[livepress_metainfo show_timestmp=”1″ time=”14:00″ timestamp=”2016-08-04T14:00:20+00:00″ authors=””]
From a show perspective the Big Weekend showed Scott Mills is as popular as ever, and remains one of the biggest, most recognisable names on the station. He was hilarious on the Red Button coverage I caught over the weekend, and has been massively busy working at Big Weekend, helping to make the event the success it has been. He was the name that everyone seemed to be talking about around the arena – whether it was with older audiences or young audiences.
This month seemed to have been the real making of Chris Stark too. From getting his own question on a quiz show to his stints with Matt Edmondson to going his seperate ways at the Big Weekend. Without giving him too much of an ego boost he’s becoming as recognisable on Radio 1 as any other presenter – in some cases perhaps more recognisable!
He will still be most recognised as Scott’s co-presenter, but the last few weeks have shown he is a big part of the Radio 1 family now, and that he can successfully work with other DJs too.
The weekend overall was magnificent. They say it every year, but it was one of the best, if not the very best. Norwich will always be very special to me for being on my doorstep, but as an outsider I’ve always found the magic is going somewhere new and finding out all about it. This time Exeter and Devon was new to me, and traveling about, meeting the locals, staying somewhere a bit different – it was all part of the package.
The weather was perhaps the best I’ve known it to be for a Big Weekend with no one needing wellies, no one needing rain jackets, and everyone needing sun hats, sun cream, and sun glasses. And as someone who didn’t wear a sun hat I’m regretting it today.
Despite a lack of phone signal down by the Main Stage, Unofficial Mills has still managed to bring you some of the highlights of the weekend, and our own geeky take on what’s been happening. We’ve had some record hits for the website, so it seems like a fair few of you have been reading!
When they opened the festival the adapted “this is where summer begins” slogan for Radio 1 echoed out across Powderham Castle. After spending two days at Big Weekend I am SO ready for it, and I cannot wait to get to my next festival. Especially if this weather keeps up (let’s not get ahead of ourselves too much).
As I tweeted on Saturday night what I love about the Big Weekend is how everyone comes together (that’s one). From the DJs to the musicians to the festival goers to the wider community. Only Radio 1 can pull something off like this in such random locations, and giveaway tickets for free. I’m always amazed by what takes place at a Big Weekend and the atmosphere in the venue.
I’m about to make my way back to Norwich now, but I’ll keep this blog updated with anything more that comes in. I’d recommend you take a look at the Radio 1 website for all of the performances (seriously I’m not just saying that – I will be) and listen to Scott and Chris from 1pm today for some of their highlights.
Wasn’t just me who chuckled at this then. It was the first thing some of the guests saw when they arrived at Powderham Castle. I assume Scott Mills was working on the signage this year using Innuendo Bingo as a guide.
Mmmmm, hotdogs. #LastPhoto from @AdeleRoberts hunting for lunch at #BigWeekend in Exeter. #Dogger pic.twitter.com/ZBdmTZsz3p
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) May 30, 2016
So yesterday was all about the Coldplay but it was an amazing day for music across the three stages. These are just some of the highlights compressed into two minutes from Radio 1.
Two minutes of highlights of the second day of #BigWeekend from @BBCR1 https://t.co/6M7uNIZ83h
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 30, 2016
Oh my god, how incredible were Coldplay? The second time I’ve seen them live – both times because of Radio 1. The last time I saw them was in the university bar as part of Fearne Cotton’s Student Tour. Yet again they delivered, and my ears are now ringing with Viva La Vida.
https://twitter.com/jonoread/status/737027314408644608
It’s been the best weekend and I don’t want to go home! At some point they’ll kick us out though, so I’ll update you all again in the morning…
Make sure you tune into Radio 1 right now or put BBC Four on to see all of Coldplay’s set. I’m heading off to see their performance now!
https://twitter.com/BBCR1/status/737013041200402436
So Coldplay are about to take to the stage but I just wanted to say how great it has been to spend the last couple of days in Exeter. The area is beautiful, and both the locals here and the visitors have been wonderful. From the people who hosted me for the weekend, to the taxi driver who picked up each morning. The drunken conversations I’ve had with others, and those I’ve spoken to on social media the last few days. It’s been brilliant!
