BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend
Coldplay have been confirmed as the first headliners for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend BBC

The first acts for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 2016 have been announced, with British rockers Coldplay confirmed to headline. Hosted at Powderham Castle in Exeter, Devon on 28 and 29 May 2016, the music event will see some of the biggest acts in pop entertain the masses.

Coldplay are to take a break from their Head Full Of Dreams tour to headline the annual event, which frontman Chris Martin has described as a "homecoming". The singer said: "I lived the first few years of my life less than 500 yards from where we'll be performing, so this couldn't be more of a homecoming for me. Guy, Will, Jonny and I are honoured to be on the bill and we're looking forward to a very special show."

UK garage and r&b singer Craig David, who has made something of a comeback in the last 12 months, is also set to grace the stage in Exeter and tweeted of his anticipated performance: "Can't tell you how excited I am to be performing at @BBCR1 's #BigWeekend It's gonna go off!" The singer is expected to perform his new single When The Bassline Drops and songs from his forthcoming album, Following My Intuition.

Ellie Goulding, who would be in the midst of her Delirium world tour that month, has also been confirmed to perform at the pop bonanza while dubstep and drum and bass duo Chase & Status and British rock group Bring Me The Horizon are also included on the line-up. Announcing the first acts on his BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show, DJ Nick Grimshaw said: ""Big Weekend is my highlight of the year – I can't wait to bring you the best in live music and to spend a weekend celebrating the start of the summer in Exeter."

The full line-up is to be announced on 21 March. Last year's BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend took place in Norwich and featured performances from the likes of Taylor Swift, Snoop Dogg, Muse, Florence And The Machine, Foo Fighters and Rita Ora.