A Night Full of Stars: R1 Big Weekend second day review and pictures

After months of eager anticipation, 25,000 music fans made their way to Powderham Castle on Sunday to enjoy one of the UK’s most popular festivals and experience  live performances from, among others, Izzy Azalea, Ellie Goulding, Skepta and headliner Coldplay.

Temperatures soared on Day 2 of Radio 1’s Big Weekend and a large crowd gathered at the main stage to watch opening act One Republic. This was followed by the hotly anticipated Welsh quartet Catfish and the Bottlemen who, despite some technical issues, did not disappoint as they powered through a series of fan favourites, such as Twice and Kathleen, before debuting their new single Seven. Other main stage highlights included rap star Iggy Azalea’s energetic performance of the brilliant Black Widow and The 1975, who delighted a dancing crowd with their synthesiser 80s pop inspired hits Love Me and The Sound.

The In New Music We Trust tent featured artists such as Jack Garratt and Alesso, while over at the BBC Introducing stage new artists were given the opportunity to showcase their talents. Notables included Devon singer songwriter Alice Jemima and Finland’s Emmi, with her powerful but lyrical pop.

As the sun went down on a day of fairground rides, fajitas and a feast of perfect pop, the Powderham crowd gathered at the main stage to prepare for a performance by quite possibly the biggest and best band in the world, Coldplay. Returning to his childhood home of Exeter, Frontman Chris Martin kissed the stage before the band launched into a cavalcade of their biggest hits including Yellow, Paradise and Fix Me.  The stadium atmosphere was electric, as the legion of excited fans jumped on shoulders and punched the air, roaring along to every song. The set included colourful stage graphics, lasers, fireworks and flames. Chris Martin announced Devon as the “greatest county on earth”, repeatedly praising Exeter and thanking the crowd for “making us feel like the luckiest band on earth.” 

The event drew to a close, as the moon rose over the beautiful Exe Estuary and colourful confetti showered the swaying crowd with their phone lights held high. As we all tried to eke out the last few moments of a perfect day, Chris Martin’s sentiments resonated with each and every one of us.

Yes Devon really is the best place on Earth, especially on a weekend like this.

Emma McLeod