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Radio 1 Big Weekend 2009

Frequently Asked Questions

What will you do about litter will the park be cleared afterwards?

Working in conjunction with Swindon Council we have a plan in place for reparation of the site.

What measures are you taking with regards to traffic in the area – will any roads be closed?

We have set up a Safety Advisory Group, which includes representatives from all the key services – fire, police, environmental health etc. The group has already met and regular meetings will be held in the run up to the event.

All local residents who may be affected by our traffic management plans will be informed in the run up to the event through a leaflet drop.

For specific information about road closures and restricted 'no waiting zones', please see: Big Weekend Special Arrangements on the Swindon Borough Council website.

How will this event have an effect on the local economy?

We are confident that 1 Big Weekend will have a positive impact on Swindon – both on the local economy and culturally.

The Big Weekend is not just about what happens on the events site on the weekend of 9/10 May. We will be working with local promoters to put on a series of fringe events featuring new acts from the region to find the stars of tomorrow and help the development of live music in the area. In the run up to the event we will also work with local colleges and groups to talk to them about the event; about working in music and radio; and to give them the opportunity to be involved in the Big Weekend Fringe events. We’ll also be working closely with the council’s Swindon Does Arts campaign to try to increase the local community’s involvement with music and the arts

In 2007, Preston calculated inward investment into the city of £1.4m due to the event.

The event really puts a national spotlight on Swindon, building its profile with invaluable coverage across Radio 1, 1Xtra, Switch, television, online and in the press.

Were some tickets sold on e-bay last year?

From 2008, e-bay and Gumtree prohibited the sale of them on their site. By selling tickets, people will be breaking our terms and conditions and we will try and cancel the tickets where possible. If you buy tickets you will have no way of knowing if they are valid or not until you arrive at the gate. This ticketing method has been used at a number of events in the past and we have worked hard to ensure that the system is very secure. All tickets are unique to the person receiving them. ID checks may take place at the entrance to the event and we may ask for proof of identity or address. Tickets are fully traceable and we can cancel them at any time.

What time does the event start and end during the weekend?

This has not been agreed yet, we will announce this information nearer to the event.

Is there an age restriction for the event?

Under 16s must be accompanied by someone 18 or over. Proof of ID may be asked for.

How will people get to Lydiard Park?

There will no parking on site, but there will be specified drop off points, and we are exploring the possibility of special arrangements with Park and Ride and public transport. Once again a detailed parking plan will feed into the traffic management and will aim to keep disruption for local people to a minimum.

This will be a public transport access event only and details regarding access and public transport will be made available on the websites as from the 1st May and will be sent out with tickets to the event.

Where can I find out more?

Go to the Radio 1 Big Weekend website (www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend), listen to Radio 1 and look out for stories in the local press.

Local information can be found on this website

What facilities are you providing for disabled people?

The two main stages have viewing platforms for disabled people with an accessible toilet behind. Disabled parking is available.

Can I run a concession stand at the event?

The production company appointed by Radio 1 is managing all concessions within the perimeter gate of the event.

Will there be much disruption to the normal running of Lydiard Park during the event?

Clearly this is a big event and access to areas of Lydiard will be restricted at certain times in the run up to and during the event. The event site area comprises Hook Street entrance, playing field, events field, two car parks, BBQ field, children’s play area, visitor’s centre and woods. The site area will be closed from 27th April thru to 17th May for production set up/take down. Lydiard House and park will be closed from 6th May thru 11th May.

For access restrictions surrounding Lydiard Park, please see: Big Weekend Special Arrangements on the Swindon Borough Council website

What about dog walking?

There will still be access to the park for dog walkers although it will be restricted and clearly marked during the preparation for the event and take down period following the weekend as outlined above.

During the Weekend four public footpaths in the area surrounding and leading to Lydiard Park will be closed. For further information, please see: Footpath Closures on the Swindon Borough Council website.

Will there be constant noise throughout the weekend?

The event times are yet to be agreed although previous Big Weekends have deliberately finished at 10pm so that noise disruption for local people is kept to a minimum.