Radio 1's lasting message to liverpool after big weekend festival

AROUND 100,000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE SEFTON PARK FESTIVAL 13:39, 30 May 2025 BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend welcomed thousands of festival goers to Sefton Park last week. The broadcaster has

now thanked Liverpool for hosting a "hugely successful event" and "for making it an unforgettable weekend". The city became a sea of music, colour and dancing with around

100,000 fans attending Radio 1's Big Weekend. If we have learned anything from the crowd's response, and what the acts have said about the city, it proves nobody throws a party

quite like Liverpool. Four stages dotted around Sefton Park welcomed music industry heavyweights, up-and-coming local musicians, and even a few surprise appearances from the biggest stars in

the world. Now the dust has settled on a lively Bank Holiday weekend, Radio 1 has thanked the city for being a great host. A statement from BBC Radio 1 said: "Thank you to the city of

Liverpool for hosting Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2025. "It was a hugely successful event, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended for making it an unforgettable weekend."

Article continues below British singer Tom Grennan closed the first evening but not before recruiting pop icon Mel C of Spice Girls fame to join him on stage. During the performance, Tom

darted back stage to change into an Everton FC shirt while Mel wore a red Liverpool FC top. Together, they stood side by side to the number 97 - a tribute to the 97 Liverpool fans who lost

their lives in the Hillsborough disaster. Taking a pause from the music, Tom addressed the crowd with heartfelt words about "uniting the city". Shortly after gates opened at 11am

on Saturday, BBC Radio 1 DJ and Breakfast host Greg James announced the 'special guest' who was set to open the New Music Stage at 1.15pm. The surprise announcement was met with

huge excitement from fans, as Greg revealed Ed Sheeran would be performing. Addressing the crowds, he said: "Liverpool how are we feeling? Now I'm glad you turned up, I know this

was a secret. But I'm going to play some songs that I hope you know, and if you don't... it's going to be a long hour for you. "I just thought 'it's Liverpool,

it's Saturday, if I play at night time your energy might be gone but if I catch you first I'm going to get all the Liverpudlian energy first." Saturday was a mixed bag of rain

and shine but it failed to put a dampener on the sprits of festival goers. People ditched their short shorts and crop tops in favour of rain coats and parkas, dancing the night away to a

soundtrack of Aitch B2B AJ Tracey, Blossoms, Wolf Alice and Sam Fender. The start of the final day saw international pop star Tate McRae draw an audience of thousands despite her 1:30pm call

time. The festival's energy was palpable despite the heaviest rain of the entire weekend appearing during Haim's Radio 1 Main Stage set. Article continues below The festival was

concluded by Little Mix star JADE taking over the New Music Stage for her first ever solo performance. The red and white carnival tent was packed to the brim with hundreds of fans and even

more standing outside to watch the vocalist performing on-screen. Indie-folk band Mumford & Sons had the pleasure of closing the festival's Main Stage. Bidding farewell to a

historic bank holiday weekend, the crowd became a spectacular sea of light as thousands shined their phone torches to create a dazzling display of unity.