BBC Radio 2’s much-anticipated ‘In The Park’ festival will be heading to Chelmsford’s Hylands Park in Essex this year, bringing with it a celebrated line-up of musical acts and an expected influx of festival-goers from across the country.
The announcement came via Radio 2 presenter Rylan Clark, who shared news of the new location live on air. The large-scale music festival, which has previously drawn up to 35,000 attendees per day, is scheduled to run from Friday, 5 September to Sunday, 7 September 2025. This marks a new chapter for the annual event, which was held last year in Preston’s Moor Park and featured a star-studded roster including international artists such as Sting, Pet Shop Boys, and Snow Patrol.
Rylan Clark’s enthusiasm for bringing the event to his home county was evident. “I can’t wait to welcome my Radio 2 family to Chelmsford and have this year’s Radio 2 In The Park right on my doorstep,” Clark declared. He expressed confidence in Essex’s reputation for vibrant crowds, concluding, “If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that an Essex crowd knows how to party. See you all in Hylands Park.”
Marking the official arrival of the festival to Essex, Chelmsford town crier Tony Appleton gave the event a warm civic welcome during the broadcast. For those keen on catching their favourite artists live, further details about the festival line-up are set to be unveiled on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show, with tickets due to go on sale the following day.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, emphasised the significance of the event within the station’s calendar. “Radio 2 In The Park is our biggest party of the year, and we’re delighted to be bringing a three-day music extravaganza to Chelmsford. We’ve been busy booking some of the world’s most loved artists to perform to thousands of revellers in Hylands Park, as well as to millions of listeners and viewers at home or on the move,” she said.
As part of the weekend celebrations, a Friday night DJ party is set to open the festival—a feature that proved successful in last year’s edition. Additionally, several Radio 2 presenters will broadcast directly from Chelmsford throughout the festival weekend, further tying the event into the station’s national audience.
Local officials have also expressed their excitement about the festival coming to Chelmsford. Councillor Stephen Robinson, leader of Chelmsford City Council, highlighted the city’s readiness to host such an event, referencing Hylands Park’s esteemed history as a venue for major music festivals. “We’re thrilled to add another renowned music event to the list in 2025,” he said. Robinson underscored the potential economic benefits for the city, saying, “BBC Radio 2 In The Park is a fantastic opportunity for Chelmsford – one that will lift our local economy and boost the city’s position as a top events destination.”
Hylands Park is no stranger to hosting large-scale gatherings, having previously been home to the V Festival for over two decades. According to Councillor Robinson, the park’s events teams bring “years of experience and expertise in facilitating major music festivals,” making it well-suited to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The arrival of BBC Radio 2 In The Park is expected to firmly position Chelmsford as one of the leading cities for live entertainment in the UK this summer. As festival season approaches, music lovers are awaiting further announcements with anticipation, while organisers promise an “unrivalled three-day celebration of music” featuring international stars, respected Radio 2 hosts, and the vibrant spirit of Essex at the heart of it all.