From Cannes to Bangor: Cheryl Cole jets back to the UK to play to a royal audience at Radio 1's Big Weekend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPavTGjADxkendofvid
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By Sarah Bull

Jetsetter: Cheryl Cole performs at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Bangor, Wales, after flying back from Cannes, France


It's been a busy week for Cheryl Cole.

After enjoying film premieres at the Cannes Film Festival in France, Cole jetted back to the UK to play at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Bangor, Wales.

And going from showbiz royalty in Cannes to actual royalty in England, Cole had the opportunity to perform in front of Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton, who made the most of the sunshine at the event.


Military: The singer wore a green parka jacket, metallic hotpants and boots for her set


Dressed in her usual military-style outfit of a parka jacket and hotpants, Cole belted out her most famous hits during her 25-minute set, as well as turning her hand to a cover of Owl City's Fireflies.

But it was Fight For This Love and Parachutes and 3 Words which were best received by the 20,000-strong crowd.

Before singing 3 Words, Cole - who duets with close friend and Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am on the track - told her fans: 'Everybody that's in love in here today I want you to turn to your partner and sing this one.'

Cole wasn't the only act to cause a stir at the annual event.

Alicia Keys donned an unusual plunging harem-style outfit for her set on stage, during which she performed some of her most famous including Empire State of Mind


Shiny happy people: Alicia Keys wore an unusual black jumpsuit for the event


Keys's track, which pays tribute to the singer's hometown of New York, was recently reworked by the Radio 1 team to instead honour the landmark icons of North Wales ahead of the Big Weekend.

A spokesperson for the Chris Moyles show said earlier this week: 'We do a lot of parodies on the programme.

'And it's only fitting for us to do a special one ahead of our visit to north Wales this week.

'Since it's been played a lot of people have assumed that it's Alicia Keys singing, but it's actually a session singer.'

Redheaded Florence Welch of Florence & The Machine proved a hit with fans as she performed a 55-minute set accompanied by a 30-strong choir.


Headliner: Florence Welch of Florence & The Machine received rapturous applause from the 20,000-strong crowd


Talent mixture: Justin Bieber (left) received a mixute of cheers and boos from the crowd, while Roy Stride of Scouting For Girls proved a hit


Welch, who was headlining her first festival, treated fans to renditions of her hits including Dog Days Are Over and Drumming Song.

The singer recently gave an interview saying how much she enjoyed performing at festivals, explaining: 'I love festivals - the atmosphere of it and the crowd is always amazing.

'Being able to see other bands play and just hang out with everyone backstage, there’s a real sense of camaraderie.'

But while the crowd couldn't get enough of Florence & The Machine, their reactions were mixed to some of the other acts.

It seems Bieber Fever has definitely not made it's way to the UK yet, as young star Justin Bieber received a mixture of cheers and boos from the indecisive fans.


Unrecognisable: Jared Leto performs with his band 30 Seconds to Mars


Celebration: Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles looks thrilled as he takes to the stage


Meanwhile, former teen heartthrob Jared Leto shocked fans with his appearance - his bright pink mohican a far cry from the fresh-faced look he debuted on My So-Called Life.

However, Radio 1 live music and events editor Jason Carter previously said he was determined to ensure an eclectic mix of talent for the music event.

He said: 'We've pulled out all the stops for our tenth BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend with an outstanding lineup of the best UK and international talent, along with new and emerging artists.'

But despite the hoards of celebrities at the Welsh event, many fans were most excited about catching a glimpse of Prince William and Kate.


Short and sweet: Kelly Rowland and Ellie Goulding dress for the warm weather




















Hats off: Edith Bowman wears a panama hat while Frankie Sandford, with boyfriend Dougie Poynter, goes for a trilby


Rapper Tinie Tempah said he was nervous before meeting the royal heir to the throne, but was soon made to feel at ease.

He said: 'I was a little bit overwhelmed but it was good. We've never met before. He just said he was, "feeling everything and a big fan of the music."

'He was a nice guy. We were just talking and getting familiar. It was a real big deal for me.'

Other celebrity guests at the festival included Kelly Rowland, Radio 1 DJ Edith Bowman, Ellie Goulding, who also performed, and recently reunited couple Frankie Sandford of The Saturdays and McFly's Dougie Poynter.

The Big Weekend continues today with acts including Rihanna, Pixie Lott, Paolo Nutini and Ke$ha.

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