Ed Sheeran shocked and delighted fans at the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Festival in Liverpool with a surprise performance on Saturday. Despite whispers of a "big name" showing up, no one expected the chart-topping star—who’s no stranger to the festival—to walk onstage unannounced.

Editor’s Note: Surprise gigs like this are a rare treat for fans, and Sheeran’s unplanned set—his fifth at this festival—shows how live music can still deliver unforgettable moments. It’s a win for both the crowd and the festival’s reputation for pulling off the unexpected.

Sam Fender brought the house down with a fiery performance to close out Saturday at Big Weekend, capping off a day that included an unexpected cameo from Ed Sheeran. The Seventeen Going Under singer delivered a show-stopping set, leaving the crowd buzzing.

Editor’s Note: Big Weekend is one of the UK’s biggest music festivals, and Sam Fender’s electrifying finale—along with Sheeran’s surprise set—shows just how much star power these events can pull. For fans, it’s a reminder of why live music still rules, even in a world of streaming and short attention spans.