WASHINGTON (AP) — Thousands of people streamed onto the National Mall for a daylong prayer rally Sunday billed as a “rededication of our country as One Nation under God.”

Against the backdrop of the Washington Monument, worship music blared from a stage that made clear the event’s Christian focus. Arched stained-glass windows, set underneath grand columns resembling a federal building, depicted the nation’s founders alongside a white cross.

Several speakers celebrated Christianity’s ties to American history, a blending of ideas that critics flagged ahead of the prayer gathering as supporting Christian nationalism.

From the stage, the Rev. Robert Jeffress embraced the term, which is often taken as a pejorative. “If being a Christian nationalist means loving Jesus Christ and loving America, count me in,” said the prominent Southern Baptist pastor.

President Donald Trump was expected to address the gathering in a video message. Other top Republicans, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., were also on the schedule as part of the celebrations this year marking 250 years of U.S. independence.

Only one name on the Rededicate 250 program was not Christian. Most were among Trump’s longtime evangelical supporters, including Paula White-Cain of the White House Faith Office and evangelist Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse.

“We are deeply concerned that what is really being rededicated is a nation to a very narrow and ideological part of the Christian faith that betrays our nation’s fundamental commitment to religious freedom,” said the Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, a Baptist minister who leads the progressive Christian organization Sojourners.

The conservative Christian lineup featured guests who often argue that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, a narrative disputed by many historians and other religious traditions.

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, noted the religious diversity of early America, including Jews, Muslims and Indigenous people. “I want to shine a light on America’s history as a nation that welcomes, celebrates, and protects people of all faiths and those of no faith,” Pesner said.

Hegseth, who has infused Christian language and worship with his role leading the Pentagon, asked the gathering in a video to pray to “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Referencing George Washington’s faith, he said, “Let us pray without ceasing. Let us pray for our nation on bended knee.”

Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik was the only non-Christian religious leader listed on the program. He serves on the Trump administration’s Religious Liberty Commission along with White-Cain, Graham and Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron, Catholic clerics also featured on the program.

The event was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership backed by the White House. Congressional Democrats have questioned the nonprofit’s structure and finances, which they see as a Trump-controlled end run around a separate commission charted by Congress a decade ago to prepare semiquincentennial events.

Progressive groups planned counterprogramming. Among them were the Freedom From Religion Foundation, which advocates a strict separation of church and state, and the Christian group Faithful America.

On Thursday evening, the Interfaith Alliance projected protest slogans onto an exterior wall of the National Gallery of Art. “Democracy not theocracy,” said one. Another said: “The separation of church and state is good for both.”

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Associated Press writer Peter Smith in Pittsburgh contributed to this report.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

With the regular season now complete, Cardiff are the only Welsh side still standing after securing a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs.

It has been another bruising campaign for Wales’ four professional regions — Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets — who have had to contend with financial uncertainty, off-field turmoil and significantly smaller playing budgets than many of their URC rivals.

Yet despite the challenges, there have still been standout performers across the Welsh game.

Here is the best combined regional XV from the 2025-26 season.

15. Angus O’Brien (Dragons)

The 31-year-old has arguably been the Dragons’ best player this season and his strong form has led to many pundits calling for his inclusion in the Wales squad.

O’Brien’s kicking game has been second to none this season, while his ability to act as a second playmaker coupled with his distribution has been a key part of the Dragons’ resurgence this term.

The talented playmaker is also a leader within the group and this has arguably been the best campaign of his career.

14. Rio Dyer (Dragons)

The 26-year-old has been a model of consistency for the Dragons this season.

Dyer is strong defensively and under the high ball, while his work rate was typified by his outstanding try-saving tackle on Auguste Cadot in the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Montpellier.

The Dragons speedster has also been a potent threat with ball in hand, scoring seven tries this season.

13. Eddie James (Scarlets)

The powerful Wales centre has been impressive all season for club and country.

James’ best position is arguably at inside centre but he has played a lot of his rugby at 13 this season.

