COLDPLAY are to headline BBC Radio 1's major Big Weekend event in Glasgow next month.

The band join acts such as Pharrell Williams, Rita Ora and Paolo Nutini at the festival from May 23 to 25, set to be attended by up to 50,000 revellers. Frontman Chris Martin said the band were thrilled to be asked.

The event is part of the BBC's contribution to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Sir Richard Branson and singer Emeli Sande will mentor young people in the city next month as part of Radio 1's Academy.

Picture: Tim Ireland/PA