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Summary

Live Reporting

Edited by Jack Burgess & Matt Spivey

  1. Keep an eye out for Gary: Blossoms speak to BBC after energetic Big Weekend set

    Seconds after leaving the Main Stage, Blossoms lead singer Tom Ogden told BBC Radio 1's Vick Hope and Greg James all about the band's song Gary.

    They performed their hit track with a eight-foot Gorilla on the stage. Ogden says: "I was inspired to write a song about a giant fibreglass gorilla that was stolen from a garden centre."

    He explains that they have a 6ft Gary and an 8ft Gary at hand and the size of the venue determines which Gary is wheeled out.

    Gorilla statue on stage with Blossoms.

    Gary the gorilla was placed on stage behind the band, and caused quite a stir

  2. Taking to the stage this evening...

    We've heard lots of great acts already today, but who else is left to take to perform tonight?

    Main Stage

    On now - Party Anthems with Sam & Danni

    19:10-19:55 - Wolf Alice

    19:55-20:45 - Soundsystem Party with Jeremiah Asiamah

    20:45-21:45 - Sam Fender

    New Music Stage

    On now- Inhaler

    19:15-20:00 - Jack Saunders (DJ set)

    20:00-21:00 - Aitch back-to-back with AJ Tracey

    Dance Stage

    On now - Phoebe I-H

    19:00-20:00 - Connor Coates

    BBC Introducing

    On now - Luvcat

    19:30-20:00 - Secret set

    , you can watch and follow along with the acts by clicking the Watch and listen tab at the top of this page, even if you're not in Sefton Park.

  3. Sienna Spiro, the soulful singer who is 'one to watch'

    Manish Pandey, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Blossoms have just ended their set, and they're now speaking to BBC Radio 1's Vick Hope and Greg James - we'll have the latest on that shortly.

    Elsewhere, on the BBC Introducing Stage:

    I’ve spoken to Sienna Spiro moments after her performance.

    She says she’s “grateful” for the opportunity to perform at Big Weekend and was “surprised that people even knew the words”.

    The soulful singer was recently tipped by BBC Introducing presenter Jess Iszatt as one to watch for 2025 - and as having a voice “worthy of a James Bond theme tune”.

    Sienna Spiro smiles for the camera. She is wearing white thick-framed glasses. She has long brown hair.

  4. It's Charlemagne!

    There was a roar from the crowd as the instantly recognisable intro to Blossoms' hit song Charlemagne started moments ago.

    The song was released in 2015 and a decade on it's still a popular track with fans of the Stockport band.

  5. An act of kindness save one festival-goer's Big Weekend

    Sarah McEvoy, BBC Radio Merseyside
    Reporting from BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Chris, Danielle and Craig.

    Chris, Danielle and Craig were able to help a fellow festival-lover out

    A lovely bit of news here.

    Chris Baldwin, Danielle Walker and Craig Walker arrived at Sefton Park one friend short as someone had dropped out at the last minute.

    As they were queueing at the gates, they overheard someone who had been hit by online scammers who sold them a fake ticket.

    They were more than happy to offer up their spare, one weekend saved!

  6. In the New Music tent, it's time for Jordan Adetunji’s biggest tune

    Mitch Mansfield, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Jordan Adetunji set, large crowd looking at him on stage, hands in the air.

    Cameras out for Jordan Adetunji’s biggest and final tune, Kehlani.

    He told us there’d be “good vibes” in the New Music tent. He was right.

    We’re reaching that early evening festival sweet spot. Everyone’s settled in and there's still plenty of big names on the bill still to look forward to.

    And without wanting to jinx it, it’s staying dry…

  7. Blossoms play new song on Main Stage

    Blossoms.

    Following Myles Smith's example on the Main Stage, Blossoms are also playing a new song to the crowd in Sefton Park.

    The track, called The Honeymoon, is being played in front of a big orange backdrop. There's not much singing from the crowd, it is a new song after all.

    But the track is pretty jaunty and people are dancing along.

  8. 'Good evening Liverpool' - Blossoms

    Blossoms on stage.

    Tom Ogden, lead singer of Blossoms, starts the band's set with high energy

    Blossoms are on stage!

    The indie rock band from Stockport, Greater Manchester, start by singing Perfect Me.

    The crowd are waving their hands and jumping around, it looks like they're in for a good show.

    And you can watch Blossoms and have a dance along wherever you are by clicking the Watch and listen tab at the top of this page.

  9. Spotted: A pink giraffe called Keith and the cast of Race Across the World

    Emily Thorbinson, BBC Radio Merseyside
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Alex Nelmes poses for the camera near a stage at Big Weekend. She is holding a stuffed pink giraffe.

