A surprise guest was announced on social media
12:39, 24 May 2025Updated 12:42, 24 May 2025
Ed Sheeran is set to take to the Big Weekend stage as a special guest
BBC Radio 1 has announced a massive line-up addition for today’s Big Weekend festival at Sefton Park on Saturday, May 24. Speaking on the station’s Instagram stories this afternoon, DJ Greg James confirmed there would be a ‘special guest’ on the New Music Stage at 1:15pm today.
During the video, pop star Ed Sheeran appeared from behind the Radio 1 DJ with a cheeky grin. Speaking to the station’s listeners, Greg said: “A lot of chat about the special guest on the New Music Stage today at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool and it’s actually this man here.
“That’s a good surprise. You might have thought it was a rubbish surprise but actually it’s the best surprise we could have possibly done. Enjoy!!
Festivalgoers flocked to Sefton Park today for the first day of the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend festival yesterday, Friday, May 23, which has transformed the south Liverpool park for the bank holiday weekend. The city was chosen to host the 2025 festival, which takes over a new location every summer.
The usually tranquil green space in the heart of the city was almost unrecognisable on Friday, thanks to four stages, a big wheel and countless flags, disco balls and light installations that have transformed it into a music lover’s paradise.
Festival gates opened at 11am today, with ticketholders looking forward to performances from Sam Fender, Blossoms, Sugababes, Tom Odell, Aitch and AJ Tracey and Inhaler.
Last night, Wirral DJ James Hype spoke about the “magic” of the city when he performed to crowds at Big Weekend Festival. The 35-year-old opened up to fans as he spoke of his humble beginnings growing up in Greasby.
He told the crowd: “I used to skip school and get the bus over to Liverpool because the city was so influential to me. The people, the energy – this place is magic.
”So thank you so much for letting me play here for you tonight.”
Headliner Tom Grennan closed the main stage, treating the crowd to three special guests including YouTuber KSI, Liverpool band The Zutons and the Spice Girls’ Mel C.
Announcing Mel C as his special guest, Tom said: “Liverpool is her manor, so make sure you make the biggest noise when I say this name.”
The 51-year-old appeared on stage dressed in a full Liverpool FC kit, and the crowd erupted into a mix of ‘champions’ chants and boos.
Tom, who had gone backstage to change, appeared moments later in a full Everton FC kit and they joked about “restoring the balance” for the crowd. Mel wore a red shirt marked with a nine on the back, while Tom’s Everton top was marked with a seven.
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”.