Mumford & Sons close out Radio 1's Big Weekend

Mumford & Sons brought an electrifying end to Radio 1's Big Weekend, captivating the audience with a mix of their classic hits and new songs. The band, led by Marcus Mumford, took to the stage at Sefton Park in Liverpool, delivering a performance that was both thrilling and memorable. They played fan favorites like 'I Will Wait' and 'Rushmere', and the atmosphere was enhanced by a stunning display of fireworks and confetti that filled the air. Throughout the day, other talented artists graced the Main Stage, including Tate McRae, Lola Young, Jorja Smith, Wet Leg, and Haim. Before their performance, Marcus expressed his excitement to BBC Newsbeat, stating that the band was 'stoked to be headlining again. ' He reflected on how it had been a while since they had performed at such large events and emphasized their eagerness to reconnect with their audience. The band had carefully planned their one-hour set, aiming to encapsulate the essence of Mumford & Sons. Guitarist Ted Dwayne mentioned the importance of delivering the 'finest perfume' of their music to the fans. In the crowd, a fan named Sian shared her joy, saying she had seen the band a few years ago with the same friends she was with on Sunday, calling it a 'full-circle moment. ' Another fan, Kurtis, described the experience as 'amazing' and a 'lovely way to end the weekend. ' nnThe weather during the festival was quite varied, with Tate McRae's early performance enjoying sunny skies, while later in the day, fans faced a heavy downpour to watch Haim. Despite the rain, many fans remained undeterred, eager to enjoy the music. Haim encouraged the crowd by saying they would 'party harder' in the rain, and Rebecca, a devoted fan, confidently stated that Mumford & Sons would be just as good even if it rained. Her friend Izzy added, 'It's a good atmosphere - I feel emotional. ' On the New Music Stage, Jade, who was formerly part of Little Mix, headlined the performances and was joined by South Arcade, Joy Crookes, Flo, and Self Esteem. Jade admitted to feeling 'a little bit nervous' before her set, as it was her first significant solo performance. However, the fans in the New Music Tent supported her with cheers and applause for every song she sang. nnTate McRae kicked off the Sunday festivities on the Main Stage, engaging the crowd with her energetic performance. Over the course of the three-day festival, an estimated 100,000 music fans attended, enjoying around 100 performances across four stages. On Friday, Tom Grennan thrilled the audience with surprise appearances from artists like Ella Henderson, Mel C, The Zutons, and KSI. He described headlining the biggest weekend of the summer as 'pretty crazy. ' Following him were performances by The Wombats, Natasha Bedingfield, James Hype, and Biffy Clyro on the Main Stage. Saturday featured a nervous Sam Fender, who led the crowd in singing his hits 'Seventeen Going Under' and 'Hypersonic Missiles. ' Before his performance, fans were treated to acts from Tom Odell, Sugababes, Myles Smith, Blossoms, and Wolf Alice. However, the highlight for many was the surprise set by Ed Sheeran on the New Music Stage, which was announced just hours before it took place on Saturday. The 'Shape of You' singer explained that he chose that stage because he had never performed there before and felt it had the best energy. The excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd were palpable, making Radio 1's Big Weekend a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended.