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Shivani ChaudhariBBC News, Essex

BBC Jessie J singing into a microphone, leaning back, on stage. She is wearing a glittery silver dress, has red lipstick, and has black hair.BBC

Jessie J performed at BBC Radio 2’s festival at Hyde Park in 2012

Tens of thousands of music fans are expected to flood through the gates at Radio 2 in the Park this weekend.

The grounds of a Georgian stately home in Essex will host the BBC radio station’s flagship event, which has been an annual fixture since 2011.

We’ve collated everything you need to know about the festival, for those going to the event or following from home.

Where’s it happening?

Stuart Woodward/BBC Hylands House in Hylands Park, Chelmsford. It is a large white coloured building with four white pillars in the centre in front of the main doors. There are trees either side of the building. In the foreground is grass and yellow flowers, with blue skies and white clouds above.Stuart Woodward/BBC

Hylands House and its gardens and woodland are owned by Chelmsford City Council

The festival was staged annually at Hyde Park in London, but since the Covid-19 pandemic, it has hit the road, including setting up camp at Moor Park in Preston, Lancashire, in 2024.

This year the event is at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, owned by the city council and home to the 18th Century Hylands House.

It is a Grade II* listed public park made up of 574 acres in fields, woodland and gardens.

It is also no stranger to large music events, having hosted huge acts for the annual V Festival including Oasis, Radiohead and Beyoncé. The final V Festival was held in 2017.

Who’s performing?

Getty Images Bryan Adams on stage with a drum kit and blue and purple backdrop behind him, and a microphone in front of him. He is pointing towards the audience, has oiled-back hair and is wearing a black shirt. Getty Images

Bryan Adams is fresh from performing at Warwick Castle last weekend

Friday

Rylan Clark, Scott Mills and DJ Spooney are among the presenters spinning the decks for the pre-party event.

Gates open at 16:00 BST and last entry is 21:30, with the day’s festivities ending at 22:30.

Saturday

Canadian singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, Jessie J, Ella Henderson and Stereophonics will grace the main stage.

Over on the DJ stage, Fearne Cotton will be bringing the sounds of the 1990s, comedian Romesh Ranganathan will share his love of hip hop, and Jo Whiley will host her “shiny happy playlist”.

Gates open at 11:00, last entry is set to be 20:45, with the event ending at 21:45.

Sunday

Essex singer-songwriter Olly Murs, rockers Def Leppard, Soul II Soul, Anastacia, David Gray and Sophie Ellis Bextor are among the headliners. Last entry is scheduled for 20:30 with the event ending at 21:30.

The timings might change, so fans are encouraged to check the webpage for updates.

How do I get there?

Owen Ward/BBC The Chelmsford railway station entrance in the morning sunlight. A mural is painted on the station viaduct, which depicts a man, waves and the Titanic ship. It is inspired by the Marconi inventor and his telegraph system used on the ship.Owen Ward/BBC

A shuttle bus service is running from Chelmsford railway station

The train journey from London Liverpool Street to Chelmsford railway station takes 30-40 minutes, on the Great Eastern Main Line which runs as far north as Norwich.

Greater Anglia is not planning to operate trains any further north than Colchester on Saturday or Sunday.

A shuttle bus service is running between Chelmsford railway station and Hylands Park. Visitors can book return tickets in advance for £13 or £9 for singles.

The operation times are as follows:

Friday

  • Chelmsford to Hylands Park: 15:00-19:30
  • Hylands Park to Chelmsford: 19:30-23:30

Saturday and Sunday

  • Chelmsford to Hylands Park: 10:00-14:00
  • Hylands Park to Chelmsford: 19:30-23:00

Festival organisers have suggested two routes that people willing to walk to the event can take, which are detailed on the webpage. Both routes will take fans to St Mary’s Church at the corner of Hylands Park.

Cyclists, meanwhile, can make use of a bike rack at the church. They will need to bring their own locks.

Those wanting to drive can pre-book spaces at several park-and-walk car parks via the Tracsis website. The car parking is on grassland and some car parks are a 20-minute walk from the arena.

Spaces for Saturday are sold out.

There is a dedicated pick-up and drop-off area at the festival’s Blue Gate, and it can be located with What3Words: layers, patrol, bills.

Can I still get tickets?

Yes!

Tickets are still available for the Friday at £35 each and for the Sunday starting at £68 each.

Saturday is sold out.

Can I use cash on site?

A view of the Radio 2 in the Park festival stage from far back. Thousands of people stand in front of the crowd watching Sting perform at night. The stage is lit up and has two large screens either side.

Sting performed to the crowds at the 2024 festival in Preston

No. The event is a contactless site. Visitors will be able to pay by debit card and using Apple or Google pay.

What can I eat?

TV personality Rylan Clark and comedian Ellie Taylor holding a yellow banner that reads BBC Radio 2 in the Park Chelmsford 2025. They are both smiling at the camera. Ellie has sunglasses on her head.

Rylan Clark and Ellie Taylor announced the location for the festival in June

Foodies will be able to buy hot and cold grub during the event. There will be vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal options.

People are asked to bring refillable water bottles and there will be free water stations on site.

Closures

While the event takes place, the entire park and its footpaths will be closed to the public, including The Stables visitor centre, The Deli cafe, the Pleasure Gardens, One World Garden and all the estate’s car parks.

Entry to the park via the A414 dual carriageway entrance will only be available for pre-authorised access. This reopens on Monday.

Accessibility

People who need wheelchair access must apply for a Nimbus Access card once they have bought their ticket.

They can also apply for a free Digital Nimbus Access Pass.

Can I bring my children?

Anyone over the age of two will need a ticket, and all children up to the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Baby changing facilities are available within the event area and will be situated in the toilet units and at the welfare tent.

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