The BBC has confirmed that Radio 1's Big Weekend will go ahead as planned over the late May bank holiday weekend, albeit virtually.
The annual music festival was due to take place in Dundee this year but was called off in March as the coronavirus outbreak took hold of the UK.
The virtual version of the festival will feature artists performing live sets from their homes, with confirmed names so far including Sam Smith, Rita Ora, Anne-Marie, Young T & Bugsey and Biffy Clyro.
The BBC says that over 100 artists will be involved, with more to be announced in the coming weeks, in addition to replays of classic performances from over the years.
"I'm so pleased we can bring the listeners a brand new version of our Big Weekend this year," said Radio 1 breakfast host Greg James. "It's our absolute favourite event of the year and we love saying thanks to our listeners for being such a big part of the radio station.
"Although it'll be a technical nightmare, having some new performances from artists' houses will be great for everyone to have something fun to watch and listen to over the Bank Holiday Weekend. And if it all goes wrong, we can just blame the pandemic and say that at least we tried."
Radio 1's Big Weekend will take place from Friday, May 22 to Sunday, May 24.
Neil Wilkes
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