
Sam Fender Ignites Sefton Park with Explosive Big Weekend Performance
Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool reached a euphoric high on Saturday night as Sam Fender headlined the Main Stage with an electrifying performance. The North Shields rocker closed out the day with a grand finale of fireworks and confetti that had fans buzzing long after the last note faded.
Despite a few technical hiccups, Sam Fender delivered a powerhouse set featuring anthems like Seventeen Going Under and Hypersonic Missiles. The crowd, many proudly sporting Newcastle United kits in honor of Fender’s beloved team, sang every lyric in unison—transforming Sefton Park into a sea of passionate voices.

A Night Full of Emotion and Energy
In a candid moment on stage, Fender admitted, “This is the most nervous I’ve ever been and I have no idea why,” further endearing himself to the thousands of fans who gathered to watch him perform. That vulnerability, mixed with his raw energy, created an atmosphere that festivalgoers described as “unreal” and “pure good vibes.”
Charlene, a local fan, shared her excitement: “It’s amazing. I’ve always wanted to see him live. I’m so glad he’s performing in our city.”
Star-Studded Lineup Delivers Festival Magic
Sam Fender followed an impressive Main Stage lineup that included performances from Tom Odell, Sugababes, Myles Smith, Blossoms, and Wolf Alice. The legendary girl group Sugababes energized the crowd earlier in the day with hits like Push the Button, celebrating its 20th anniversary. “If it was released today, it would still be so current,” they told Newsbeat.
Adding to the day’s magic, Ed Sheeran surprised fans with a secret performance on the New Music Stage. “I’ve never played this stage before,” he said. “The energy in the tent is unreal.”
However, the surprise appearance drew such a massive crowd that access to the area had to be temporarily halted due to safety concerns after it hit full capacity.

Uniting Fans Through Music
Rising stars like Good Neighbours, Artemas, Jordan Adetunji, and Aitch—who shared the stage with fellow rapper and close friend AJ Tracey—kept the momentum going throughout the day. Despite their football rivalry (Aitch supports Manchester United while Tracey backs Tottenham), the duo brought undeniable chemistry to the stage.
“There’s no bad blood,” Tracey confirmed. “It’s hard to make real friends in the music industry, so when you do, you cherish it.”
Big Weekend: A Festival to Remember
With over 100,000 attendees and nearly 100 acts performing across four stages, Radio 1’s Big Weekend has once again proven itself as one of the UK’s most anticipated music festivals. The three-day event, hosted this year in Liverpool’s scenic Sefton Park, continues to shine a spotlight on both global stars and emerging talent.
What’s Next?
The festival wraps up on Sunday with Mumford & Sons headlining the final night. Other anticipated performances include Tate McRae, Jorja Smith, HAIM, Lola Young, and the ever-quirky Wet Leg.
Final Thoughts:
Sam Fender’s performance was more than just a set—it was a statement. With fireworks, heartfelt lyrics, and massive crowd energy, his headlining act at Big Weekend Liverpool will be remembered as one of the most iconic festival moments of the year.
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