IN PICTURES: BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend festival in Coventry

A-list music stars came to Coventry over the weekend, with the likes of Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Anne-Marie, Calvin Harris, and Becky Hill taking to the stage in front of tens of thousands of fans at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Held at Coventry’s War Memorial Park, the three-day event made its comeback following a break during the pandemic, last held outdoors in 2019.

The radio station’s flagship live music event welcomed an audience of 80,000 to watch some of the biggest acts on the planet perform live, including Charli XCX, KSI, George Ezra, Lorde and Jax Jones.

Held on the weekend of 27–29 May, the festival was a highlight for Coventry-based musician Pa Salieu.

Ed Sheeran BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend © Lensi Photography — Ed Sheeran on stage at the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend festival in Coventry

“Excited to be finally performing in my home town Coventry as part of Radio 1’s Big Weekend. I know the Coventry crowd will do our city proud and show all the other artists the energy of the Midlands,” he said.

Other acts who had been announced to perform included Aitch, AJ Tracey, Central Cee, Joel Corry and YUNGBLUD on the main stage; with Easy Life, Fontaines D.C., Mimi Webb, Sam Fender, Sigrid and Tom Grennan on the Radio 1 Future Sounds stage.

Additionally, Becky Hill, Dermot Kennedy and Mabel were billed to appear on the main stage; and Alfie Templeman, Foals, Griff, Holly Humberstone, Joy Crookes, Koffee and Wet Leg among those playing the Radio 1 Future Sounds stage on Sunday.

KSI BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend © Lensi Photography — World famous YouTuber and music artist KSI takes to the stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend

The three-day music bonanza kicked off the UK’s festival season, while bringing a high profile festival to a city and region that may not otherwise host a large scale event like Big Weekend, shining a light on the host city and providing a major boost to the local economy. To make the event possible, the BBC worked closely with Coventry City Council.

The music extravaganza was also broadcast live on BBC Radio 1 from the festival site throughout the weekend, with performances and tracks available live and on demand across Radio 1’s iPlayer channel and BBC Sounds.

IN PICTURES: BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend 2022