Radio 2 to broadcast shows from Chelmsford in the run up to Radio 2 in the Park

Several BBC Radio 2 presenters will broadcast their shows live from Chelmsford this September. It follows the news that Hylands Park in Chelmsford will host Radio 2 in the Park 2025 from 5-7 September.

As the excitement builds up in the run up to the event, Scott Mills and Rylan Clark will be doing a Pop Top 10 podcast recording with a secret guest, Jo Whiley will be hosting a BBC Introducing special edition of her evening show, and Jeremy Vine will be presenting his lunchtime show from the town, focusing on the county of Essex and exploring what it has to offer.

All three programmes will be available to hear on BBC Radio 2, the UK’s most listened to single radio station with a weekly audience of 12.6 million, and BBC Sounds.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said:

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“Radio 2 has always been proud to take the station out and about across the UK, and these events in Chelmsford in the run up to Radio 2 in the Park provide a wonderful extra opportunity to shine a spotlight on the city and for our star presenters to meet and connect with our listeners face-to-face. We are so excited to bring the full BBC Radio 2 experience to Essex in September and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone.”

Pop Top 10 Live at Chelmsford Theatre – NOW SOLD OUT

For the first time, fans can be a part of the action with Pop Top 10, Scott and Rylan’s feel-good podcast where they’ll rank the biggest tracks, artists and iconic moments in pop to come up with their own Pop Top 10s. On Tuesday 2 September, alongside a secret VIP guest, the pair will debate and rank their favourite pop songs live in front of an audience at Chelmsford Theatre. The event is now sold out, but fans can still listen to the podcast which will be available on BBC Sounds from Wednesday 3 September.

Scott Mills said:

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“I'm so excited to take Pop Top 10 out of the studio and into the theatre! Rylan and I have so much fun recording this podcast and it will be amazing to have the lovely Radio 2 listeners with us!"

Rylan said:

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“Pop Top 10 is coming to Essex! Scott and I always have such a laugh doing this podcast so we can’t wait to welcome you all in.”

BBC Introducing at Hot Box

On Thursday 4 September, Jo Whiley will host her BBC Radio 2 show live from local music venue Hot Box (7-9pm). A handful of lucky listeners will be able to see behind-the-scenes of the programme being broadcast live, as part of an intimate audience. The BBC Introducing Special will feature live interviews and music from local up-and-coming artists across the UK.

Jo Whiley says:

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“I am very excited to be broadcasting my show live from Hot Box in Chelmsford ahead of Radio 2 in the Park. Before we hear all the incredible artists performing over the weekend, it seems only right to also take a look at some of the talent of the future, through what promises to be a fantastic BBC Introducing special."

Tickets will be allocated by random draw for this 18+ live recording. Listeners can tune in to Jo Whiley’s show on BBC Radio 2 from 7pm tonight (Tuesday 12th August) to find out more information on tickets. The ticket ballot will be available here: bbc.co.uk/radio2events

Jeremy Vine live from Chelmsford

Finally, on Friday 5 September, as Radio 2 in the Park gets ready to launch, Jeremy Vine will broadcast live from Chelmsford (12-2pm), with a show that will celebrate and explore the county of Essex.

He plans to visit the secret nuclear bunker maintained during the Cold War as a potential regional government headquarters, hear about Chelmsford's role in the birth of radio, and sample wine from a local vineyard whilst hearing about Essex's role as arguably England's wine capital.

A local choir will join him to bring some live music, and he'll hear interesting stories from the people of Chelmsford as they look towards a great weekend of music from Hylands Park.

Tickets still available for Radio 2 in the Park

Back by popular demand and following its debut in Preston last year, Radio 2 in the Park comes to Chelmsford from 5-7 September, and tickets are still available for those yet to book.

On Friday 5 September, a Friday night DJ party will kick things off, featuring sets from Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan, DJ Spoony and Michelle Visage. Following this is a weekend packed with stellar live performances, including headliners Bryan Adams and Def Leppard. Find out more and book tickets online here: bbc.co.uk/backstage/radio2inthepark