Mel C and Tom Grennan's emotional tribute to Hillsborough victims
In a symbolic moment during his set, Tom Grennan was joined on stage by Mel C, Sporty Spice
BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend headliner Tom Grennan brought out a surprise guest to join him on stage this evening. The Little Bit of Love singer was joined by Spice Girls band member and and international DJ Mel C.
Announcing his special guest, Tom said: "Liverpool is her manor, so make sure you make the biggest noise when I say this name."
Mel C appeared on stage dressed in a full Liverpool FC kit, and the crowd erupted into a mix of 'champions' chants and boos.
Tom, who had gone backstage to change, appeared moments later in a full Everton FC kit and they joked about "restoring the balance" for the crowd. Mel wore a red shirt marked with a nine on the back, while Tom's Everton top was marked with a seven.
Together, they stood side by side to the number 97 - a tribute to the 97 Liverpool fans who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster.
Taking a pause from the music, Tom addressed the crowd with heartfelt words about "uniting the city".
The Scouse singer has been a vocal supporter of the campaign for justice, and even performed on the Justice Collective single 'He ain't heavy' in the aftermath of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report, which became Christmas number one in 2012.
Tom was also joined by YouTuber KSI and later Liverpool band The Zutons. When this year’s line-up was announced on social media, many comments questioned why Tom Grennan was headlining - especially over the more established, experienced Biffy Clyro.
But Radio 1’s Big Weekend has a record of giving newer, younger acts a first shot at closing the main stage.
Festival gates opened at 2pm today and hundreds of music lovers were ready to soak up the festival vibes and make the most of the good weather inside the festival arena.
Festivalgoers travelled from across the UK to attend the Liverpool event, with music fans from Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Brighton and Essex all making their way to Sefton Park to see their favourite artists.
The fun continues tomorrow and Sunday with ticketholders looking forward to performances from Sugababes, Blossoms, Sam Fender, Tate McRae, HAIM and Mumford and Sons.
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