The Wales international is a handful with ball in hand and is a serious carrier capable of making significant post-contact metres.

Next season the Scarlets coaching team need to work out a way to get the best out of James because he is such an effective weapon.

12. Ben Thomas (Cardiff)

The 27-year-old has been employed at 13 over the past few weeks but his best position is undoubtedly inside centre.

Thomas has played a pivotal role in Cardiff reaching the URC play-offs for the first time in their history.

The Wales internationals is arguably the most important player in Cardiff’s attacking game and has dovetailed well with outside-half Callum Sheedy this season.

Everything good about Cardiff’s attack tends to have Thomas at the centre of it.

An honourable mention must also go to Dragons centre Aneurin Owen who has enjoyed a fine campaign.

11. Tom Bowen (Cardiff)

The Wales U20s wing has taken to the professional game as easy as a duck takes to water.

Bowen is electric with ball in hand and is one of the deadliest finishers in the URC.

There remain areas of his game in need of improvement but Bowen has been hugely influential in attack and has scored a number of important tries for Cardiff.

His finish in the victory over the Stormers on Friday night was out of the top drawer.

10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys)

The 22-year-old is a class act and when he plays well the Ospreys tend to fire.

Edwards is a very dangerous runner who can create opportunities out of nothing with an excellent kicking game.

The Wales international is pivotal to everything that is good about the Ospreys and edges Cardiff’s Callum Sheedy to the number 10 jersey.

9. Johan Mulder (Cardiff)

The South African may not be a big name but he has been a shrewd acquisition by the Welsh club.

Mulder has been a key figure in Cardiff’s push for the play-offs and is technically very good.

The 26-year-old’s basics are excellent, while he is also a threat with ball in hand and is excellent in defence, even winning a handful of turnovers at the breakdown.

His game management is also top class.

8. Fletcher Anderson (Scarlets)

The New Zealander has been a revelation since arriving at the Scarlets from Tasman.

Anderson is one of the best ball-carrying backrowers in the URC and consistently makes significant post-contact metres.

The 23-year-old produces big moments in games and the Scarlets have done well to retain his services.

Anderson has already confirmed he is open to represent Wales when he qualifies on residency in 2030 and the Welsh Rugby Union must help the Scarlets make that a reality.

7. Dan Thomas (Cardiff)

The 32-year-old has been outstanding for Cardiff this season and it would be a struggle to find a player more consistent.

Thomas is a workhorse who puts his body on the line and does the unseen dirty work which allows others to shine.

The former Scarlets, Gloucester and Bristol Bears backrower has made more tackles than any other player in the URC this season (232), while he is a scavenger at the breakdown.

Thomas played a central role in Cardiff’s season-defining victories over the Ospreys and the Stormers of late.

Jac Morgan is the other obvious candidate but he has missed a large part of the season due to injury.

6. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons)

The 28-year-old has taken his game to another level this season for both club and country.

Wainwright is undoubtedly one of the best backrowers in the Northern Hemisphere and is a tremendous all-round player.

He has played the majority of his rugby at No 8 but we had to get both Wainwright and the Scarlets’ Fletcher Anderson into this team.

Wainwright will be a big loss to the Dragons when he joins Leicester Tigers next season.

5. Ryan Smith (Ospreys)

What a signing the Australian has been for the Ospreys.

Smith arrived last summer from Queensland Reds and has had a huge impact.

The 29-year-old is a very physical player and a dynamic carrier who rarely fails to go forward and dominates the collisions.

He is also a good lineout forward and a strong leader within this Ospreys squad.

4. Josh McNally (Cardiff)

The 35-year-old has been a key player for Cardiff since joining from Bath a couple of years ago.

McNally leads through his actions and is a player who gets through a mountain of work.

The former England international is very physical, effective at the maul and a decent carrier.

He just about edges the Dragons’ Ben Carter for a place in this team.

3. Javan Sebastian (Cardiff)

Tighthead prop is not an area of strength in Welsh rugby but Sebastian has been consistently solid all season.

