BBC
Olivia Dean concluded BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend with a captivating performance that she described as "magic." The rising UK pop artist charmed the thousands of fans gathered at the main stage, delivering soulful interpretations of her popular songs such as "Dive," "The Hardest Part," and "So Easy (To Fall In Love)."
The performance showcased a delightful combination of floral stage decorations, a live band, and her stunning shimmering outfits, all enhanced by her insightful words shared with the audience. "I cannot believe I am headlining this festival," Dean expressed to the crowd, reflecting on her remarkable journey since her appearance on the Big Weekend Introducing Stage in 2023. "To think of everything that has happened since then is just crazy."
As the sun set over Sunderland, the British pop icon serenaded the audience, who numbered in the tens of thousands. The past year has been particularly noteworthy for Dean, marked by significant award achievements and chart-topping hits that highlight her infectious pop style.
Earlier in the year, she solidified her status as a leading figure in the UK music scene by winning four Brit Awards, including accolades for Best British Artist and Best Album for her sophomore effort, "The Art of Loving." Additionally, the 27-year-old London native earned the Grammy Award for Best New Artist and collected three Mobo Awards in recent months.
Dean's music resonates across different demographics and geographic locations, securing her a devoted fan base. Her joyful and romantic pop songs often draw influences from jazz, alternative, R&B, and folk genres.
As Dean brought the festival to a close with a vibrant rendition of her chart-topping single "Man I Need," a dazzling display of pink fireworks and confetti illuminated the night sky. "This has just been magic," she conveyed to the audience, whose enthusiastic applause reflected their shared sentiment.
Other Festival Performances
On Sunday at Herrington Country Park, festival-goers experienced what felt like a summer festival with temperatures climbing to 24 degrees Celsius. The final day of Big Weekend showcased performances that matched the heat of the day.
Irish singer CMAT, fresh from winning an Ivor Novello for Best Album with her latest release "Euro-Country," electrified the main stage. Her dynamic performance encompassed high-energy numbers and demonstrated her prowess as one of the era's defining songwriters and live performers. CMAT entertained the crowd with powerful renditions of her hits, including "Stay For Something," "When A Good Man Cries," and "I Don't Really Care For You." Addressing her earlier experience at Big Weekend in 2024, she candidly remarked on the "very nasty comments" she received regarding her appearance, humorously asserting, "It's crazy because I'm actually very sexy," before unveiling a striking outfit to the crowd's roaring approval.
On the New Music stage, Brighton singer-songwriter Maisie Peters drew cheers as she thanked the audience for her debut at the festival. Following the recent release of her third album "Florescence," she captivated the audience with new tracks like "Questions" and "My Regards."
The jazz ensemble Ezra Collective, known for their festival energy, delivered a lively performance that blended jazz, funk, reggae, and carnival vibes, attracting festival-goers eager for their infectious energy.
American artist Kehlani performed her popular hits on the main stage, while earlier in the day, Irish singer Dermot Kennedy energized the crowd with a selection of fan favorites.
Former One Direction member Niall Horan made a surprise appearance during Myles Smith's main stage set for their collaborative track "Drive Safe," delighting thousands in attendance.
Girl group Flo asserted their presence by declaring that "R&B is back," a motto they demonstrated during their performance on the New Music stage. Later, Jorja Smith brought a lively "party set" to the same tent, followed by a performance from Holly Humberstone that leaned into a more gothic aesthetic.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees also enjoyed an electrifying headline performance from Swedish pop sensation Zara Larsson, while veteran DJ Fatboy Slim provided a nostalgia-filled set, further enriching the festival experience.
Share this story