Mumford & Sons brought a spectacular close to Radio 1’s Big Weekend, which took place at the scenic Sefton Park in Liverpool. The British folk-rock band engaged an enthusiastic crowd with a thrilling performance that featured an impressive mix of both their classic hits and some new material. As the festival reached its climax, the band played some of their most popular tracks, including “I Will Wait” and “Rushmere,” leaving the audience completely captivated. Their set was visually enhanced by a stunning display of fireworks and a flurry of confetti, creating a memorable atmosphere for all attendees.
Throughout the day, many renowned artists graced the Main Stage alongside Mumford & Sons, including Tate McRae, Lola Young, Jorja Smith, Wet Leg, and Haim, each contributing their unique sounds to the festival vibe. Speaking to BBC Newsbeat just before taking the stage, lead singer Marcus Mumford expressed their excitement about headlining the event, stating they felt “stoked” to perform again after an extended hiatus from large concerts. He articulated the endeavor of using Radio 1’s Big Weekend as a platform to reconnect with their audience and find their footing once more in the live music scene.
In preparation for their hour-long performance slot, the band deliberated on how best to distill their musical essence into an exciting and concise set. Guitarist Ted Dwayne emphasized that they wanted to deliver “the finest perfume of Mumford & Sons,” effectively conveying their distinctive sound to the eager audience. The fans, including Sian, a longtime follower of the band, relished singing along to their favorite songs, reflecting on a “full-circle moment” since she had experienced a similar concert with her friends years ago. Another concertgoer, Kurtis, exclaimed, “Amazing, just so much fun. What a lovely way to end the weekend.”
The festival atmosphere was variable, with some acts embracing the sunny weather while later acts braved the heavy downpours. Notably, Tate McRae launched the festivities with her high-energy performance amidst bright sunshine. However, fans assuredly remained undeterred by the rain, with Haim’s performance eliciting enthusiastic responses and encouragement from the crowd, which highlighted the resilient spirit of festival-goers.
Another key highlight of the event was Jade’s performance on the New Music Stage. Formerly of Little Mix, she headlined the stage and expressed her nervousness about delivering her first major solo set. Fans rallied behind her, applauding and cheering for her during each song, showcasing the supportive environment fostered by the festival.
Across the three-day extravaganza, an estimated 100,000 music enthusiasts attended, enjoying around 100 performances spread across four different stages. Opening day excitement was ignited by Tom Grennan, who shared the spotlight with surprise acts like Ella Henderson and KSI, marking the beginning of what many considered the biggest weekend of the summer. Sam Fender followed suit with a compelling performance on Saturday, leading the crowd in a singalong of his biggest hits like “Seventeen Going Under.”
A mid-festival highlight was an unexpected set by Ed Sheeran, who took the New Music Stage by storm a few hours after his surprise performance was announced. Sheeran mentioned that he chose to perform on this more intimate stage to capture the unique energy of the atmosphere, confirming his ability to engage with fans in an exhilarating setting.
As the festival concluded, attendees left with lasting memories of a weekend filled with incredible music and camaraderie, reflecting on the powerful connections forged through their shared experiences. Highlights of Radio 1’s Big Weekend will also be available for viewers on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to relive the magic of the event long after the final note was played.