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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 1 confirmed today that the station's annual flagship event, Radio 1's Big Weekend, will take place at Lydiard Park, Swindon on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2009.

The news was announced by Radio 1 presenter Chris Moyles as his breakfast show broadcast live from Swindon town centre.

Chris and his team were joined by Snow Patrol and N-Dubz who performed live – and both bands are also set to play at Radio 1's Big Weekend.

Hosted by Radio 1 DJs, the event is the UK's biggest free ticketed music festival and has an outstanding reputation for attracting some of the biggest and hottest UK and international acts to perform live.

With live music across four stages, the two-day event will be broadcast on Radio 1, with a major interactive presence online at bbc.co.uk/radio1 and many live performances available to watch on demand.

There will be highlights on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Three and extended performances can be seen via the red button on TV during the weekend.

The site is licensed to hold 20,000 people per day and the majority of the free tickets go to residents of Swindon and the surrounding area.

In the lead up to the event, Radio 1 will announce the full line-up and ticket details. Further information and frequently asked questions can be found at: bbc.co.uk/radio1.

Chris Moyles said: "It's the best weekend we have at Radio 1 and we always try to bring it to places that don't normally get big events like this. The people of Swindon are going to love it!"

Jason Carter, Radio 1's Editor of Live Music and Events, adds: "³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 1 is delighted to be heading to Swindon this year. It's our ninth Big Weekend and we'll be bringing some of the biggest international and UK artists to Lydiard Park.

"It promises to be the perfect start to the UK Festival season and provides a fantastic opportunity for Radio 1 to put a national focus on Swindon and the South West region and all that it has to offer."

Phil Young, Councillor, Swindon Borough Council, said: "This is a fantastic announcement for Swindon and we are working in partnership with Radio 1 to make sure that this is the best Big Weekend ever staged.

"As soon as Radio 1 approached the Council we were determined to make this happen in Swindon and when the eyes of the world are focussed on us for the weekend we will have a great opportunity to leave all of those who attend, watch and listen with a positive impression of our thriving town and borough."

CD2