Chaka Khan and Simple Minds to headline Radio 2 in the Park
Chaka Khan and Simple Minds have been announced as the headline acts for Radio 2 in the Park 2026.
The annual music festival will take place at City Park in Stirling, Scotland, from 11 to 13 September, bringing together major artists and Radio 2 presenters for a weekend of live music and entertainment.
Chaka Khan will headline Saturday night, while Simple Minds will top the bill on Sunday evening. The Scottish band’s appearance will be their only UK performance this year, making it a special homecoming show for fans.
A Friday night DJ Pre-Party will return after proving popular with audiences. Radio 2 presenters Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage and Rylan will provide the soundtrack ahead of the main festival weekend.
Listeners and viewers will be able to follow the event live across Radio 2, BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer.
Chaka Khan said: “Stirling is such a magical place. I just love the charm and spirit of the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. Can’t wait to share the songs, the love, and make some beautiful memories together.”
The singer first found fame as the lead vocalist of Rufus before launching a hugely successful solo career.
Across six decades, she has released 23 studio albums, recorded more than 2,000 songs and worked with some of music’s biggest names. In 2023, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and this year received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
For Simple Minds, the festival marks a rare UK appearance. Frontman Jim Kerr said the band was delighted to be performing in Scotland and looked forward to bringing an energetic set to the Stirling crowd.
He said: “Simple Minds in Scotland is always a bit special. It’ll be our first and only UK gig this year and we’re already really looking forward to it.”
Formed in 1977, Simple Minds became one of Scotland’s most successful rock bands, achieving worldwide fame with hits including Don’t You (Forget About Me). Their music continues to attract huge audiences, with their recent world tour drawing more than 1.5 million fans.
The line-up is:
Saturday 12th September
- Chaka Khan
- The Script
- Emeli Sandé
- ABC
- Jack Savoretti
- Lulu
- Texas
Sunday 13th September
- Simple Minds
- Level 42
- James Blunt
- Blue
- Cast
- Appleton
- Deacon Blue