LYDIARD Park could be in line to welcome some of the biggest names in the music world.

The BBC has confirmed Swindon has been shortlisted to host Radio 1’s Big Weekend in May next year.

The live flagship music event was held at Mote Park in Maidstone this year and attracted the likes of Madonna, The Kooks and Nelly.

But music fans will have to wait until the new year before learning whether Swindon has been chosen as the next venue.

“We are at the early stages of discussions but it has the potential for it to happen,” said Radio 1 spokeswoman Indy Vidyalankara.

“Swindon is one of a number of other locations we will be talking to.

“We will be announcing who we have chosen early next year.”

If festival organisers do choose Swindon, Lydiard Park is the most likely setting to host the event.

The popular Party in the Park was a regular summer music event at the beauty spot and attracted the likes of Paul Young, Boy George, 10cc and Liberty X.

Lydiard Park last hosted the event in August 2004, attracting 13,000 people. More than 3,000 fans turned out for the Classical Picnic and Proms on the first night, while 10,000 people were at next day’s pop concert featuring chartingtopping boy band Blue.

Bands 411 and Freefaller also featured in the gig that went down a storm with partygoers.

Lydiard’s ability to cope with thousands of people also saw it chosen as the hub for the UK Corporate Games in the summer of 2006.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation, said the council would welcome Radio 1’s Big Weekend with open arms. “If Radio 1 were interested in coming to Swindon, then we would be very interested in having them,” he said.

Swindon has already hosted a number of top-notch gigs with many of the shows sold out.

The Oasis Leisure Centre has seen a plethora of musical talent with the likes of Hard-Fi, Sugababes, The Kooks, Scouting For Girls, The Feeling and Cascada all performing this year.