Music fans, the moment has arrived. Festival season kicked off with a bang in Liverpool at Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
Approximately 100,000 attendees flocked to Sefton Park for what became known as “Scouse Coachella,” enjoying roughly 100 acts over three days – and even some sunshine between showers.
Newsbeat spoke with artists and fans to capture the weekend’s highlights.
The festivities were just the beginning.
“This is the most nervous I’ve ever been and I have no idea why,” Sam Fender confessed to the crowd during his highly anticipated Saturday night headline performance.
This marked the start of a significant summer for the North Shields singer-songwriter – the first of numerous large-scale shows across the UK following the release of his latest album, People Watching.
While there were minor technical difficulties – including a brief guitar connection issue – it didn’t deter the crowd from spontaneously chanting anthems like “Seventeen Going Under” and “Hypersonic Missiles” long after the songs ended, bringing a smile to Fender’s face.
His vulnerability and relatability are key to his appeal. His rise to superstardom is remarkable, and his future looks even brighter.
For fans Chevy and Emily, who bonded at a previous Sam Fender concert, it’s his “local hero” vibe.
“Every time I see him it’s the same excitement,” Emily shared with Newsbeat. She’s in for a thrilling few months.
No Big Weekend is complete without Anthems sets, celebrating the best of the 2000s and 2010s.
Many in the Liverpool crowd weren’t even born when Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield released their biggest hits, yet they sang along to every word.
“Our music is timeless,” Sugababes told Newsbeat backstage – and the fans agreed.
The experience was “very nostalgic” for Laura and Alice, who expressed their delight at seeing the group’s return.
It’s been over two decades since the group first gained prominence.
However, with the resurgence of Y2K culture, their pop-meets-R&B sound has experienced a revival, inspiring younger artists like FLO, and it shows no signs of fading.
By Saturday morning, rumors circulated throughout Sefton Park suggesting Ed Sheeran would be the “Secret Set” opening the New Music stage.
Following its social media confirmation, fans rushed to the tent, but after a few songs, the area reached capacity.
Sheeran, who has spent the last couple of years selling out massive stadiums worldwide, explained his desire to play the smaller tent to experience the “energy,” and those fortunate enough to attend appreciated the intimacy.
“He’s the biggest artist in the world,” said fan George, describing it as “amazing that they managed to get him for a secret set.”
However, for those locked out after the area’s closure, like Kate, 20, and Scarlett, 19, it was disappointing that he wasn’t on the Main Stage where more fans could have seen him.
“I messaged my mum when it got announced,” Kate told Newsbeat.
“Her and my sister were so jealous, and I was like, ‘I’ll send you videos!’, but I’m not going to be able to.”
Upon the announcement of this year’s Main Stage headliners, fans and journalists were quick to point out the lack of female representation among the headlining acts.
The BBC defended the lineup, telling Newsbeat that female artists would constitute approximately 60% of the overall festival lineup, emphasizing Radio 1’s history of supporting diverse artists.
“It’s very lazy,” Self Esteem told Newsbeat backstage, commenting on the absence of female headliners.
However, the singer, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, acknowledged the music industry’s persistent gender imbalance.
From Tate McRae and HAIM on the Main Stage to Joy Crooks and JADE in the New Music tent, Sunday showcased the depth and breadth of female talent.
Fans, such as Ellie, praised Lola Young for her authentic representation of women.
While these acts might not have headlined the Main Stage, they captivated many attendees.
The BBC stated Radio 1 would “continue to advocate” for greater representation within the industry.
Frequent festival-goers have likely encountered or witnessed the prevalence of disposable vapes, despite some events implementing bans.
As the last major festival before a UK-wide ban on 1 June, the Big Weekend provided special recycling bins for these products.
Some attendees were unaware of the impending legislation, while others expressed disappointment.
Many were prepared, including Izzy, a medical student.
“I’ve got a reusable one now,” she said, adding that she would typically “have a pack of cigs” at a festival but found vaping “easier” in a crowded setting.
While vapes have become a festival staple, many aspects of this Big Weekend, the first in Liverpool, felt uniquely Liverpudlian.
From the warm hospitality to the numerous red football shirts worn in celebration of Liverpool’s Premier League victory – the weekend felt like a three-day celebration of the city’s people and culture.
Additional reporting by Shaun Dacosta, Eleanor Doyle & Manish Pandey
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Watch highlights of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend on BBC iPlayer.