Leona Lewis today kickstarted Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend by being the first artist to appear on the Main Stage. 

The X-Factor winner, who performed a six-song set including a cover version of Diddy Dirty Money’s ‘Coming Home’ with Wretch 32 at the Hackney Marshes event, told the BBC that she was delighted to be playing so close to home:

"It was really fun. I was quite nervous at the beginning but just kind of got into my stride. It was so cool just to do it on my home turf."

The 27-year-old, who performed in front of a heart-shaped gazebo with roses around her microphone stand, also invited the Hackney Community Choir to join in with her rendition of ‘Run’ and premiered a new track entitled ‘Come Alive.’

Rizzle Kicks, Example and Ed Sheeran have since appeared on the Main Stage, whilst the likes of Deadmau5, Dappy and Emeli Sande have performed in the various other tents, which include the Dance Arena and the In New Music We Trust Stage.