NewsHail
25 May 2025
Sam Fender closed Saturday at Radio 1's Big Weekend with confetti and fireworks.
His show had some tech problems but fans loved hearing hits like Seventeen Going Under and Hypersonic Missiles. The crowd sang along all night.
Halfway through, Fender, who is from North Shields, told the crowd many wore Newcastle United shirts, his favorite team. He said, "I'm the most nervous I've ever been and don’t know why."
Before him, Tom Odell, Sugababes, Myles Smith, Blossoms, and Wolf Alice played on the Main Stage at Sefton Park.
Fans said Fender’s set had "unreal good vibes." They danced and sang his songs happily.
One fan, Charlene, told Newsbeat, "It's amazing. I've always wanted to see him. I’m so glad he’s in Liverpool—our city."
The day started with a surprise show from Ed Sheeran. He played on the New Music Stage. He picked that stage because he "never played it before" and thought the tent had "the best energy."
Some fans were sad when entry had to stop because the tent was full.
Other acts on that stage were Good Neighbours, Artemas, Jordan Adetunji, and Aitch. Aitch played right after AJ Tracey, his good friend.
Aitch, a Manchester United fan, and AJ Tracey, who supports Tottenham Hotspur, told Newsbeat there is "no bad blood" after Spurs beat United in the Europa League final.
AJ Tracey said, "It’s hard to make friends in music, so when you do, it feels good."
Girl group Sugababes gave a lively show earlier. They told Newsbeat the crowd was "so amazing."
They said their song Push the Button, which came out 20 years ago, "would still be very current" if released today.
More than 100,000 fans will come to Big Weekend in Liverpool. About 100 acts will play on four stages.
On Sunday, Mumford & Sons will be the headliners.
Tate McRae, Lola Young, Jorja Smith, Wet Leg, and HAIM will also play on the Main Stage.
