Main content

Unmissable moments from Radio 1's Big Weekend 2024

This year, Radio 1’s Big Weekend was in Luton for the very first time with the biggest names in music taking to the stage at Stockwood Park.

There's truly something for everyone at Big Weekend - we've had dazzling headline sets from Coldplay, RAYE, and Chase & Status, and a wealth of incredible performances which you can watch back on iPlayer or listen back to on Sounds.

For now, keep scrolling to read all about the standout moments from the weekend...

Coldplay brought an epic weekend to a close

Lights at the ready…….it’s the one and only Coldplay.

The multi-Brit and Grammy award-winning band returned to Radio 1’s Big Weekend, after headlining in Chris Martin's hometown of Exeter in 2016, and performing a special set at Whitby Abbey in 2021.

They turned the crowd into a literal sky full of stars with wristbands that lit up in different colours in time to the music creating an incredible, unmissable spectacle.

The rock powerhouse brought all their classic hits, running through crowd-pleasers such as Clocks, Viva La Vida and Fix You which had everyone’s phones out, and they even threw in a surprise appearance from Sabrina Carpenter.

They started off as Big Fat Noises 27 years ago and then became Starfish but we think you’ll agree that they nailed it with Coldplay.

RAYE was simply glorious

It's been an unbelievably successful year for RAYE - she was the name of the night at the BRIT awards after bagging herself four wins, and believe it or not, this is her first time ever headlining a festival.

On stage, she confessed to the audience that she was nervous, and that she hadn't been sure that she was ready, but she more than pulled it off, and her brilliance commanded the crowd throughout.

Coming out in a gorgeous full-length dress and supported by a full band, including a brass section, it felt like the festivalgoers were part of something truly special.

This is a lesson in how to make your headline debut at a festival. An outstanding way to bring Saturday to a close.

Chase & Status were electric as Friday headliners

After an amazing day of dance music on Friday, the crowd were still hungry for more, and Chase & Status more than delivered.

The duo returned to Radio 1's Big Weekend after playing the Main Stage in Coventry in 2022, and cemented themselves as amazing performers with a show-stopping, high-energy headline set.

Saul (Chase) and Will (Status) made it known to all of Luton they were here to party - and they brought friends too! Stefflon Don, ArrDee, and Clementine Douglas all joined them on stage across the course of the set, giving amazing live renditions of their collaborations. Out came the confetti and fireworks - what a way to end the first night.

Outstanding in orange.....Sabrina Carpenter

Clad in orange and flanked by a posse of dancers all in white, Sabrina Carpenter brought all the uplifting pop feels to an excited crowd in Luton.

It was a fantastic set packed with her chart-topping pop hits, and Sabrina even brought some fans to tears on seeing their idol.

What an exciting debut at Radio 1’s Big Weekend for the American singer. Sabrina, we salute you.

Vampire Weekend meets Big Weekend

Stockwood Park was packed as the indie rockers from New York took to the Main Stage on Sunday evening.

Returning to Radio 1’s Big Weekend with their infectious blend of catchy tunes, Vampire Weekend brought a party atmosphere as they belted out big hits and got everyone dancing away.

Fresh from the release of their fifth album Only God Was Above Us, they treated the crowd to a lovely mix of new singles and old favourites.

Becky Hill returns to Radio 1's Big Weekend

Becky Hill kicked things off on the Main Stage on day one at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2024, and what an amazing start it was. She gave a hit-heavy set and the crowd were loving it - and she looked stylish in a sleek all-black outfit.

It’s been a great few years for Becky…. the former Voice UK contestant is now a two-time Brit Award winner for British Dance Act.

She's a regular at Radio 1's Big Weekend and she never fails to deliver - we should get her a season ticket!

A dance spectacle from Diplo

Friday night saw the New Music Stage broadcast live on Radio 1 and Radio 1 Dance, and Diplo's set jump-started a fantastic evening.

The Florida DJ has had a long career - he honed his sound after moving to India at the age of 20 and has never looked back. He's worked with so many famous artists and he's well known for his high-profile collaborations - Major Lazer, LSD with Labrinth and Sia, Silk City with Mark Ronson - but he can certainly captivate a crowd as a solo artist.

With an eclectic set comprising Lana Del Rey, The Chemical Brothers and Depeche Mode, this was the perfect formula to get the crowd dancing.

Dive into Teddy Swims' set

Teddy Swims was so thrilled to be in Luton that he wore his very own customised Big Weekend Luton T-shirt!

The Lose Control singer brought his unique blend of R&B, soul, country and pop to an ecstatic crowd during his debut performance at the festival.

He told the crowd: “Thank you so much for letting me and my best friends, the best band on the planet… be out here this evening, it means the world to us."

We’re not sure who was more excited, Teddy or his fans!

Charli XCX closed the New Music Stage

This year marked Charli XCX's fourth appearance at Radio 1's Big Weekend, but it was her first time in the headline slot on the New Music Stage - and she really gave it her all.

Apart from a guest feature from Shygirl, who joined her on stage for 365, Charli appeared on stage totally solo, making for an intensely personal performance, and she kept the crowd's energy high with her charisma and mesmerising visuals. It was a true display of her many, many talents.

Speaking of which, Radio 1 listeners might have heard her presenting on the station this year, when she covered Clara Amfo on Future Sounds - is there anything she can't do?

The Last Dinner Party delivered a delicious set

It’s definitely The Last Dinner Party’s year. Winning Radio 1’s Sound of 2024 was just the start for the London indie band, as they followed it by being awarded the BRITs Rising Star award soon afterwards.

The five-piece gave an energetic performance on the New Music Stage on Saturday afternoon, to a delighted, engaged crowd. Their unique style and easy chemistry makes for an enchanting watch.

If you haven't heard of them yet, you soon will!

Perfect pop from Cat Burns

What a return to Radio 1’s Big Weekend for the British-Liberian singer-songwriter from Streatham.

The BRIT School graduate entertained the crowds for a second time after her debut in Dundee last year.

Her fusion of gospel and pop influences blended with guitar-led indie music led to a brilliant surprise cover of Wheatus’ noughties classic Teenage Dirtbag, and the crowd could not get enough.

Aitch kept people's energies high on the Main Stage

The beloved Mancunian rapper had fans, adults and kids alike, clutching handmade banners and joining in joyfully with his set.

“This stage is too big for me on my own so is it cool if I bring a friend out?" he asked the crowd, and brought out Yung Philly to join him on stage.

They made a great duo, but we disagree with him there, he could certainly hold the stage on his own.

What a day for Aitch, a stunning set and a win for his beloved Manchester United in the FA Cup. Could life get any better?

More from Big Weekend Luton