Artists shine at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Ellie Goulding played hits like Starry-Eyed and Elton John's Your Song
  • Author, Greg Cochrane
  • Role, Newsbeat music reporter in Carlisle

Thousands of fans have seen performances from Plan B, Ellie Goulding and Jessie J on the first day of this year's Radio 1 Big Weekend.

Arctic Monkeys opened the event in Carlisle with an unbilled special guest appearance on the main stage.

Despite the wet weather in Cumbria, fans have also enjoyed sets from Wretch 32 and Everything Everything.

The first day will also see performances from the likes of Black Eyed Peas and headliners Foo Fighters.

Plan B, attracting a huge crowd in the main stage big top tent, played tracks from his highly-successful second album The Defamation Of Strickland Banks.

Speaking to Newsbeat as she came off stage earlier in the day, British singer Jessie J said the experience of her first Radio 1 Big Weekend had been "amazing".

"I was so nervous," she said. "I haven't played with my band for a while because I've been away in the US. I didn't know if people were going to like the new long hair.

"I was so scared it was my first festival and I didn't know what the sound was going to be like and the reception.

"I stepped on stage and it was probably one of the best gigs I've done for a while."

Listen to all the performances from Carlisle at Radio 1's Big Weekend

'More chilled'

Ellie Goulding also performed on the main stage playing a set which featured tracks like her cover of Elton John's Your Song and Starry-Eyed.

Last year the Hereford-born singer was watched by Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Bangor which led to her performing at the official reception at the royal wedding.

"It's the first festival we've done this year in this country so it's pretty cool," said Goulding speaking to Newsbeat as she came off stage.

"Compared to last year it was way more chilled out so we're happy about that."

You can watch 大象传媒 Radio 1's Big Weekend on 大象传媒 Three at 7pm tonight and on the red button from 4pm, tune into 大象传媒 Radio 1, visit the Big Weekend website or follow the latest on Twitter @大象传媒R1musicnews and @大象传媒R1.

See backstage pictures from Newsbeat's entertainment reporters Natalie Jamieson and Steve Holden on Twitter - @Radio1Natalie and @SteveH1982