Ed Sheeran's Surprise Set Rocks BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool

Ed Sheeran dazzled fans with a surprise 11-track performance at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool's Sefton Park.

A Surprise Performance at Liverpool’s Big Weekend

Ed Sheeran, the iconic singer behind hits like “Shape Of You,” dropped an unexpected surprise set at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend this past weekend. The event took place at the New Music Stage in Liverpool’s scenic Sefton Park, drawing an excited crowd eager for the mystery guest rumored to appear.

The festival’s second day, Saturday, May 24th, saw the tent stage packed to the brim. So much so, that organizers had to halt entry shortly before Sheeran’s set began at 1 PM, confirming his special appearance announced earlier by Radio 1.

A Setlist Loaded with Hits and New Tunes

Sheeran performed a memorable 11-song set mixing his classic anthems with fresh material from his upcoming album Play, slated for release this September.

Highlights included fan favorites like:

• Castle On The Hill
• Shivers
• The A Team
• Don’t
• Photograph
• Perfect
• Bloodstream
• Shape Of You
• Bad Habits

Alongside these, Sheeran treated the crowd to new singles such as Azizam and Old Phone, hinting at the vibrant vibe of his forthcoming album.

Catch a glimpse of the surprise performance here:

Festival Buzz and Fan Reactions

The excitement leading up to Sheeran’s set was palpable. Fans shared their thrill across social media, with one tweet capturing the moment perfectly:

“Just left my house and I’m now watching Ed Sheeran. Nowhere in the world bigger this weekend than Liverpool.”
— Joshua Wilkins

Another fan couldn’t help but sprint to the stage:

“Legged it to the New Music Stage as Ed Sheeran is here!!”
— R’M 🧸

Fans captured the electric atmosphere with numerous video clips and photos, showcasing a crowd fully immersed in Sheeran's intimate and healing music.

Images Capturing the Moment

Here are some fan-shared highlights from the event:

A joyful moment from Sheeran's Big Weekend set.

Crowd enjoying the surprise performance.

Sheeran entertaining the crowd with new music.

Fans cheering on the legendary performance.

Up-close fan footage of Sheeran’s set.

A magical festival moment.

The Bigger Picture: BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend kicked off on Friday, May 23rd, featuring a robust lineup including Tom Grennan, Biffy Clyro, Confidence Man, Nia Archives, and The Wombats. Sam Fender headlined Saturday, and Mumford & Sons, along with HAIM, Wet Leg, and Self Esteem, wrapped up the festival on Sunday.

Sheeran’s surprise appearance added an electric buzz to the weekend, blending perfectly with the festival’s mission to bring people together through music.

Sheeran’s Recent Surprise Shows and Tour Plans

This impromptu Liverpool set is just one of multiple surprise performances Sheeran has executed recently. He wowed crowds with a pop-up show in Sheffield’s city center last week and another at London’s King’s Cross station last month.

In addition, Ed has been touring with a pop-up English pub concept named The Old Phone, named after his new track. This unique idea has traveled from Ipswich, Massachusetts, to Coachella, creating cozy spaces for intimate performances.

Ed’s pop-up English pub ‘The Old Phone’ brings music to life.

About the Album ‘Play’

Sheeran’s upcoming album Play drops on September 12, 2025, and is inspired by a “direct response” to the darkest period of his life. According to Sheeran, it captures a vibrant, joyful essence combining worldwide cultural influences.

“Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring. I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life.”
— Ed Sheeran

Fans can pre-order Play to get ready for this next chapter in Sheeran’s evolving sound.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Ed Sheeran is gearing up for a busy 2025 tour schedule, including:

• Extensive European dates from May through September
• Three special homecoming shows at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road
• Final performances across Bhutan, India, Qatar, and Bahrain

Tickets are highly sought after and available through major platforms.

Have you been lucky enough to catch Ed Sheeran’s surprise shows recently? Which track are you most excited to hear live from the new album?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What songs did Ed Sheeran perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend?
  He performed 11 tracks including Castle On The Hill, Shivers, The A Team, Old Phone, Azizam, and Shape Of You.
• Where and when did this surprise set take place?
  The performance happened on May 24, 2025, at the New Music Stage in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.
• Is Ed Sheeran releasing a new album?
  Yes, his new album Play is scheduled for release on September 12, 2025.
• What’s unique about Ed Sheeran’s recent pop-up shows?
  He’s been doing surprise performances and bringing a pop-up English pub called The Old Phone on tour for intimate shows.
• Where can I buy tickets for Ed Sheeran’s 2025 tours?
  Tickets are available online through major ticket sites for his European dates and special homecoming shows.

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