekend
More than 470,000 people applied for tickets in 2007.
Organisers say demand is expected to be even bigger this year.
Successful applicants will receive a pair of tickets for either Saturday or Sunday.
Gates open at 12pm and close at 10pm.
Tickets will be allocated randomly, but weighted in favour of those living in Maidstone, Kent and the surrounding areas.
A smaller amount will be distributed nationally.
The Kooks are headlining the main stage on Sunday 11 May
Listeners registering across the UK will also have the chance to win tickets via Radio 1 on-air competitions in the week before the event.
Other acts appearing on the main stage over the weekend include Nelly, Adele and Newton Faulkner, Goldfrapp, The Enemy, Pigeon Detectives and One Republic.
Throughout the weekend, all the main Radio 1 DJs will be broadcasting live from the event.
As well as introducing bands on stage they will be interacting with listeners online and on-site.
Jason Carter, Head of Live Music & Events for Radio 1 and 1Xtra, said: “Now with our eighth Radio 1’s Big Weekend, we are delighted to be bringing the event to the south of England for the first time, to Maidstone, Kent.
Usher is on the main stage on Saturday 10 May
“The event continues to grow in stature year on year and this year promises to be the best yet with four stages and a cross-section of the best performing artists from the newest UK acts right through to some of the biggest performers in the world.
“With over 30,000 free tickets being made available for listeners, if you are a successful applicant then you’ll truly be one of the lucky ones!
“But for those that can’t get to the event, there will be access via BBC TV, Red Button, Radio 1 and online.”
More line-up details will be announced on Radio 1.
Source: BBC Online.