The former Scotland international has done a decent job in anchoring the Cardiff scrum and gets through a lot of work around the park.

Elsewhere, the Scarlets’ Archer Holz and the Dragons’ Robert Hunt are superior scrummagers but have missed large parts of the season due to injury.

2. Brodie Coghlan (Dragons)

The 25-year-old has been outstanding for the Dragons this season and was very unlucky to miss out on a place in the Wales squad.

Coghlan is a bundle of energy and is a very explosive carrier while his work at the set-piece is also good.

He just about edges out Liam Belcher, Ryan Elias and Sam Parry.

1. Rhys Barratt (Cardiff)

The fact the 24-year-old has won a first official call-up to the Wales squad is testament to his form this season.

Barratt is a solid scrummager, but he brings so much with his work rate around the park.

He is a very explosive carrier who makes a lot of tackles and is a jackal threat, while he is also a talented ball player, as evidenced by a tremendous 50/22 in the victory over Racing 92 in January.

She said: “People are continuing to turn away from the Union, they recognise it is not in their interest, that chaos, the introspection, the looking inwards economically and having this constant debate around being part of Europe or not being part of Europe, the infighting within the political parties about who is leader, it does not serve the interests of people here.

Scott’s son and daughter confirmed the tragic news in a family statement.

Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings has sadly died at the age of 61 after battling cancer since 2022.

The former British and Irish Lions player won 65 caps for Scotland and played a huge part of the 1990 Grand Slam winning team.

Hastings revealed in 2022 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, receiving treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which could not be cured.

A statement was released by his son Corey and daughter Kerry-Anne today, Sunday, May 17, confirmed the death which was also his late wife Jenny’s birthday.

It said: “We are saddened to inform you that Scott passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Sunday 17 May.

“This also marked his late wife Jenny’s birthday which speaks louder than words that he is safe and with his beloved Jenny.

“Scott was undergoing cancer treatment and due to complications deteriorated extremely quickly. Despite every effort by the incredible team at the Western General ICU, he passed away peacefully and pain free.

“At this time, the family ask everyone to give them space to process and manage their energies and ask for their privacy to be respected. More information will be shared in due course to celebrate Scott’s incredible life.”

Scott was born in Edinburgh on December 4, 1964, and progressed from school rugby to Watsonians and Newcastle Northern before making his debut for the Edinburgh District team against North & Midlands on November 1985.

Early in 1986 he earned the first of 65 caps for the Scottish national team against France in 1986.

Scott and brother Gavin were part of the last Scotland side to win a Grand Slam when they triumphed in the 1990 Five Nations. His last appearance for Scotland was away to England in 1997.

He also toured with the British and Irish Lions twice, in the series-winning trip to Australia in 1989 and again to New Zealand in 1993, playing in two Tests against the Wallabies.

Scott became a well known rugby broadcaster, both as a commentator and pundit after retiring.

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The Scottish Rugby Hall of Famer was also known for his charity work in aid of mental health, motor neurone disease alongside his wife Jenny who died in 2024..

Current Scotland Head Coach, Gregor Townsend, led the tributes saying Scott’s death will be a “huge loss”.

He said: “In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Scott was an iconic figure for Scottish rugby. His defensive display in the 1990 Grand Slam victory over England was crucial to that day’s success and he epitomised what it meant to play for Scotland – combining passion, confidence and aggression, whenever he wore the navy blue jersey.

“Like many other schoolboys throughout Scotland at the time, I wanted to emulate Scott’s approach to the game and how he took the game to the opposition.

“A few years later, I was fortunate to play alongside him on a number of occasions for Scotland, as he became our most-capped player. His influence on his team-mates was still very strong towards the end of his career as he helped us come very close to winning another Grand Slam game against England at Murrayfield in 1996.

“Scott always brought positivity and energy into everything he did from his playing career then into the past couple of decades as a widely travelled and respected commentator. His passing is a huge loss for Scottish rugby, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Scott.”

