Radio 1’s Big Weekend Takes Over Liverpool’s Sefton Park
The BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival has once again descended upon Liverpool’s Sefton Park, bringing with it a star-studded lineup of 100 acts across three days. This year’s event, dubbed the "Scouse Coachella" by locals, kicked off on Friday with a jam-packed schedule featuring the likes of Tom Grennan, Biffy Clyro, HAIM, Sam Fender, and Myles Smith. According to a review by The Upcoming, the festival got off to a flying start, with The Wombats taking to the Main Stage to huge cheers from the crowd.
The Wombats were followed by Natasha Bedingfield, who has experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to TikTok. The singer, known for her hit singles such as Pocketful of Sunshine and These Words, delivered a powerful performance, weaving in and out of audience favourites and covers of the likes of Coldplay and The Cranberries. As The Upcoming reports, Bedingfield’s set culminated in a rousing rendition of Unwritten, accompanied by the poignant message, "this song gives permission to have hope."
Other highlights of the day included a set from Wirral-born DJ James Hype, who spoke of the "magical" atmosphere of the festival, having grown up just 15 minutes away from Liverpool. As quoted in The Upcoming, Hype said, "this place is magical." Meanwhile, on the New Music Stage, Katy B showcased her impressive vocal and tempo range.
One of the standout performances of the day came from Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro, who brought their unique brand of high-energy rock to the Main Stage. As The Upcoming notes, the band’s set was a sensory overload, featuring on-stage violins, pyrotechnics, and a wall of electric guitar riffs. The band’s performance was a testament to their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the UK.
As the night drew to a close, 29-year-old Tom Grennan took to the Main Stage to close out the first day of the festival. With a brass band and mini gospel choir joining him on stage, Grennan delivered a high-energy set that featured a number of special guests, including Ella Henderson, KSI, and Spice Girls legend Mel C. As The Upcoming reports, the highlight of the set came when Grennan and Mel C dueted on When You’re Gone, a poignant tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough Disaster.
In a surprise move, Grennan introduced Liverpool band The Zutons for a joint rendition of Valerie, a fitting end to a night that had seen the singer throw everything at his set. As The Upcoming concludes, Grennan’s decision to close out the night with an acoustic performance of Something in the Water, a track he submitted to BBC Introducing back in 2016, was a fitting full-circle moment, marking a decade of hard work and dedication.
The Big Weekend festival continues over the weekend, with a star-studded lineup of acts set to take to the stages. For more information and to plan your weekend, visit the Radio 1’s Big Weekend website. The Upcoming will be providing live updates and reviews throughout the festival, so be sure to check back for the latest news and reviews.
The event has brought together an exciting lineup of emerging and established artists. As The Upcoming notes, "Friday kickstarts the summer festival season whilst bringing about several nostalgically triumphant comebacks such as The Wombats, Natasha Bedingfield and Katy B, as well as exciting new artists including Irish dance-pop artist Jazzy and DJ Barry Can’t Swim across the three different stages."
Photo: BBC / Sarah Jeynes / Jamie Simonds
Bev Lung reporting for The Upcoming.
