DANIEL BIRD 'I was at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend – one star was iconic as another was fuming'

It's one of the best weekends of the year for a music lover and journalist. hit Liverpool over the weekend, and they didn't hold back.

Some of the biggest names in music headed to Sefton Park to put on unmissable performances throughout the weekend, including , , Lola Young and even a surprise guest. And it couldn't have been a more perfect weekend, okay, we had a bit of rain (and a lot of wind), but the sun was shining and I'm currently more red than Anfield Stadium, but it was so worth it.

So what was it really like? In the words of – biblical. Friday was a quiet start to the weekend, but it still delivered everything and more. I got there just in time to see Natasha Bedingfield perform, which I had been so excited for and can honestly say I felt like I was reliving my childhood again which was incredible.

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But the highlight for me on Friday was, of course, Tom Grennan. I've spoken about this countless times this weekend, but three years ago, I saw Tom play on the Future Sounds Stage at Big Weekend in Coventry. Now, three years later and over one billion UK streams later, he was headlining the Main Stage.

He's one of those rare musicians who still appreciates every bit of success he gets and puts on an incredible show – and he did just that. I knew there would be something special coming during Tom's set, but I hadn't anticipated just how phenomenal it would be. Not only did he bring out Ella Henderson for their track, but he also brought out to perform When You're Gone together.

Although they were wearing Everton and Liverpool shirts, which I'll let them off with, the response was incredible from the crowd. Melanie is obviously a Scouse icon and one-fifth of the world's biggest girlband, which saw the whole crowd erupt into cheers. He was also joined by The Zutons to sing their 2006 hit, Valerie, which to me was the best.

Between the music, I got to hang out in the BBC Guest Area, which allowed me to use a private bar, grab food without waiting in huge queues and most importantly, clean toilets.

A must at a festival, given how many people use the main arena ones. It was here I bumped into Radio 1 star Conor Knight, who was overjoyed at being at the event. Conor is a regular on the network and has covered Radio 1 weekend breakfast and also the mid-morning show over Christmas – there's no denying he's one of the best at the station.

Saturday, though – no words, apart from out of this world. had just been announced as the surprise special guest on the Radio 1 New Music Stage. I thought my days of sprinting across fields were over, but no, off I ran for my life to try and get into the stage.

He was only scheduled for 45 minutes, but those 45 minutes were heavenly. Hearing tracks such as Perfect, Shape of You, The A Team and Bad Habits certainly kicked off the day in the best way. The tent was at full capacity with 5,000 people eager to see Ed perform. It proved just how talented he is as well. Just one man, a guitar and a loop pedal yet had the crowd in the palm of his hand.

Although myself and 5,000 other people were happy, apparently Tom was performing on the Main Stage at the same time, and on my way out of Ed, I saw the crowd... It wasn't as packed as Tom probably would have liked. But who can really compete with Ed Sheeran?

Now, one act who set the Main Stage alight... . I've seen them several times and even worked with them (goals – There's no denying they're the best female vocal group to come out of the UK, and I'll take that to my grave.

Their set attracted one of the biggest crowds of the weekend, performing hits including About You Now, Round Round, Overload and Freak Like Me. It was the vibe we all needed in the sun and it was clear to see how much it meant to Keisha, Siobhán and Mutya. I also caught up with Siobhan backstage and she's the kindest soul you could ever meet, not to mention we both twinned with Vivienne Westwood glasses.

But I needed to warm up before King Sam Fender headlined so off I went back to the Guest Area to make the most of the bar. This is where all the famous faces were hanging out conserving their energy for the weekend. One word for Sam in-sane. I can't think of another word.

Like Tom Grennan, I've followed him from the start of his career, watched him play one of his first festivals, saw him headline his first (Tramlines), and he was also on the Future Sounds Stage three years ago. There's something about Sam's sets that captivates the audience.

Around 100,000 were expected to attend, and somehow I got close to the front with a group of friends. Sam's set went off with a bang. It was just utterly brilliant. Famous faces were scattered around the crowd, and nobody was bothering them because we were all too focused on enjoying the Geordie King.

Obviously, he had to open with Getting Started, I feel like that's a given with Sam. He delivered his best hits, such as Will We Talk?, People Watching, Seventeen Going Under before closing with Hypersonic Missiles. I refused to leave early and trying to get out with the whole crowd proved to be quite interesting.

We left at 10pm, and although I live an hour away from Liverpool, I didn't get home until after midnight because of how many people were trying to get cabs and Ubers from Sefton Park. Sunday proved to be yet another incredible day with the likes of JADE, Lola Young, HAIM and Wet Leg performing.

I wasn't too fussed on the majority of the line-up for Sunday, but I left the comfort of the backstage tent, which had been sheltering us and headed out into the rain to see HAIM with friends, and I wasn't disappointed. I'd never heard their music, but I was impressed and will definitely listen to them now.

And around came the moment I'd been waiting all day for. Jade. I'd followed her since the early days of Rhythmix (if you know, you know) and recently saw her perform at the BRIT Awards, so I knew I was in for a treat. Since venturing out as a solo artist, Jade hasn't shied away from pushing the boundaries and experimenting with her sound.

It's working, there's no denying that. Now, I completely understand that she's classed as a "new artist" given she's just gone solo, but she shouldn't have been on the New Music stage. She deserved the Main Stage headline slot.

Belting out hits like FUFN (clean version), IT Girl, Midnight Cowboy and her debut single Angel of My Dreams (which by the way, INCREDIBLE), she also delivered a mix of Little Mix hits including Wasabi, Shout Out To My Ex and Sweet Melody, as well as a cover of N-Trance's 1995 anthem, Trance.

It was her first-ever solo festival performance, and she drew in one of the biggest crowds. The tent had a maximum capacity of 5,000, and it was filled, with more people standing outside in the rain watching her perform. I can't describe the energy because it was so unique but it's clear to see that Jade has cemented herself as the one to watch in the industry and is a true force to be reckoned with.

I didn't catch the Main Stage headline act, Mumford and Sons, because I left as soon as Jade finished – as did thousands of others. It would have been hard for any artist to top Jade's set so I feel like it was probably the best decision to leave while still buzzing (and singing, much to the dismay of my friends...)

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