Exeter is bloody beautiful and it's been an honour to have been able to spend the last few days here #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/4aiXbZAdiv
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
Getting ready for Coldplay now on the Main Stage. Don’t forget if you want to see the full set it’s streaming live on BBC Four from 9.00pm this evening.
I’m surprised #BigWeekend hasn’t trended on Twitter. I know the mobile phone coverage has been poor again, but there has been a significant amount of conversation going on this weekend based on people talking about the radio and television coverage, far more than some of the other trending topics. Twitter controlling what trends?
So here’s my embarrassing story of the weekend. I paid £5 to go on the big wheel over the festival site – thinking I could get some great coverage of the site. Once I was queued up though I realised the seats were spinning, and chickened out of it!
No one actually seems to believe me that it spins – certainly not to the degree that it was when I was queuing up. But I swear some kids walked away looking very white!
Most embarrassing story of #bigweekend involves this wheel which I thought would be a cute experience pic.twitter.com/Cem4a1NxSJ
— Jono Read (@jonoread) May 29, 2016
Genuinely thought I could just pay my fiver, go up in it, and get some great photographs.
— Jono Read (@jonoread) May 29, 2016
But nooo, when I pay my £5 I turn up and the pods start spinning around really quickly. And the kids on it are looking a bit ill.
— Jono Read (@jonoread) May 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/jonoread/status/736998080554401798
By the way, this is where the Big Weekend is taking place. I love how unfazed the deers are, and how peaceful it looks from the outside.
What amazes me about #bigweekend is that it's in these grounds. And the deers are unfazed… pic.twitter.com/8bWso1kide
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
I’ve been checking out the BBC Introducing stage this evening. Some excellent upcoming musicians on there who deserve more prominence at the Big Weekend. This is Vital – who referred to themselves as ‘vital.co.uk’ during the gig. Couldn’t work out if that’s their full name, or a sneaky advertising opportunity.
And now for something a bit different on the @bbcintroducing stage at #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/7yXxyxKoZD
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
So I’ve just seen Iggy Azalea and now I’m listening to Skepta. Anything can happen at Big Weekend, it’s not just about your favourite artists but discovering new ones too. Tonight I’m going to spend a few hours down by the BBC Introducing stage to see what it has to offer.
Okay so I'm watching Iggy Azalea. Anything can happen at #bigweekend! pic.twitter.com/jjMYJ2BTGI
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
You can tell Scott and Chris had a good night on the decks at Enigma judging by their voices this afternoon introducing Years and Years!
https://twitter.com/unofficialmills/status/736930971128369152
Years and Years also went in big, unleashing the confetti half way through their set.
Unleash the confetti! #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/xNumndlGGF
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
Yaaaaaas confetti during the Years and Years set! #bigweekend @bbcr1 pic.twitter.com/qaoZH2cRpN
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
What an afternoon down by the Main Stage! Catfish and the Bottlemen were immense over on the Main Stage. As one of the big upcoming names last year in Norwich, they’ve gone from strength to strength pulling in an even bigger crowd this year.
Catfish and the Bottlemen are going from strength to strength after their set last year in Norwich #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/rBib9H9FMG
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
It got better. Panic At The Disco! covering Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. So good and got the crowd even busier than it was before! The perfect festival song.
Biggest applause for Panic! doing Queen at @BBCr1 #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/gQRIVn61Jx
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
Now off to the In New Music Trust stage where Panic at the Disco are performing. The tent is packed out, it’s boiling hot, and the band are topless. Possibly the receipes for a winning performance!
Feeling like I'm a teenager again watching Panic At The Disco in the In New Music We Trust tent! #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/bb6Uk5fQkc
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
It’s so sunny. One Republic have compared it to Ibiza it’s that warm and the atmosphere is amazing!
Back for day two with pint in hand and blue skies everywhere! #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/J8Jni0GmnV
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
I never thought I knew so many One Republic songs! A great start to the day.
I didn't know I knew so many One Republic songs! #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/Tj5LdFwMON
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
Dev’s DJ set got the One Republic crowd in the mood for some pop music! He confidently tells the crowd to “make some noise, the whole world is watching”. I think that might be stretching it with the iPlayer restrictions but it gets the crowd excited!
