The Citizen can exclusively reveal that music fans can register for tickets for BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend from April 30.

On the same day Radio 1 will start announcing the line up for the massive free music festival on Preston's Moor Park on May 19 and 20.

Starting with Chris Moyles' breakfast show, the station's presenters will be revealing the line-up all day long with the last acts expected to be announced on Zane Lowe's show between 7pm and 9pm.

The announcements will end feverish speculation about who is being booked to perform at the festival.

In recent weeks everyone from the Arctic Monkeys and the Kings of Leon through to Amy Winehouse and Girls Aloud have been rumoured to be taking to the stage in Preston.

For more information about BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, or to pre-register for ticket alerts, log onto www.bbc.co.uk/radio1