It’s been almost two years since Radio 1’s Big Weekend rocked up at Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park.
Little did we know back then what was around the corner for the music industry.
Covid-19 has since changed the entertainment world, and it’s been a very long time since festival fans were able to lose themselves in the moment.
Things aren’t exactly back to normal, but organisers are trying something new until it is.
Taking place across four days for the first time in the event’s 18-year history, it may not be the event we know and love but there’s still so much to look forward to.
Radio 1 Breakfast host Greg James says: “I’d hoped everything would have been back to normal by now to be honest.
(Image: PA)
“But as we’ve been doing for the last 12 months, we’ll be making the May bank holiday as fun and entertaining as possible with Big Weekend 2021.
“I can’t wait until we’re all drunk in a field again but for now, we’ll keep doing what we can to thank our listeners and support the artists that have helped make the last year easier to manage.”
Until then, there’s plenty to keep us occupied.
So here’s a look at some of Radio 1’s Big Weekend’s most iconic moments.
Stormzy, 2016
(Image: Redferns)
He may have dropped a few F-bombs to leave BBC bosses in a flap, but his performance has gone down in history.
Belting out Shut Up and other hits, he tore things up and fans couldn’t keep their composure.
The smoke and light show only added to the atmosphere as he set the stage alight.
It was no surprise that he was back a year later, and is now one of the UK’s biggest artists.
Adele, 2008
(Image: Getty Images)
We were just starting to fall in love with Adele when she performed at Mote Park in Kent.
Some 13 years on, she is now without question one of the world’s biggest music stars.
Opening the main stage at Big Weekend in the early days of her career, she never looked back.
Bringing the house down with Hometown Glory and Chasing Pavements, it was a massive music moment.
Foo Fighters, 2011
(Image: Eric Benetti / Avalon)
One thing is for sure, Carlisle has never seen anything quite like it.
When Foo Fighters flew in a decade ago, the legendary rockers were keen to make their presence felt.
They first headlined Big Weekend in 2005 and did so again in 2015.
But in 2011, their epic display saw the band play an 80-minute, 15-song set – and many think it won’t ever be topped.
Coldplay, 2014
(Image: Richard Young/REX/Shutterstock)
While they perhaps aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, Coldplay knows how to own a stage.
They certainly did that when Chris Martin and co first headlined Big Weekend in 2014.
Letting A Sky Full Of Stars rip across the stage at Glasgow Green was a huge highlight, and their incredible set won them many new fans.
Returning to top the bill again in 2016, the band has a place in the event’s hall of fame.
Jay-Z and Rihanna, 2012
(Image: Getty Images)
When mega stars decide to get together on stage, nothing but good can come from it.
Especially for those watching feet away, who haven’t even paid for tickets to watch it!
Hip hop icon Jay Z headlined Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend and got some help from a friend.
Rihanna joined him on stage and put on a racy performance and he reciprocating the cameo for an encore of Run This Town, Talk That Talk and Umbrella.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