    Is that a pink giraffe festival-goer Alex Nelmes has brought with her to Big Weekend?

    What's a festival without a pink giraffe?

    Alex Nelmes, tagging along with Keith the giraffe, sums up a festival in Liverpool as “wild and loads of fun."

    Elsewhere, the cast of BBC show Race Across the World are in town. “Liverpool is so fun, everyone is so nice,” they tell us.

    Meanwhile local best friends Libby, Kirsten and Amy from Kensington say they are “absolutely buzzing for Sam Fender”.

    Five of the Race Across the World TV programme pose for the camera at Big Weekend. There are three women, two who have brown hair and brown eyes and one who has blonde hair and blue eyes. There are two boys, one who has blonde hair and blue eyes and the other has brown hair and blue eyes.

    Five of this year's Race Across the World contestants have been spotted at Big Weekend

  10. Lively performances get the crowd moving - Saturday's highlights so far

    It’s been a day full of singing, dancing and surprises and yes, in true UK festival style, some rain.

    Let’s take a quick look back at some of performances we've seen so far on the Main Stage.

    Myles Smith, wearing a black T-shirt and white writing, performs on the main stage with his guitarPA Media

    Myles Smith performs on the main stage with his guitar to a shouting and swaying crowd

    The Sugababes sing into microphones on stagePA Media

    Sugababes gave delighted fans "pure nostalgia" with tracks such as Push the Button and About You Now

    Ed Sheeran, wearing a white T-shirt, sings on stage and holds a guitar

    A surprise performance from Ed Sheeran on the New Music Stage thrilled fans earlier this afternoon

    Next up on the main stage is Blossoms, with Sam Fender still to headline the festival this evening.

    And currently up on the New Music Stage is Jordan Adetunji, with Sarah Story on the Dance Stage and Superlate on the BBC Introducing Stage.

  11. Jordan Adetunji predicting 'good vibes' as he plays New Music Stage

    Shaun Dacosta, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Jordan Adetunji

    Jordan Adetunji spoke to BBC's Newsbeat ahead of his performance

    “I’m so excited, it’s going to be good fun, good vibes,” hip-hop artist Jordan Adetunji told Newsbeat just before his Big Weekend performance on the New Music Stage.

    He says he’s just watched the Sugababes’ set - and “they’re actually really good”, adding: “You know Good Neighbours? Really, really good.”

    The Grammy-nominated rapper was born in London, but moved to Belfast aged 10, which he says has influenced his style.

    “I think that’s why I always play with a band and add a lot more live elements to it.

    “From a young age I’ve been doing that to get it out there in Belfast. Once I had the band I noticed the difference in the demographic of people who were enjoying the music which was cool.”

    Jordan Adetunji is performing live now on the New Music Stage - you can follow along on the Watch and listen tab above.

  12. Meanwhile, at the Dance Stage

    Mitch Mansfield, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Crowds shelter from the rain under trees

    It’s not all about the two main arenas at Sefton Park.

    Radio 1’s Danny Howard is a big draw over at the Dance Stage.

    It's one of the beauties of Big Weekend - move around, and you’ll find a different vibe for different people.

    The trees are also giving a bonus bit of natural cover from the drizzle. Sweet.

  13. So, what do the crowd think?

    Manish Pandey, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Crowds watch Myles Smith performing on stage with a guitar, with grey clouds overhead

    With just one song left of his set we've been hearing some reviews of Myles Smiths' performance.

    While Stargazing has been a massive hit, not a lot of people here know the words, So there isn’t actually much singing along.

    But it’s something he addresses and asks people to have a great time anyway.

    The verdict from a couple of groups behind me is that while they don’t know the words to every song, “he has a nice voice”.

    But as we get to a more familiar tune, with Nice To Meet You - people are locked arm in arm, shouting and swaying. And they do know the words.

  14. What's behind the message on Myles Smith's T-shirt?

    Jack Burgess
    Live page editor

    Myles Smith wearing a T-Shirt that says: "I swear I'm not Divock Origi"

    The eagle-eyed among you might have spotted the message on Myles Smith's T-Shirt: "I swear I'm not Divock Origi".

    For those of you who don't know who Origi is, he gained cult hero status among Liverpool football club's fans after making some crucial goals in big moments.

    "Corner taken quickly... Origi!" Any Liverpool FC fan will recognise that iconic commentary.

    Origi celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Xherdan Shaqiri and Trent Alexander-ArnoldReuters

    The moment after Origi scored in Liverpool's famous Champions League 2019 semi final win against Barcelona at Anfield

    Surely there must be a lot of football fans among the crowd in Liverpool's Sefton park today.

    And if you're wondering... yes, Myles Smith's braids definitely give him a strong Divock Origi look.

    Every time I post online, people think I'm Divock Origi."

    Myles Smith, speaking on the Main Stage

    Myles is now playing a new song on the Main Stage, that was released yesterday. He adds that this time last year, he was playing to only 80 people but now he's got a packed crowd in front of him.

  15. BBC Radio Merseyside team board Sugababes' tour bus

    Claire Bryan, BBC Radio Merseyside
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Kevin Duala and Claire Bryan sit on the Sugababes tour bus with its driver, Rob. They are all posing for the camera. Kevin is wearing a purple BBC Local Radio jacket, a pink bucket hat, and green sunglasses. Rob is wearing a grey graphic t-shirt. Claire is wearing a beige jumpsuit and brown sunglasses.

    We spoke to Rob, who drives the Sugababes tour bus

    Away from the Main Stage and Myles Smith's performance, the team at BBC Radio Merseyside have been getting a glimpse at the Sugababes' stylish ride.

    BBC Radio Merseyside’s Kevin Duala snuck onto Sugababes' tour bus!

    Driver Rob says: “The Sugababes are nice and chilled, it’s not like a job at all this.”

    He says there are a total of 16 beds on the bus.

    A Radio Merseyside mug has been traded for some Sugababes merch - a fair deal.

    Kevin Duala and Rob give a thumbs up to the camera. Rob holds a BBC Radio Merseyside mug. Kevin is wearing a purple BBC Local Radio jacket, a pink bucket hat, and green sunglasses. Rob is wearing a grey graphic t-shirt.

    Rob's got the BBC Radio Merseyside mug we swapped

  16. Myles promised energy - and he's delivering

    Manish Pandey, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    people wearing yellow ponchos gather in front of the main stage

    As the clouds get greyer and there are a few drops of rain, we can see more raincoats and ponchos.

    But people aren’t deterred from coming to the Main Stage for Myles Smith who makes a really energetic start to his set.

  17. Crowds gather at Main Stage as Myles Smith starts his set

    Large crowds stood in front of stage, aerial view.

    Crowds gather for Myles Smith on the Main Stage

    Myles Smith is now performing on the Main Stage, he begins by playing his hit Wait For You - something his fans have been doing for the past few hours.

    The crowd is gathering in front of the Main Stage as the clouds begin to darken above Sefton Park.

    Stay with us for more from our team of reporters on the ground at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend.

    Myles Smith on stage.

  18. A little bit of rain can't stop the party in Liverpool

    Mitch Mansfield, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    crowds gather in front of the new music tent

    Uh oh! First drops of rain today.

    The Saturday forecast has been looking a little scary all week, but we’ve been really lucky so far - until now, it seems.

    Thankfully, there's plenty of places to find shelter. Into the tent we go for Artemas on the New Music Stage…

  19. Ed Sheeran gets rave reviews after surprise set

    Jasmine DuFraisse and Helen Jones
    BBC Radio Merseyside, reporting from BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Morgan Beckers smiles for the camera at Big Weekend. She has ginger hair and blue eyes.

    Morgan Beckers says she was 'buzzing' about Ed Sheeran's performance earlier

    Before we hear from Myles Smith, let's take a look back at today's surprise gig from Ed Sheeran - which was very popular with the crowd here in Sefton Park.

    Morgan Beckers absolutely loved the surprise set by Ed Sheeran earlier this afternoon on the New Music Stage.

    “Honestly, I was buzzing," she says. "He’s one of the people I’ve always wanted to see and the crowd was insane."

    "The surprise act is always the best one!” she adds.

    Elsewhere, Katie and Katy from Liverpool are having the best weekend in Sefton Park.

    In their words: “Loving the vibe, meeting people and the best music!”

    Katie and Katy smile for the camera while stood near a stage at Big Weekend. One of them has short brown hair and one has blonde hair. Both have blue eyes.

    Katie and Katy from Liverpool are "loving the vibe"

  20. Myles Smith tells BBC his set will bring lots of fun and energy

    Manish Pandey, BBC Newsbeat
    Reporting from Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool

    Myles Smith

    I’ve been speaking to Myles Smith ahead of his set, and he was in great spirits looking forward to performing.

    He has actually already been on stage, ing Tom Odell earlier in the day, which he says was decided “this morning”.

    As for what we can expect from his performance this afternoon? “Lots of fun and energy,” he promises.

    Myles is due to perform on the Main Stage at 16:25, you can watch his set live right here on this page by heading to the Watch and listen tab.