Radio 1′s Hackney Weekend in East London saw singers including Rihanna, Dizzee Rascal, Jessie J and Lana Del Rey winning the audience’s hearts with their rollicking performances.

Rihanna, who performed in front of a giant sphinx, remarked, “Hackney, you’re crazier than they told me!” 50,000 fans were stunned to watch her performing on Only Girl In The World, and last year’s global number one hit, We Found Love. She even asked for audience’s help to reattach the battery pack of her microphone running into them.

Dizzee Rascal remembered his London days as a “pirate radio MC” before he owned a record contract with his self-produced single I Luv You. He also paid homage to “east London crew”, as the singer grew up in Bow, near the Hackney Marshes venue.

Crowd went mad as Jessie J was joined by US rapper B.o.B on stage for their hit single price tag. “This is only the second time we’ve performed it together,” Jessie told the crowd.

“I really enjoyed myself,” blurted Jessie J. She said, “I’m kind of pacing myself a little bit more this year and just making sure that I’m focused on the vocals.” “I just really want people to enjoy the singing element of it all. The crowd were incredible,” she added.

Noir pop artist Lana Del Rey remarked, “The crowd were really receptive, really good, so that made it easy.” She performed an acoustic set backed by a chamber orchestra at the In New Music We Trust tent.

Other acts that dragged large audience included US hip-hop artist Azealia Banks, dance duo Chase and Status, and singer-songwriter Ben Howard.

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