The three-day festival includes performances by Fatboy Slim, Ellie Goulding, Niall Horan and Olivia Dean as well as sets by a host of local acts.
The Echo will be covering the event, which is expected to attract 100,000 people, throughout the weekend with stories, pictures and videos.
Keep checking our www.sunderlandecho.com website and Facebook page for further updates.
5. Hat'll do nicely
Members of Washington Over 40s football team were among the first excited music lovers to arrive at the BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend. Photo: Raoul Dixon / North News
7. Big Weekend
Around 100,000 spectators are expected to join these early arrivals across the three-day event. Photo: Raoul Dixon / North News
8. 'Give us an S......'
The sign leaves no doubt as to where the event is being held. Photo: Raoul Dixon / North News