American singer-songwriter Kehlani performed the breakout hit “Folded” live at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland, United Kingdom [1, 3].
The appearance marks a significant moment in the festival's 2026 itinerary, showcasing the artist's reach within the UK market. As part of a high-profile Sunday lineup, Kehlani's set served as a primary draw for the event's closing stages.
Kehlani performed on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2026 [1, 4]. The artist was scheduled to close out the final day of the festival alongside Niall Horan and Olivia Dean [2]. According to BBC News, the trio was tasked with concluding the Sunday programming [2].
During the set, Kehlani delivered a live rendition of “Folded.” A reporter for Chronicle Live said the crowd went wild when the singer launched into the hit [5]. The performance was captured and shared via the official BBC Radio 1 YouTube channel [1].
There are slight discrepancies regarding the overall festival duration. Tom’s Guide reported the event ran from Aug. 23 to Aug. 25, 2026 [6]. However, Chronicle Live reported coverage continuing through Aug. 26, 2026 [7]. Despite these differing reports on the full schedule, the date of Kehlani's performance remains confirmed as Aug. 24 [1].
The event took place in Sunderland, where Radio 1’s Big Weekend established its venue for the year [3, 1]. The festival continues to be a pivotal platform for both established global stars and rising artists to engage with large, live audiences in the UK.
“When Kehlani launched into “Folded” the crowd went wild.”
Kehlani's inclusion in the Radio 1’s Big Weekend lineup alongside mainstream acts like Niall Horan underscores the artist's growing international appeal. By performing a breakout hit in a high-visibility setting like Sunderland, the artist strengthens their presence in the European market and leverages the BBC's promotional reach to solidify their status as a global performer.