Big Weekends are all about epic introductions. And this year hasn’t failed to impress with the mashup getting people ready for the music ahead of them!
Big introduction at the start of #bigweekend before the mashup is played! pic.twitter.com/PIc6mPotB5
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
So today’s set list has just been tweeted. For those attending here’s a heads up!
Today is arguably the strongest day of the two. With Coldplay, The 1975, Catfish and Bottlemen, Iggy Azalea, Biffy Clyro and Ellie Goulding all taking to the stage over the next twelve hours. So much good music to see – not sure how it can all be fitted in!
Radio 1 have put together this neat video of yesterday’s highlights condensed to two minutes. I’m sure so much more could have fitted into this but does sum up the day!
Highlights from yesterday's #bigweekend condensed into 2 minutes! https://t.co/B4aVF0cSMY
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
So if you’re planning to soak up the atmosphere of Radio 1’s Big Weekend from your own home, here’s how you can do it.
First of all the Radio 1 website has alllll the action at bbc.co.uk/radio1 and there will be coverage on the BBC Red Button from 1.10pm right up until 10pm. Coldplay will also headline live on BBC Four from 9pm.
And if that’s not enough you’ve got coverage on Radio 1
10am Matt and Clara at Big Weekend with highlights of One Republic
1pm Alice, Grimmy and Chris at Big Weekend with highlights of Kygo, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Years and Years.
4pm Greg, Huw and Dev at Big Weekend with highlights of Iggy Azalea, the 1975, and Ellie Goulding.
7pm Annie, Scott and Cel with highlights from the Weeknd and Coldplay.
10pm Phil Taggart with highlights from Bring Me The Horizon, Biffy Clyro, Skepta, and more!
And there’ll be sun, sun, sunnnn!
Another day of #BigWeekend then! So pleased the predictions of rain have faded, and it looks like another warm day! ☀️☀️
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 29, 2016
It's been an incredible day at #bigweekend… So glad to have been a part of it @bbcr1! pic.twitter.com/s9NvQ8ci6l
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
It’s been an incredible day. Looking forward to a shower and bed before Day 2 of Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Powderham Castle!
https://twitter.com/BBCR1/status/736663266852626432
Mumford and Sons absolutely amazing. You can see them on BBC Four from 10.40pm if you didn’t see them on the BBC Red Button.
https://twitter.com/unofficialmills/status/736661689282797573
It was no surprise to see Greg James introducing Bastille on the Main Stage this evening. They’ve got to be one of the biggest acts on the bill this year, and churned out hit after hit, even their new music was going down well with the crowds.
Their set tonight has me looking forward to the next album from them. If those songs are anything to go by it’ll be an excellent second album!
Bastille finishing up on the main stage. Highlight of the day so far! #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/YzasbLr4WF
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
I’m off for a food break before Mumford and Sons!
So pleased to have finally seen Chvrches in the In New Music We Trust tent today. Great set, beautiful music.
It's @CHVRCHES on-stage at #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/sHn9Lj9DFJ
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
I adore @CHVRCHES! So great to hear them in the In New Music We Trust Tent #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/H4xQ0vMoP7
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
The backstage area is incredible. I’ve made a few friends in the times I’ve hung out here. From talking about weddings to contouring to Unofficial Mills with the local press. Everything seems cheerier in the sun and after a few drinks!
My new friends from the guest area Josie and Claire. I've been explaining rural life to them #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/eL7B5hUHK4
— Jono Read (@jonoread) May 28, 2016
The TOP fans are not happy about Twenty One Pilots have their set shortened by Radio 1. Apparently it was cut short because of the band climbing the tent poles. Fans, however, say this is normal for the band and they knew the risks involved in doing so.
https://twitter.com/bbcr1/status/736577645362720768
I’ve hardly had my back turned five minutes and Chris and Scott have been up to no good! I assume that’s the explanation for why there’s now an aubergine flag above Powderham Castle…
https://twitter.com/unofficialmills/status/736575052930547712
Not sure what year this is. New music from Take That and Craig David…
https://twitter.com/unofficialmills/status/736573482683772930
As expected Paloma Faith and Take That were Sigma’s special guests on-stage. And what a show they delivered! Big grins all around! I didn’t know how many songs I knew, but evidently a set list that delivered all of the hits.
https://twitter.com/unofficialmills/status/736573681120518144
And here's actual Take That at #bigweekend pic.twitter.com/HNROYE9Vhg
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
Heading down to the Main Stage and it’s clear people have had a spot here for most of the day. Who can blame them? It’s perfect weather! The DJs are showing how much they love the music they play on Radio 1 during the sets, and when they’re not doing that there’s videos of Live Lounges to enjoy.
