Big Weekend Festival Tickets Resold Online Up to 12 Times Face Value as Government Advances Anti-Touting Ban

Tickets for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend festival in Sunderland have appeared online at more than 12 times their face value, prompting warnings from the station against buying from touts or unauthorized sellers. Entry costs £45 for Saturday and Sunday, but FanFair Alliance research showed unofficial listings sold for as much as £622.

The festival, set for 2026 in Sunderland, allocates 90% of tickets to residents in the city and surrounding areas.

BBC Radio 1 stated that tickets bought through touts may result in refused entry. The station emphasized that tickets can only be bought via the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend 2026 website and Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster limits customers to two tickets per day, with terms stating resales should only occur on its dedicated site.

FanFair Alliance described the resales as evidence of music lovers being exploited. The group called for a new law capping resale prices to be introduced urgently. Its research indicated that two-thirds of Big Weekend tickets were being sold by traders rather than individuals.

Tickets for the sold-out Sunday, headlined by Brit and Mobo award winner Olivia Dean, are all listed above face value. Olivia Dean is the Sunday night headliner for Big Weekend 2026. FanFair Alliance found some sellers offering up to 30 tickets in one listing, despite the two-ticket limit.

The UK government stated it is committed to delivering a ban on inflated ticket resales. This follows promises in its 2024 election manifesto and plans announced in November. The Culture Select Committee recommended introducing the ban without delay in a fan-led review this week.