First Minister, John Swinney, posted: “I am terribly saddened to hear the news that Scott Hastings has died. One of Scotland’s finest rugby players, Scott was an example to all of outstanding sportsmanship. I always felt such joy when I met him at Murrayfield. My deepest sympathy to his family.”

Sir Ian McGeechan, former Scotland and Lions head coach, said: “My association with Scott and his brother Gavin was always special for me because we came into the Scotland set-up, myself as coach, and Scott and Gavin as players, at the same time. We came in together and we grew together.

“I remember Scott on the Lions tours taking an absolute lead. He was so single-minded and determined about winning.”

Kenny Logan starred with Scotland in the national team and also worked closely with him at the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, following Doddie Weir’s diagnosis with motor neurone disease.

He said: “Scott was one of those guys who you could rely on to always put his hand up. His energy was incredible. I worked with him while he was chair of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Scott’s role wasn’t just about generating PR. He was very knowledgeable and would never hesitate to do his bit.”

A My Name 5 Doddie Foundation spokesperson said: “We are so sad to hear the news about Scott Hastings. Scott was our first chair at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and an incredible man, who was passionate about everything he did. He supported a huge number of important causes, and always did so with boundless energy and a smile.”

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Being a dutiful grandson can sometimes get you into a whole heap of drama.

George Cheetham, 26, was given the unenviable task of clearing out his grandmother’s house ahead of her big move from her quiet Hampshire village.

But lurking in the back corner, hidden in dust at the very bottom of the cluttered garage, were two of his late grandad’s prized belongings – two First World War anti-aircraft shells.

Mr Cheetham told Metro: ‘I had a faint memory of grandad showing me these shells when I was really young, and I thought I better try and find them.

‘When he was in charge of me, he would let me hold them for a bit. Then I could shoot his air rifle or his catapult. I was probably three years old. They don’t make them like my grandad anymore.’

But what started as a search through memories and other knick-knacks quickly turned into something far more serious.

After digging through the garage on a hot Sunday afternoon, George found the two rusting shells still intact, sitting on a camp chair, thankfully undisturbed.

‘They were like really heavy, and still have the tops on,’ George said.

‘I’ve got like empty shells at my house – so I know the difference.

‘My grandad passed away a year ago, so we had no idea if they were live or not. I picked them up and left them at the bottom of the garden for safety.

‘We called police and they came round to have a look. They didn’t know so they called in the army, who brought in their own bomb disposal team.’

It is thought the shells belonged to grandad John’s own father, who had served in North Africa during national service.

‘They were from 1916 – they were engraved with the year on both of them.

‘We think it was an anti-aircraft or anti-tank shell. We guess it is British but we’re not sure. We rang around the whole family and nobody had a clue.

‘He served in North Africa and had a huge sword in there too.’

The army’s bomb squad were called in with a captain and a sergeant arriving to inspect the unexploded ordinance.

The ‘professional’ team rejected cups of tea from George’s grandmother and carried out tests and X-rays, where they detected some explosives.

Telling the family that it happens ‘more than you’d think’, they began phoning around local farmers to see if the ordinance can be safely blown up in a controlled explosion nearby.

‘One farmer actually said, “You can do what you like as long as you don’t damage my crops”, George said.

‘They packed them up in a big red box and took them away.

‘A police officer said he would send me a video of the explosion but I haven’t got it yet.’

Mr Cheetham’s post on X has attracted a lot of messages from around the world.

He added: ‘A lot of Americans have been contacting me, saying I should never have given them up.

‘It’s strange – I think they love guns too much – you had better be safe than sorry.

‘My nan thinks it’s all quite funny. I think my grandad’s wetting himself up in heaven to be honest.’

Hampshire Police have been approached for comment.

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NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul pleaded with unions representing workers for the Long Island Rail Road, North America’s largest commuter rail system, to resume bargaining Sunday, saying a long strike hurts workers and hundreds of thousands of commuters.

“This is my official invitation. We didn’t want you to leave. You left. You’re welcome to come back. I’ll provide refreshments, whatever you like. Just c’mon back,” Hochul told a news conference as the strike — the first in three decades — entered its second day.

