Musician James Blake performed his song "Days Go By" during the Radio 1 Big Weekend festival in Sunderland this past weekend.
The performance marks a key moment in the annual event's effort to bring high-profile musical talent to North East England. By hosting international artists in local spaces, the festival aims to stimulate regional tourism and provide accessible live entertainment to the community.
The event took place from May 22–24, 2026 [1] at Herrington Country Park [2]. The park served as the central hub for the festival's various stages and performances. Organizers expected an attendance of 100,000 people [3] throughout the three-day duration.
Blake's set was part of a wider lineup curated by BBC Radio 1. The festival is designed to showcase a mix of established global stars and emerging artists. This year's selection of Sunderland as the host city placed the event in a region that has historically seen fewer large-scale music festivals compared to the south of England.
Attendees gathered at the park to see the scheduled acts across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday [1]. The logistics of managing 100,000 people [3] in a country park setting required significant coordination between the broadcaster and local authorities in Sunderland.
Blake's performance of "Days Go By" served as a highlight of the weekend's programming. The song is one of his most recognized tracks and fit the atmosphere of the outdoor venue.
“James Blake performed his song "Days Go By" during the Radio 1 Big Weekend festival”
The placement of the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Sunderland reflects a strategic effort by the BBC to decentralize major cultural events from London. By drawing an expected crowd of 100,000 people to Herrington Country Park, the festival demonstrates the capacity of North East England to host large-scale international productions, potentially paving the way for more commercial touring stops in the region.
