Ed Sheeran's surprise gig at Radio 1 Big Weekend sees security step in and close area

Singer has wowed fans as he made a surprise performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend today, much to the delight of fans.

Thousands packed into the new music stage after it was announced he was performing just 45 minutes before his set. Security had to close the area after it reached capacity for the secret performance.

Opening with Castle on the Hill, he went on to perform old and new hit Shivers, A-Team, Don’t, Old Phone and Photograph.

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He told fans he chose to perform on the new music stage as it’s the only one he hadn’t sang on and wanted to celebrate up and coming musicians.

A source at Big Weekend said: "The BBC knew Ed would draw in a huge crowd on the BBC New Music stage. The crowd were filled with hysteria as the Red head took to the stage.

"But just minutes after he took to the stage, the crowd was put on lockdown due to unprecedented demand meaning nobody else could get in until after his set.”

Ed's performance didn't come without its glitches though as when he performed his new single Azizam, he was forced to re-start, telling the crowd: “this is how you know it’s live”. And in more live performance fashion, he confessed to his fans at the festival he had been told he's going over, but wanted to perform two more songs.

Ed went on to perform his hit Shape of You before closing the epic, surprise show with Bad Habits.

The 34 year old Perfect singer's performance at the Liverpool-based festival was announced a mere moments before he appeared on stage. BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend fans were seen dancing, jumping and singing along with their hands in the air while the music star belted out his hits.

Rumours had been swirling that a big name star was set to make an appearance at the festival and it was later announced that the special guest was Ed. BBC Radio 1 made the announcement on their .

In the video announcement, BBC Radio 1 star says the secret set is "the best surprise we could possibly have done". And it appears festival-goers were also in agreement as the area was so packed during Ed's set that it was locked down.

A photo from the festival shows the crowd stretching out way past the tent which Ed is performing in.

Ed's performance wowed festival-goers as one wrote on the comments of Radio 1's Instagram announcement: "Absolutely everything Liverpool needed" another added: "The goat is in town".

Ed's surprise set comes as the singer is currently on tour.