Hochul, appearing with the chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that runs the railroad more commonly known by commuters as the “LIRR,” pleaded with the unions to try to reach a deal before Monday’s morning commute.

“We all know that the railroad is the lifeblood of Long Island. Without it, life as we know it is simply not possible. The bottom line is, no one wins in a strike. Everyone is hurt,” she said.

The LIRR serves hundreds of thousands of commuters who live along a 118-mile-long and up to 23-mile-wide land mass that includes Brooklyn and Queens in New York City and the Hamptons, a summertime playground for the rich and famous near its eastern tip. The railroad has long provided commuters relief from its rush-hour clogged highways.

Most of its riders live outside New York City in two counties populated by nearly three million people.

After the news conference, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the Transportation Communications Union said in a statement that the union workers “are not asking for special treatment — they are simply fighting to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of living in the New York region after years without a raise.”

The railroad closed down and workers went on strike just after midnight Friday after five unions representing about half its workforce walked off the job.

The unions and the MTA have been negotiating for months on a new contract, with talks stalled over the question of workers’ salaries and healthcare premiums. President Donald Trump’s administration tried to broker a deal, but the unions were legally allowed to strike starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.

At her news conference, Hochul said workers would lose every dollar that they would gain with a new contract by remaining on strike for three days.

Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, has said no new negotiations have been scheduled.

“We’re far apart at this point,” Sexton said Saturday. “We are truly sorry that we are in this situation.”

At Hochul’s news conference, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said the unions’ proposals would “blow up the MTA’s budget” but he joined the governor’s request for the unions to resume talks.

“They elected to walk out. We’re more than willing to meet them halfway on wages,” he said.

The impact of the walkout, the first for the LIRR since a two-day strike in 1994, fell on many sports fans who wanted to see the Yankees and Mets battle or the Knicks’ playoff run at Madison Square Garden, which is located directly above the railroad’s Penn Station hub in Manhattan.

Would-be commuters were greeted all weekend by train schedule departure boards that listed ghost trains marked “No Passengers” rather than upcoming trains listed by destination.

Hochul said essential workers among the roughly 250,000 weekday LIRR riders can take buses into the city from six locations on Long Island starting at 4 a.m. Monday and during an evening rush-hour commute from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hochul, a Democrat, blamed the Trump administration for cutting mediation short and pushing the negotiations toward a strike. Trump, a Republican, responded on his Truth Social platform Saturday, saying he had nothing to do with the strike and “never even heard about it until this morning.”

“No, Kathy, it’s your fault, and now looking over the facts, you should not have allowed this to happen,” Trump said.

Hochul urged companies and agencies that employ workers from Long Island to let them work from home whenever possible.

“It’s impossible to fully replace LIRR service. So effective Monday, I’m asking that regular commuters who can work from home, should. Please do so,” she said.

The MTA has said the unions’ initial demands to raise salaries would result in large fare increases and be disproportionate to what other unionized workers are paid.

The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and other train workers, have said more substantial raises were warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.

Jannik Sinner became only the second player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles after beating Casper Ruud in straight sets in the Italian Open final.

World No 1 Sinner followed in the footsteps of Novak Djokovic by defeating Ruud 6-4 6-4 in front of a delighted home crowd in Rome.

The 24-year-old is the youngest player to complete the Career Golden Masters after Djokovic did so aged 31 by defeating Roger Federer in the 2018 Cincinnati Open final.

Masters 1000 tournaments are the most prestigious events on the ATP Tour outside of the four grand slams.

Sinner’s success in an hour and 45 minutes extended his winning run to 29 matches and also made him the first Italian man to win the competition since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

The reigning Wimbledon champion responded immediately after being broken in the second game and gradually took control of a physical contest.

He completed a landmark victory with an inside-out forehand winner before soaking in the acclaim of the crowd, which included 75-year-old Panatta.

“This year was the 50th year since an Italian won and I’m really, really happy,” Sinner, who lost last year’s final to Carlos Alcaraz, told Sky Sports.

