BBC Radio 1 Reveals Last-Minute Line-Up Shift Featuring Ed Sheeran as Surprise Guest

An unexpected guest was revealed via social media

BBC Radio 1 has revealed an exciting addition to today’s Big Weekend festival at Sefton Park on Saturday, May 24. In an Instagram story shared by DJ Greg James this afternoon, it was confirmed that there will be a ‘special guest’ on the New Music Stage at 1:15pm today.

During the video, pop sensation Ed Sheeran popped up behind the Radio 1 DJ with a playful smile. Greg addressed the audience, saying: “There’s been a lot of speculation about the special guest on the New Music Stage today at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool and it’s actually this man right here.

“What a delightful surprise! You may have thought it was going to be disappointing, but it’s actually the best surprise we could possibly offer. Enjoy!!

Festival attendees filled Sefton Park today for the first day of the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend festival, which transformed the beautiful park in South Liverpool for the bank holiday weekend. The city was selected to host the 2025 festival, moving to a new site each summer.

The typically serene green area in the city center was nearly unrecognizable on Friday, with four stages, a giant wheel, numerous flags, disco balls, and light shows turning it into a haven for music fans.

Festival gates swung open at 11am today, with attendees eagerly anticipating performances by Sam Fender, Blossoms, Sugababes, Tom Odell, Aitch, AJ Tracey, and Inhaler.

Last night, Wirral DJ James Hype shared his feelings about the “magic” of Liverpool while performing at the Big Weekend Festival. At 35, he reminisced about his humble beginnings in Greasby.

He expressed to the audience: “I used to skip school and catch the bus to Liverpool because this city had such a huge influence on me. The people, the energy – this place is truly magical.

‌”Thank you all for allowing me to perform here tonight.”

Headliner Tom Grennan wrapped up the main stage, delighting the crowd with three special guests, including YouTuber KSI, Liverpool band The Zutons, and Mel C from the Spice Girls.

When announcing Mel C as his special guest, Tom said: “This is her home ground, so make sure to make the loudest noise when I say this name.”

The 51-year-old took the stage in a full Liverpool FC kit, causing the crowd to erupt in mixed chants of ‘champions’ and boos.

Tom later returned from backstage in an Everton FC kit, joking about “restoring the balance” for the audience. Mel wore a red jersey with a nine on the back, while Tom sported a seven on his Everton top.

Together, they stood united beside the number 97 – a heartfelt tribute to the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster.

Taking a moment to connect with the audience, Tom shared meaningful words about “uniting the city”.