Most of us will have come across BBC Radio 1’s annual live music shindig at some point or other in time, but, if unacquainted, the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend is a three-day event that showcases live acts from across the spectrum of popular music, covering a wide variety of genres and styles—and featuring acts from all over the world. All in all, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend is a big deal. The festival continuously moves location every year, meaning that a new city or town in the United Kingdom is chosen as host every year, and the festivities that take place are open to locals, out-of-towners, and basically anybody who wants to join in on the fun (granted, it is still a paid ticketed event, so bear that in mind). In 2025, it was Liverpool’s turn to host, taking place on the bank holiday weekend of Friday 23rd – Sunday, 25th May, in Sefton Park. On each day, there was a fantastic array of artists to either discover, re-connect with, or just simply, enjoy. Even though the weekend’s weather was mixed with sunshine and showers, it didn’t dampen the spirits a bit. Festival season has begun.
Across the weekend, there were secret sets happening on the smaller stages from major names including Ed Sheeran and Charlotte Plank, and keeping the surprises coming, Tom Grennan‘s Friday night headline set brought special guests aplenty: with Ella Henderson, Melanie C, KSI, and The Zutons all popping up throughout the hour-length show. There was also headline sets from Sam Fender, Mumford & Sons, and JADE, in particular, that wowed many (and the main stage headliners even brought out the fireworks).
JADE . Credit: BBC / Jamie Simonds
It was dazzling to see so many big names in one place, with the music overflowing and so many sights and sounds to behold, there was enough to keep every person busy no matter what time of day they arrived. And if the live music wasn’t enough, there was also chances to meet and take photos with BBC Radio 1 DJs and even a few of the musical artists playing across the weekend over at Radio 1’s official photobooth, which also doubled as BBC Radio 1’s live studio during the festival. BBC Sounds also had an outpost in the fields, where festival goers could take a break and relax for a moment or choose to seize another photo opportunity, this time with an oversized deckchair.
Dance music is a large part of BBC Radio 1’s output too, so to see a dedicated stage where beats and bounce reigned supreme just felt right. Away from the Radio 1 Dance stage, there was also plenty of electronic euphoria to be found: Confidence Man on the Radio 1 New Music stage was a non-stop party, the Australian group coordinate not only just their outfits but their moves and they have hit after hit that they pull out every time they grace the stage. For a good time, always choose Confidence Man. Over on the Main Stage, DJ James Hype told us just how meaningful an opportunity it was to play this festival, especially in Liverpool, as it was close to home for a local Wirral kid. James Hype brought pyro, basslines, big tunes and surprising sentimentality to his high energy blast through music’s immense archive of movers and shakers.
James Hype . Credit: BBC / Sarah Jeynes / Jamie Simonds
BBC Radio 1 supports all kinds of music (that’s true,) but a recurring theme, especially at festivals, that really finds its feet in the live arena is indie, rock and alternative. We find a lot of guitars making their way to the stage in one shape or form: whether that’s with Blossoms in their modern take on retro sophistication, or maybe in a more distinctly potent state with a band like Biffy Clyro, who tread the line so well between heavy and soft threading enigmatic lyrics with hard-hitting riffs, punishing instrumental interludes and soul-baring balladry. Or alternatively with Haim, who make dizzy pop music with their iconic rhythm-forward sound, the way they use their instruments creates memorable punctuation that is so unique to their collective musicality that it makes every song feel simply irresistible. And maybe that’s also a core component in how Haim gets the people dancing in the rain and sticking it out with them even when it becomes torrential.
Blossoms . Credit: BBC / Sarah Jeynes
Another hugely important aspect of the Big Weekend is the BBC Introducing stage, where new and emerging artists are spotlighted. It feels almost like a rite of passage to play this stage for a UK artist at this point, for their names to join the long list of artists who have come up through BBC Introducing feels like an honour in itself. While it’s true, not all may find the success we hear about, it really can be a big helping hand in the early stages. Local lads Courting made a good impression with their raucous mid-evening set, baring just enough grit to shake up the atmosphere and coupled with the cleverness of their songwriting, they’re definitely onto something. Luvcat also took to the BBC Introducing stage in a mid-evening slot, their smoky dark pop is making waves already on the live scene. There’s temptation and tease equally battling it out in their exposing lyricism, while musically a retro sound revels in lush grandiosity. It’s a sweet proposition. Luvcat, clearly seems destined for bigger stages.
Liverpool hosted well, this year’s Big Weekend cemented just how exciting the UK’s homegrown music scene is currently, and going forward it looks even more tantalizing. Of course, Liverpool also has a great and long history itself with music and it will continue to. We look forward to the future.
Catch all the action from Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool across BBC TV, radio and online. Full performances and highlights are available to watch/listen now on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds and at bbc.co.uk/bigweekend. You can also find highlights on the Radio 1 YouTube channel.
Main photo: Mumford & Sons . Credit: BBC / Sarah Jeynes