Main stage is so rammed for sigma and special guests. People have got their spots in the sunshine and stayed there #bigweekend ☀️☀️
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
Look it’s Scott Mills and Alice Levine on the Radio 1 website right now. Why not tune in if you’re reading this at home? Katt’s dedicated enough to do so!
@scott_mills "Meghans popping in " "IS SHE" #BigWeekend pic.twitter.com/uASOXl9UMt
— Katherine (@Katt_Hx) May 28, 2016
Twenty One Pilots completely ignored the health and safety rules for their set. Talk about bringing the roof down, they nearly did literally.
https://twitter.com/matt__was__here/status/736550860357021696
Twenty One Pilots are incredible in The New Music We Trust stage. Stressed Out got so much love from the audience, it’s got to be one of the biggest tracks of the year so far. Well worth looking back at that on the Radio 1 website.
Such an awesome summer festival vibe to #bigweekend. Hard to believe this is usually the grounds of a castle. pic.twitter.com/MlykmNZiBe
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
Meanwhile on the rest of the festival site it’s got such an awesome vibe going on. You do forget you’re standing in a castle ground, where there would have been conflicts going on back in the olden days. Now it’s nothing but great music and there’s no better place to be!
Don’t forget there is live coverage from Radio 1’s Big Weekend on the radio throughout the day, on the BBC Red Button, and on the Radio 1 website. It’s not really like being here, but it’s the best you can do without tickets!
Craig David is covering Justin Bieber. It's still rumoured that Bieber could turn up here this weekend. #bigweekend
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
I’ll be checking out Take That later when they appear on-stage with Sigma!
Phone signal recovered, time to explore! Craig David is absolutely killing it in the In New Music We Trust tent this afternoon.
Hello #bigweekend from @jonoread! pic.twitter.com/sZfmU99ruH
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
Phone signal is a massive problem at the Big Weekend every year. You can bring massive bands to Devon, you can put on a music festival in the middle of a field, but the possibility of people being able to use their ‘smartphones’ is near on impossible!
It’s actual boiling! I think a mission for the weekend has to be to go up the massive wheel over the site. The views must be spectacular in the sunshine!
It’s Scott Mills opening the Big Weekend. He even managed to fit a “whoooo?!” In for Norwich. How rude! But it is Exeter’s time to shine, and they’re starting big with Nick Jonas. Nick knows how to get the crowds moving throwing in references to “Big Weekend” in his track.
Scott Mills just whoooed Norwich on the main stage! #bigweekend @scott_mills pic.twitter.com/JdLlyUPHy5
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 28, 2016
And we are in! The weather is glorious I’m so excited! First stop is the drinks tent!
There’s always someone who will post up the set times from the programme. Here’s this year’s helpful vigilante.
Finally! #BigWeekend #R1BigWeekend #stagetimes #exeter #radio1 pic.twitter.com/zFyi8RZfWt
— Michelle (@saintmich82) May 28, 2016
It’s not even 9am and there’s already reportedly a sizeable queue!
#BigWeekend queuing, feeling the vibes already pic.twitter.com/Z5ZcnxVZvO
— Julie W⌚tch (@Watchisthename) May 28, 2016
The view from my house for the weekend! Fingers crossed the fog clears very soon!
It’s 8am, it’s foggy, and I’m awake. It feels like Christmas! The big day is here!
https://twitter.com/unofficialmills/status/736354378567688192
Looks like the Radio 1 DJs are having a less than enjoyable experience on the train from London tonight. The only seats available are on the floor…
I can see @MattEdmondson in the distance on the train, packing flag and probs reading up about Exeter history pic.twitter.com/dM2h7wQc4r
— Chris Stark (@Chris_Stark) May 27, 2016
So are these the times for this weekend’s acts at the Big Weekend? This is the rumoured set times according to the website Clashfinder, but the disclaimer for this is that the website wasn’t particularly accurate last year!
