Bryan Adams to headline Radio 2 in the Park

Bryan Adams and Def Leppard have been announced as the headline acts of the BBC Radio 2 in the Park music festival.

The event will take place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford from 5 to 7 September.

It will be the first time both headliners have performed in Chelmsford.

"I'm genuinely looking forward to bringing the show there," said Adams.

The Canadian singer-songwriter, Bryan Adams, has topped charts in more than 40 countries during his glittering career.

His hits throughout the 1980s and 90s are iconic, including the anthems Everything I Do (I Do It For you) and Summer Of '69.

"There's something exciting about playing in a new place, especially somewhere that's filled with a Radio 2 crowd ready to rock. I'm thrilled to be part of this event... brace yourselves, we're gonna roll with the punches!"

The American singer-songwriter gained fame as the lead vocalist of the Go-Go's.

Her voice can be heard on songs like Our Lips Are Sealed, Heaven Is a Place on Earth, I Get Weak, Circle in the Sand, Leave a Light On, Summer Rain and most recently Big Big Love.

Belinda said: "After having such a fantastic time recording the Piano Room for Radio 2, I am super excited to be ing up with them again this year."

When Ronan Keating answered a newspaper advert to audition for Boyzone in 1993, he would have been hard pressed to believe more than 30 years later he would still be hitting the stage.

He sold more than 45 million albums with Boyzone and as a solo artist, with 30 consecutive Top 10 hits to date.

Ronan said he was "thrilled" to be on the set list.

Brit Award winner Jessie J has sold more than 20 million records and has massive global hits including Price Tag, Domino, and Bang Bang, and newer song Living My Best Life.

Jessie said: "It's in Essex and I get to sing some old classics and new music? Bring it ON!!"

Kid Creole and the Coconuts scored seven UK Top 40 hits in the 1980s, including three Top 10 singles – Annie, I'm Not Your Daddy, It's a Wonderful Thing Baby and Stool Pigeon.

August Darnell - aka The Kid - has also been called the Sultan of Suave, the High Priest of Hip, the King of Pizazz and the Tropical Gangster.

Kid Creole said he was "looking forward" to bringing "three stunning Coconuts and the baddest band in the land" to Hylands Park.

The former Wet Wet Wet frontman and platinum-selling solo artist has a career spanning four decades.

Marti has sold millions of albums worldwide and enjoyed multiple UK No 1 singles — including Love is All Around.

Marti said: "There's something really special about live music and that shared connection with the audience — especially when it's for Radio 2, who've ed me and my music over so many years."

The British singer-songwriter is known for her hits, such as Ghost and Crazy What Love Can Do, alongside new single Me & You,

Ella said she was "truly ecstatic" and said the atmosphere would be "unforgettable".

Stereophonics have three decades and a wealth of record-breaking achievements under their belt.

In April 2025, the band marked their return with Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait - their ninth number one album.

Stereophonics are expecting to perform to more than 500,000 fans this summer, headlining shows in stadiums, fields, and festivals.

They said: "We are looking forward to kicking off the weekend in Chelmsford."

The rock and roll band Def Leppard have sold more than 110 million albums worldwide.

They have been heralded as the world's greatest live rock band and have produced numerous hit singles like Rock of Ages, Pour Some Sugar on Me and Foolin' and multi-platinum albums.

The group said they were looking forward to playing with our "good friend Bryan Adams" and what would be a "fantastic weekend".

Off the back of a sold-out European tour celebrating 25 years, Anastacia is a well celebrated and best-selling female artist.

Her multi-platinum I'm Outta Love, One Day In Your Life, Paid My Dues and Left Outside Alone, have sold more than 30 million records in the process.

Anastacia said: "I'm so looking forward to performing at Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford, singing the hits, having a party on stage, sharing nostalgic memories and making new memories all at once. It's going to be a lot of fun!"

Soul II Soul, created by school friends Jazzie B and Daddae, were born from the UK sound system culture of the 1980s, evolving into a 25-piece band.

Their hits include Keep On Movin' and Back To Life from their debut album, Club Classics Volume 1, solidified their global fame and earned them two Grammy Awards.

They've sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.

Jazzie B from Soul II Soul said: "It's always a blessing to bring the Soul II Soul vibes to the people."

Suede formed in 1992 and quickly gained recognition with their debut album, Suede, which topped the UK Albums Chart and won the Mercury Music Prize.

"We have have great memories of headlining in Hylands Park [at V Festival] way back in 1999 , so are really looking forward to returning."

With a career spanning more than 30 years and 15 million record sales, Louise returned to the music scene in 2025 with her new album, Confessions.

She first found fame in girl band Eternal - which became the first girl group to sell one million copies of an album with their debut, Always and Forever - before going solo in 1995.

Louise said: "I am so excited to perform at Radio 2 in the Park."

David Gray is a British singer-songwriter best known for his breakthrough album, White Ladder, which featured the hit single Babylon.

His most recent album, Dear Life, was released in January 2025, and he is in the midst of his globe-spanning Past & Present Tour.

Gray said he was "thrilled" to be making Chelmsford his last UK appearance of the year.

"The only way is Essex!" he quipped.

With a musical career that spans more than 25 years, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has achieved five Top 10 albums and eight Top 10 singles.

Murder on the Dancefloor saw renewed global success last year after featuring in the epic final scene of the film Saltburn.

Sophie said: "Radio 2 has a special place in my heart – from my very own weekly Kitchen Disco show, to performing in the legendary Piano Room with the BBC Concert Orchestra.

"It's always a joy, so it's wonderful to be returning to Radio 2 in the Park this year to sing for the lovely Radio 2 audience in Chelmsford.

"As everyone knows, I love to dress up and have a good time, so I'll definitely be bringing the sparkles, sequins and disco with me!"

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