Ed Sheeran opened the day’s proceedings with a secret set that got the crowds going
21:52, 24 May 2025Updated 22:04, 24 May 2025
Sefton Park was turned into a sea of colour(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Sefton Park was alive with the sound of music today as the second day of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend got underway. The day was filled with sunshine, showers and a surprise performance from one of the UK’s biggest pop stars.
Shortly after gates opened at 11am, 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.
The Shape Of You star’s appearance at the festival was kept top secret right up until the last minute, with hundreds of music lovers rushing to the south Liverpool park to try and make it through the ticket gates in time for his performance.
Announcing the last-minute line-up change, 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!!”
Taking to the stage, Ed Sheeran opened the day’s proceedings with a rousing performance of Castle On The Hill, before launching into a set that was packed with his biggest hits as well as some of his new material.
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.”
Ed Sheeran surprise guest at BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend at Sefton Park, Liverpool(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
He added: “The reason I wanted to play this tent at this time is that I’ve played Radio 1 Big Weekend five times before and I have never played the New Music tent even when I was a new artist starting out. The first time I played it was in 2012 and I’d already had a couple of hits by that point and I played on the Main Stage but I often think that these stages have the best energy.
“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.”
Despite the gloomy weather with showers progressing as the event unfolded, it failed to put a dampener on festivalgoers’ spirits. Sugababes performed their biggest hits and admitted they “love” Liverpool.
Speaking to Radio 1 DJs Ricky Haywood-Williams and Melvin Odoom, Sugababes member Mutya Buena said: “We always love Liverpool crowds. It’s always a great crowd to perform to.”
Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan of Sugababes perform during day 2 of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend(Image: WireImage)
Wavertree rapper Koj blew the roof off the Introducing Stage with his hip hop, rap and grime sound fusion. Speaking to the ECHO, Koj said: “I grew up around here so to have such a big opportunity on real home soil – that’s massive.
“I’m a young Black lad from South Liverpool but I’m not from Toxteth which is a unique thing. There have been times when I felt alone but they’re the moments that shape you.
“We have a great community in Liverpool. The community aspect is growing day by day and you can see that in the music scene. There’s so much more positive energy and I think that’s due to grow bigger and bigger and bigger as time goes on.”
Koj went on to say the Scouse accent can be a massive advantage if you’re a talented artist or a hindrance if you are continuing to grow.
Wavertree rapper Koj played BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend stage today(Image: Publicity Picture)
He added: “It’s always worked for me because it gives me a unique standpoint but I can do whatever the Londoners and Brummies do but I can put my own spin on it. The point is I’ve got the quality and work ethic to do anything anyone on the globe can do but obviously I’m a Scouser, man.”
Koj credited the city with a “love thy neighbour” energy that is difficult to find anywhere else. He said: “A wise man once said ‘if you give Liverpool a party they will love you’ and it couldn’t be truer.
“We love a party, we love a parade, we love all that stuff and I think there’s a certain energy here – working class and a love thy neighbour thing. There’s an energy and a passion you don’t get in many other places.”
The festival 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 Saturday, 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.
Sam Fender brought the festival to a close on Saturday as thousands of fans turned out to hear him play hits including Seventeen Going Under and Getting Started. People were seen dancing on each other’s shoulders and singing along to every word in the crowd.
Sunday’s headliners include Wet Leg, Haim and Mumford & Sons. You can see the entire Radio 1 Big Weekend schedule here.