Radio 2 in the Park continued yesterday with a sensational Sunday lineup featuring energetic sets from Blue, James Blunt, Level 42, and headliners Simple Minds. Following earlier performances from Deacon Blue, Appleton, and Cast, pop group Blue took to the stage at 4pm to deliver a hit-filled set. The quartet delighted fans with classic tracks including All Rise, Fly By, One Love, and their acclaimed 2002 Elton John collaboration, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word. Speaking on the dedicated BBC iPlayer channel before their set, Simon Webbe expressed the group's excitement to be performing for the crowd.
Singer-songwriter James Blunt followed at 5pm, treating festivalgoers to fan favourites You’re Beautiful, Tastes Like Summer, and 1973. His performance concluded with a memorable crowd-surfing attempt inside an inflatable boat.
Speaking backstage with presenter Jo Whiley, Blunt joked about navigating the crowd and reflected on his upcoming appearance on Celebrity Traitors, describing host Claudia Winkleman as frightening yet praising the show as a cultural phenomenon. Blunt also expressed deep gratitude to Radio 2 listeners for their support over his 20-year career, paying tribute to his close friend Ed Sheeran and highlighting the vital role the late Carrie Fisher played during the recording of his debut album.
Funk-pop icons Level 42 took the stage at 6pm, powering through signature hits such as Lessons in Love, Something About You, Running in the Family, and Hot Water. Meanwhile, over on the DJ stage, Jeremy Vine made his live DJ debut, joined by Radio 2 presenters Shaun Keaveny, Jo Whiley, Gary Davies, Romesh Ranganathan, OJ Borg, and Vernon Kay, who kept the crowd moving throughout the afternoon.
Scottish rock legends Simple Minds brought the festival to a triumphant close with a blistering headline performance late into the evening. Full coverage, individual set highlights, and full performances from the entire festival weekend are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.