“A lot of tension on both sides, it was not perfect tennis from both of us. (It’s been) an incredible last two-and-a-half months.

“I try to put myself in the best possible position every time (I go on court), trying to do the best I can – not every day is simple, but I’m really, really happy.”

PA

Amir Vosooghi began volunteering at University Hospital of North Tees during the Covid-19 pandemic, using the experience to improve his wellbeing and regain confidence.

He helped at lunchtimes, welcomed patients, moved people between wards, and supported the foodbank.

Mr Vosooghi, a trained vet who arrived in the UK as an asylum seeker, said: “When Covid started in 2020, I was living alone with no experience of life here.

“I was dealing with anxiety, depression, and kidney pain, and I didn’t know what was happening to me.

“Volunteering became a lifeline.

“On the wards I met brilliant people – almost like angels – who helped me feel human again.

“It gave me confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.

“I wasn’t useless.

“I was part of something.”

Now living in London, Mr Vosooghi is pursuing further studies and employment while working part-time.

Mr Vosooghi helped at lunchtimes, welcomed patients, moved people between wards, and supported the foodbank (Image: NORTH TEES AND HARTLEPOOL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST)

He said that volunteering was one of the best decisions he made and that he never felt judged or questioned about his past.

He said: “People have ideas about refugees.

“I didn’t want to be asked about my past.

“At the hospital, nobody asked – they just accepted me.

“That acceptance helped me heal.”

After facing health issues, setting new exams, and relocating to London, he is now a British citizen.

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He remains focused on building his veterinary career and encourages others to look at their progress and not be afraid to seek help, adding: “If you feel tired, look at how far you’ve come.

“And never be afraid to ask for help.

“Sometimes that’s what keeps you moving.”

His story was shared to mark Mental Health Awareness Week and highlight the value of volunteering for wellbeing, inclusion, and recovery.

Find out more about volunteering at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool by visiting https://www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/volunteering/

Here’s a simple, day‑by‑day itinerary of set times so you know exactly when to be at the Main Stage and who you can catch if you fancy a wander.

Friday, May 22 – Big Weekend opener

Friday sets the tone with an afternoon start and a heavy dance/electronic flavour on the Main Stage.

Gates open early afternoon, with the first act hitting the stage from around 3pm, building through DJ sets and live performances into the early evening slot.

Expect things to ramp up after work hours, with back‑to‑back sets leading into a hands‑in‑the‑air headliner to close out night one.

If you only have a Friday ticket, aim to be on site by mid‑afternoon so you don’t miss the warm‑up acts.

Main stage

Boo: 3 – 4.10pm

Charlie Hedges: 4.10 – 5.25pn

Clementine Douglas: 5.25 – 5.55pm

Sonny Fodera: 6.15 – 7.15pm

MK: 7.15 – 8pm

FIsher: 8 – 8.45pm

Fatboy Slim: 8.55 – 9.55pm

New Music Stage

Sarah Story: 2.40 – 3.20pm

Ahadadream B2B Arthi: 3.20 – 4pm

Arielle Free: 4 – 4.35pm

Horsegirl: 4.40 – 5.20pm

L.P Rhythm: 5.20 – 6pm

NOTION: 6.05 – 6.45pm

Danny Howard: 6.55 – 7.35pm

Ewan McVicar: 7.35 – 8.20pm

Marlon Hoffstadt: 8.20 – 9.20pm

BBC Introducing Stage

Max Jones: 2.20 – 3.20pm

Jude Lawless: 3.20 – 4pm

Mia Lily: 4 – 4.40pm

Niamh: 4.40 – 5.20pm

Ellie Scougall: 5.20 – 6pm

Sorley: 6 – 6.45pm

Anish Kumar: 6.45 – 7.30pm

Jaguar: 7.30 – 8.15pm

Saturday, May 23 – Pop heavyweights and chart stars

Saturday is the big pop day, with the Main Stage stacked from lunchtime until late.

