Huw Stephens (Radio 1's Big Weekend) Interview

Many of the 40,000 fans at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Swindon will be drawn by the headline acts but, for Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens, the excitement is in introducing the crowd to new and unsigned talent.

While the Prodigy, Lily Allen, Snow Patrol and Kasabian lead a stellar line-up of more than 50 top UK and international artists, an important feature of Radio 1's Big Weekend from Lydiard Park, Swindon, on 9 and 10 May, is the fantastic line-up of unsigned, undiscovered and under-the-radar musical talent from around the UK. Huw, whose shows have championed new music and introduced new artists since he joined the station in 2005, is hosting the BBC Introducing stage.

After its hugely successful debut at last year's Big Weekend, the BBC Introducing stage this year showcases nine bands a day, including hot tips such as Stornoway, Baddies, The Temper Trap, Thee Vicars, Gallops and Kid Love Lies.

> Take a look at our 2009 Music Festivals Guide.

Huw reveals his favourite memories and who he's most looking forward to seeing...


What is your favourite memory from BBC Introducing?

"Watching the Ting Tings play the first ever Introducing stage at Glastonbury in the mud."

Who are you looking forward to seeing this year on the BBC Introducing stage, In New Music We Trust stage and the Main stage?

"The line-up is diverse on the Introducing stage and I'm looking forward to seeing rappers Master Shortie, Wretch 32 and Swindon's own Beatbullyz, as well as bands like Elephants, Marina And The Diamonds and The Little Comets. On the In New Music We Trust stage, I think Florence And The Machine and Chase n Status will be ace."

What makes Big Weekends so special?

"The line-up is great, it's free and it's the live festival equivalent of listening to Radio 1. It's got to be good..."

What does the Fringe, which gives exposure to local bands, add to the overall event in Swindon?

"It makes even more of an impact in the area. It celebrates the local scene and really highlights the wealth of talent there is in Swindon and the surrounding area. And it makes the party last even longer."