BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend returns to Liverpool
Liverpool’s Sefton Park once again plays host to BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, running from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 May 2025. With an expected attendance exceeding 100,000 across three days, the festival features four stages packed with live music acts spanning genres from pop and rock to dance.
This marks the festival’s first visit back to Liverpool since 2008, making it a highly anticipated event for the city’s music lovers and vibrant local scene.
James Hype’s dynamic homecoming
Liverpool-born DJ and producer James Hype, famed for hits such as More Than Friends and Ferrari, returned to his hometown Main Stage with an electrifying set.
From the outset, the crowd was fully engaged by his flawless mixing and commanding stage presence. Bringing a strong connection to Liverpool, James created an atmosphere that felt like a genuine celebration. He debuted his new track Don’t Wake Me Up, which quickly became a crowd favourite, while his innovative “Sync” show featuring live-controlled lighting and visuals from his decks delivered an immersive sensory experience.
Biffy Clyro: Rocking through the rain
Scottish alt-rock band Biffy Clyro brought their trademark energy and intensity to the Main Stage at Sefton Park, captivating the crowd with a powerful mix of their classic hits and experimental rock.
Lead singer Simon Neil connected warmly with the audience, expressing how great it was to be back.
Biffy Clyro are familiar faces at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, having first played the festival nearly two decades ago. Their unique blend of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and catchy choruses continues to draw fans in and keep them engaged.
In the build-up to the festival, the band also performed under the name Screwfish at the intimate 500-capacity SWG3 Warehouse, offering fans a rare, close-up experience before their big festival appearance.
About halfway through their set, a light rain began to fall, perfectly timed with the opening lines of Black Chandelier “Drip, drip, drip, drip” adding an atmospheric layer to the performance without dampening the energy.
They ended their set with an emotional performance of Many of Horror, with the crowd passionately singing along to every word, creating a powerful shared moment to close their appearance.
Tom Grennan: Closing with star power
Headlining the night, Tom Grennan delivered a set full of energy and heartfelt moments. Famous for tracks like Little Bit of Love and Remind Me, Grennan’s powerful voice and magnetic stage presence shone throughout.
One standout moment was the surprise appearance of Spice Girls member and international DJ Mel C.
“Liverpool is her manor,” Tom announced to the crowd, urging them to cheer loudly for his special guest.
Mel C joined the stage dressed in a full Liverpool FC kit, prompting a mix of enthusiastic “champions” chants and playful boos. Shortly after, Tom appeared wearing a full Everton FC kit, and the pair joked about “restoring the balance” in the city’s famed football rivalry. Mel’s shirt carried the number 9, Tom’s the number 7, together forming 97, a poignant tribute to the Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough tragedy.
Pausing for a heartfelt message about “uniting the city,” Tom then continued with the final part of his performance.
The evening’s celebrations continued with appearances from rapper KSI, singer Ella Henderson, and Liverpool’s own The Zutons, turning Tom’s headline slot into a powerful showcase of music, collaboration, and local pride.