As the sun sets on the vibrant Herrington Country Park, a sea of music lovers gathered for the final day of Radio 1's Big Weekend, with festive energy reverberating through the air. Nearly 100 acts took to the stage over the weekend, captivating thousands of attendees who came to relish a culmination of live music, sunshine, and camaraderie.
A Memorable Line-Up
Today’s star-studded line-up showcased a variety of talent, including performances by CMAT, Niall Horan, Myles Smith, and Ezra Collective. The weekend will draw to a close with a historic performance by Olivia Dean, who is set to headline her first UK festival at 20:45 BST, marking a significant moment in what has been one of Sunderland's premier music events.
Opening the Main Stage
The day began with DJ Maia Beth from Washington, who set the tone with a high-energy set of “happy anthems.” Dressed in a Newcastle football shirt, she sparked the crowd's enthusiasm with hits like The Killers' “Somebody Told Me” and Rihanna's “We Found Love,” earning the loudest cheer when she spun Sam Fender's “That Sound.” 
Festivalgoer Excitement
Kiera, 23, traveled from Darlington with her friend Olivia to experience the final day of festivities. "We can’t wait for Olivia Dean and Jorja Smith—wish they held more events up in the North East," she shared. Fellow attendees Sarah and Joe, both 20 and dedicated fans of Sam Fender, journeyed for six hours from Dudley in the West Midlands. "We’re hoping Sam Fender joins Olivia Dean on stage today!" Joe exclaimed.
A Heartfelt Performance
Niall Horan expressed his nervous excitement as he played his first gig in over a year. He acknowledged the warmth of the crowd, saying, "You’re a lovely, hospitable, welcoming audience—this is my kind of crowd." His performance received an enthusiastic reception as fans sang along to his hits.
Feel-Good Vibes
Bringing a touch of Americana, Myles Smith delighted the audience with his down-home energy, engaging in a lively exchange with fans, snapping selfies while encouraging singalongs during his song “Gold.” Breathless but invigorated, he shared, "I need to go back to the gym; I’m so out of breath after that!"
A Festival Beyond Music
Beyond the headline performances, the event featured a kaleidoscope of live music and DJ sets across three stages, complemented by an array of food and drink options, ensuring the festival atmosphere was both dynamic and delightful. BBC Music correspondent Mark Savage highlighted the exemplary efforts of security staff, who helped distribute water to keep the audience hydrated amid the warm weather.
The curtain may come down on this year’s Radio 1's Big Weekend, but the memories made during these sun-soaked days in Sunderland will linger long after the final notes fade.
Source: BBC Entertainment