Early‑afternoon slots are taken by newer names and Radio 1 favourites, perfect background for grabbing food and finding your spot.

By late afternoon the mood shifts up a gear with established chart acts and indie bands, before the build‑up to the headliner.

Main stage

Maia Beth Happy Anthems DJ set: 12.15 – 1.15pm

Ellie Goulding: 1.15 – 2pm

Dean McCullogh’s Pop Anthems DJ set: 2 – 2.45pm

Skye Newman: 2.45 – 3.20pm

Rickie Haywood-Williams & Melvin Odoom Workout Anthems: 3.20 – 4.05pm

Louis Tomlinson: 4.05 – 4.45pm

Nat O’Leary & Vicky Hawksworth Radio 1 Anthems set: 4.45 – 5.20pm

Nothing But Thieves: 5.30 – 6.15pm

Charlie Hedges Dance Anthems DJ set: 6.15 – 7pm

Lola Young: 7 – 7.50pm

Jeremiah Asiamah: 7.50 – 8.40pm

Zara Larsson: 8.45 – 9.50pm

New Music Stage

Erin Le Count: 12.30 – 1pm

Florence Road: 1.30 – 2pm

Wasia Project: 21.30 – 3.05pm

MUNA: 3.35 – 4.15pm

Rachel Chinouriri: 4.45 – 5.30pm

Mitski: 6 – 7pm

Sarah Story: 7 – 7.45pm

James Blake: 7.45 – 8.45pm

BBC Introducing Stage

Emma Harbs: 11.30 – 12pm

Swindled: 12.30 – 1pm

Heidi Curtis: 1.30 – 2pm

Tom A Smith: 2.30 – 3pm

Aaron Rowe: 3.30 – 4pm

BombayMami: 4.30 – 5pm

LeoStay Trill: 5.30 – 6pm

Bella Barbe: 6.30 – 7pm

Sunday, May 24 – Big sing‑alongs to finish

Sunday keeps the energy high but has more of a festival‑closer feel, with big sing‑along sets and guitar bands spread across the afternoon and evening.

The day opens a little earlier to squeeze in a busy line‑up, so it’s worth checking your ticket and the BBC’s official clashfinder before you travel.

Expect Sunday night to end with a statement headliner and a run of hits designed to have the whole park singing along before the fireworks.

Main Stage

Maia Beth Happy Anthems DJ set: 12.15 – 1.15pm

Niall Horan: 1.15 – 2pm

Dean McCullogh’s Pop Anthems DJ set: 2 – 2.45pm

Myles Smith: 2.45 – 3.25pm

Rickie Haywood-Williams and Melvin Odoom Workout Anthems: 3.25 – 4.10pm

Dermot Kennedy: 4.10 – 4.50pm

Nat O’Leary and Vicky Hawksworth Radio 1 Anthems set: 4.50 – 5.35pm

Kehlani: 5.35 – 6.15pm

Charlie Hedges Dance Anthems DJ set: 6.15 – 7pm

CMAT: 7 – 7.50pm

Jeremiah Asiamah: 7.50 – 8.40pm

Olivia Dean 8.45 – 9.55pm

New Music Stage

Alessi Rose: 12.45 – 1.15pm

Odeal: 1.45 – 2.20pm

FLO: 2.50 – 3.30pm

Jorja Smith (party set): 4 – 4.35pm

Holly Humberstone: 5.05 – 5.50pm

Maisie Peters: 6.20 – 7.05pm

Jack Saunders: 7.05 – 7.50pm

Ezra Collective: 7.50 – 8.50pm

BBC Introducing

Jenna Cole 11.30 – 12pm

Able Jack: 12.30 – 1pm

Wohdee: 1.30 – 2pm

Imogen and the Knife: 2.30 – 3pm

Venus Grrrls: 3.30 – 4pm

Finn Forster: 4.30 – 5pm

DC3: 5.30 – 6pm

Rubii: 6.30 – 7pm

Whatever day you’re going, consider being in time for bag checks, bar and toilet queues, and the walk from the transport hubs up to Herrington Country Park.