Olivia Dean's Big Weekend gig sparks ticket tout ban calls
FanFair Alliance has urged the UK government to urgently introduce a law capping resale ticket prices, after BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend tickets appeared online at over 12 times face value. The Sunday headliner, Olivia Dean, a BRITs and MOBOs winner, has driven demand, with one ticket listed at £622. The alliance found two-thirds of resale tickets were sold by traders, not individuals, and some sellers offered up to 30 tickets despite a two-ticket limit. StubHub and Viagogo oppose a cap, warning it could push buyers to unregulated sites and increase fraud. The Labour government promised a ban in its 2024 manifesto and announced plans in November, but FanFair fears it may not appear in the King's Speech on 13 May. The Culture Select Committee this week recommended the ban "without delay." Adam Webb of FanFair expressed disappointment at the pace, noting unanimous support for the legislation. BBC Radio 1 urged fans to buy only via its official website and Ticketmaster, warning that third-party tickets will be void.
Key facts
- FanFair Alliance calls for urgent law capping resale ticket prices.
- Radio 1's Big Weekend tickets seen at over 12 times face value.
- Sunday headliner Olivia Dean is a BRITs and MOBOs winner.
- Two-thirds of resale tickets sold by traders, not individuals.
- Some sellers offered up to 30 tickets despite two-ticket limit.
- StubHub and Viagogo argue a cap could increase fraud.
- Labour government promised ban in 2024 manifesto, announced in November.
- Culture Select Committee recommends ban 'without delay.'
Entities
Artists
- Olivia Dean
Institutions
- BBC Radio 1
- FanFair Alliance
- StubHub.co.uk
- Viagogo
- Ticketmaster
- Culture Select Committee
- House of Lords
- BBC Newsbeat
Locations
- Sunderland
- United Kingdom