Looks like one of the surprise acts may have just let the cat out of the bag.
Heading down to Exeter with @Sigmahq for @bbcr1's Big Weekend, can't wait! Xx
— Paloma Faith (@Palomafaith) May 27, 2016
This video is giving me vertigo, but it’s exciting to see the full festival site!
https://twitter.com/ProducerAd/status/736247969175965696
The rumours are rife about who could be surprised acts at this year’s event. They include Justin Bieber, who has a notable gap in his diary at the moment. Others have suggested Justin Timberlake could make an appearance after appearing at Eurovision this month.
Rihanna, no stranger to a Big Weekend, is all over the charts at the moment and has collaborated with Coldplay before. Could she pop up on Sunday night? And could Beyoncé make an impromptu performance just like her partner Jay Z did in Hackney in 2012? She’s currently performing in the States, so it seems hugely unlikely, but not impossible.
The Radio 1 line-up this weekend is as follows:
Saturday
6am Yasser in for Dev
10am Matt and Clara at Big Weekend
1pm Alice, Scott and Chris at Big Weekend with highlights from Tom Odell, Meghan Trainor, and Sigma.
4pm Greg, Huw, and Dev at Big Weekend with highlights from Jake Bugg, Jess Glynne, and Bastille.
7pm Annie, Grimmy and Mistajam at Big Weekend with highlights from Chase and Status and Mumford & Sons.
10pm The Rap Show with Charlie Sloth with highlights of Fetty Wap and Stormzy.
Sunday
6am Yasser in for Dev
10am Matt and Clara at Big Weekend with highlights of One Republic
1pm Alice, Grimmy and Chris at Big Weekend with highlights of Kygo, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Years and Years.
4pm Greg, Huw and Dev at Big Weekend with highlights of Iggy Azalea, the 1975, and Ellie Goulding.
7pm Annie, Scott and Cel with highlights from the Weeknd and Coldplay.
10pm Phil Taggart with highlights from Bring Me The Horizon, Biffy Clyro, Skepta, and more!
So I’m required to inform you that it’s all going be on the radio, television, and internet if you aren’t going to be at Powderham Castle this weekend.
https://twitter.com/BBCR1/status/736195311656263681
There’s live coverage between 11.30am and 10pm on the BBC Red Button. The headline acts are going to be appearing on BBC Four (Mumford and Sons and Coldplay). Plus it’s all going to be streamed online for you to watch live or when you want.
Things to look out for this weekend. Chris’ dodgy fake tan, and the shenanigans over flags.
Went to get this tan. @scott_mills was meant to shout instructions as machine voice wasn't working. Unsurprisingly he got those wrong
— Chris Stark (@Chris_Stark) May 27, 2016
I WILL get hold of that flag you flagpacker @MattEdmondson I'll see you on the train later
— Chris Stark (@Chris_Stark) May 27, 2016
Radio 1’s Newsbeat are reporting that tomorrow it could be wet. That’s very unfortunate I’m sat outside typing this on my laptop and it’s gloriously sunny! Fingers crossed the predictions are wrong!
Last year the festival was on my doorstep in Norwich. It went from being an event only young people seemed to know much about, to everyone and anyone talking about it. It was an incredible weekend and one I think everyone will remember for their lifetime – but I’m equally excited to see how Exeter handle the weekend and how they make it their own.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFR8Xg5iXZb
This liveblog is only going to work if Exeter’s phone infastructure can cope, and if my battery lasts the whole of the event. So far, so good. However after hearing Grimmy live in Exeter on Scott’s show this morning I’m not confident.
Every time Grimmy says "out in the country" it seems to cut off at unfortunate times.
— Unofficial Mills (@unofficialmills) May 27, 2016
Exeter is beautiful and the Devon countryside is stunning. I’m very impressed with my Tripadvisor rental for the weekend!
So many great bands and artists to see this weekend. Coldplay will be the big one, but can’t wait to see the likes of Biffy Clyro, Mumford and Sons, and Bastille too. It’s also been reported there will be up to three surprise acts on-stage over the weekend too.
Passing through Essex, London, Reading, and Taunton until eventually arriving in Exeter this afternoon!
This morning’s journey to Exeter began from Norwich with Scott Mills on the radio, and plenty of snacks!
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