Scope
Reference
PROC2025/09
Description
The BBC is looking to appoint a single supplier to provide the Event Production for both Radio 1 Big Weekend and Radio 2 in the Park. BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend and Radio 2 in the Park are held in different UK cities each year, focusing on areas where there is an opportunity to build greater connections with audiences.
Radio 1's Big Weekend: Typically held in May in various locations in the UK, this event hosts approximately 85,000 ticketholders across the weekend (15,000 Friday + 1,500 guests and 35,000 per day on Sat & Sun + 2,000 guests), subject to licences. In previous years around eighty artists have performed across four stages. Radio 1 broadcasts live from the event site for up to 20 hours across the weekend. The event is carried live on iPlayer, BBC Sounds and some live TV coverage which results in a total audience reach of more than ten million. In 2024 & 2025, Friday's capacity increased to 35,000, however it may reduce back to a smaller scale capacity in future years, this will be confirmed in autumn 2025.
Radio 2 in the Park: Typically held in September in various locations in the UK, this event hosts up to 72,000 ticket holders across the weekend; 36,000 per day plus 2,000 guests each day, subject to licences. In 2023 sixteen artists performed on the main stage. Radio 2 broadcasts live from the event site for up to 20 hours across the weekend. The event is carried live on iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and some live TV coverage.
Approximately £35m of this contract value is pass through costs for delivery of the events (production budget), including any possible extensions.
It is expected that the total Management Fee for each event will be between £150,000 and £250,000. This should be no more than £500,000 per year, and £2,500,000 for the total Term, including any possible extensions.
It is expected that there will be no mark-up or profit margin in the production budget i.e. that costs will be on an actual and bona fide basis. The only profit margin should be within the Management Fee.
The remaining contract value is VAT, which isn't included in the Whole Life Cost calculation.
Contract 1. Live Music Event Producer R1BW & R2itP
Supplier
Contract value
- £37,500,000 excluding VAT
- £45,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
25 September 2025
Contract dates
- 25 September 2025 to 24 October 2028
- Possible extension to 24 October 2030
- 5 years, 1 month
Description of possible extension:
the BBC's written election during the Term to extend the Term for an additional 2 (two) years i.e. to include the Events intended to take place in 2029 and 2030
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79952100 - Cultural event organisation services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Key performance indicators
| Name | Description | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Report | Delivery of the monthly performance report on the service levels achieved in accordance with the Contract |
1 months |
| Contract Management | Availability of Contract Manager or nominated deputy |
1 months |
| Contract Management | Supplier to meet with BBC Contract Manager on a quarterly basis to review KPIs |
3 months |
Submission
Submission type
Tenders
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
Far & Beyond Events
- Companies House: 09790819
83 Mortimer Street,
London
W1W 7SL
United Kingdom
Email: hello@wearefab.com
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. Live Music Event Producer R1BW & R2itP
Contracting authority
BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRB-3233-GTQL
Broadcasting House, Portland Place
London
W1A 1AA
United Kingdom
Email: no_reply@bbc.co.uk
Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/supplying/
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government