Rag N Bone Man and Texas are just two of the acts headlining the virtual main stage, along with bespoke sets from a whole host of up-and-coming local artists in each area.

The festival first took place during lockdown in May 2020 on BBC Radio Wiltshire and is now being rolled out across a number of other stations, giving audiences a great British summer festival from the comfort of their own homes.

BBC Radio Wiltshire Station Editor Mary Sanders says: “We’re so excited to be bringing ‘Airwaves’ to our listeners again this year. The Coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on music festivals all over the country, with many being scaled back or cancelled again. This is a great opportunity for us to celebrate all the brilliant local talent we have, as well as enjoying headliner sets from some amazing artists. We can’t wait to share the Airwaves weekend with you."

Each station will run a bespoke on-air and online festival for their audience, featuring a number of areas to dip into such as the BBC Introducing Stage, the Comedy Tent, the Upload Stage and the Kids Zone.

Listeners are encouraged to dress up in festival fashion and camp in the garden, whilst getting involved with all the entertainment on offer, such as DJ dance sets, cookery demos and even meditations.

Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England Chris Burns says: “I’m delighted Airwaves is back and even bigger. Since the pandemic began local radio has helped people navigate their way through the lockdown and become a friend to all. We have provided trusted news but Airwaves is a great example of the entertainment and escapism we have provided too.”

Airwaves will be taking place from Friday 28 - Monday 31 May. For more information go to www.bbc.co.uk/airwaves. You can listen to Airwaves via BBC Sounds or your smart speaker.

Notes to Editors

Stations taking part include:

BBC Radio Bristol
BBC Radio Cornwall
BBC Radio Devon
BBC Radio Gloucestershire
BBC Radio Guernsey
BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester
BBC Radio Jersey
BBC Radio Kent
BBC Radio Lincolnshire
BBC Radio London
BBC Radio Norfolk
BBC Radio Nottingham
BBC Radio Surrey
BBC Radio Sussex
BBC Radio Tees
BBC Radio Wiltshire
BBC Radio WM