Radio 1’s Big Weekend, often referred to as “Scouse Coachella,” recently took place in Liverpool, marking a vibrant kickoff to the festival season. With attendance numbers reaching approximately 100,000 over three days at Sefton Park, the event featured around 100 musical acts, and fans were treated to a mix of performances, known for energizing crowds despite the variable weather. Here, we delve into five intriguing takeaways from this much-anticipated music festival.
**1. Sam Fender’s Hypersonic Rise**
Sam Fender, a native of North Shields, captivated the audience during his highly-anticipated headline act on Saturday night. Expressing a mix of excitement and nerves, he acknowledged, “This is the most nervous I’ve ever been and I have no idea why.” The performance signaled the start of a significant summer for the artist, as he gears up for a string of nationwide shows following the release of his latest album, *People Watching*. Despite facing technical difficulties, including issues with his guitar connection, Fender connected with the audience, prompting spontaneous chants of his well-loved tracks such as “Seventeen Going Under” and “Hypersonic Missiles.” Fans Chevy and Emily highlighted his endearing “local hero” charm and distinct relatability.
**2. Nostalgia is Timeless**
The festival showcased memorable performances by nostalgic acts, emphasizing the enduring appeal of classic hits. Acts such as Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield had audiences, many of whom were born years after the artists released their prominent works, singing along enthusiastically. The Sugababes expressed their delight at the continued enjoyment of their music, stating, “Our music is timeless.” This sentiment was echoed by fans Laura and Alice, who reminisced fondly about the joy these songs brought them. The reviving power of ’00s and ’10s hits was apparent as younger and older generations united on the dance floor.
**3. Ed Sheeran: A Mixed Bag of Delight and Disappointment**
One of the festival’s biggest talking points was Ed Sheeran’s surprise performance. After much anticipation, it was confirmed that he would take the stage at the New Music tent for a secret set. Although those fortunate enough to be present relished the intimate setting, many fans were left disappointed when the area quickly reached capacity. For them, Sheeran’s presence at a smaller venue felt obstructive to the larger audience that could have benefited from his performance on the Main Stage. Kate and Scarlett, two fans eager to see him, expressed their disappointment at being shut out of the tent just as the performance started.
**4. Championing Female Talent**
The festival’s lineup sparked conversations about representation, particularly concerning the predominance of male and white artists among the Main Stage headliners. Artist Self Esteem, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, voiced her concerns regarding the lack of female headliners, calling the situation “very lazy.” She highlighted that while the lineup had prominent female acts, it still leaned heavily toward male representation. On the other hand, incidents throughout the festival, particularly on Sunday, shone a spotlight on talented female artists across various stages, with the BBC committing to promote more diversity in the music industry.
**5. Navigating Disposable Vapes**
A notable topic among festival-goers was the upcoming ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect on June 1st. At Big Weekend, bins for the recycling of vapes were made available, prompting conversations about the changes. While some festival-goers were unaware of the law change, others were concerned, recognizing it as a significant shift within the festival culture. Izzy, a medical student, shared that she had prepared by opting for a reusable vape instead of disposable ones, reflecting a gradual movement towards eco-friendlier habits within the festival community.
In summary, Radio 1’s Big Weekend not only celebrated established and emerging musical acts but also served as a platform for important discussions surrounding representation in music and environmental sustainability within festival culture. With laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt performances, this edition of Big Weekend illustrated the power of music to bring people together while addressing contemporary issues in the vibrant landscape of live entertainment. As the music festival season unfolds, Liverpool’s unique culture will undoubtedly continue to resonate through future events.