THE DAY 1D ROCKED SCOTLAND! PICTURE SPECIAL

They are all beautiful, I wanted them to be singing g right to me

THEY have wowed the crowds in every corner of the globe, but when One Direction took to the stage in Scotland yesterday even the world’s biggest boy-band had to admit they were impressed.

Thousands of screaming fans went absolutely wild as the chart-toppers performing a string of their hits to open Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

The 20,000 strong crowd cheered and sang along as well as waving hands, flags and home-made posters.

Young supporters, many wearing One Direction T-shirts, jumpers and leggings, sat on parents’ shoulders to get a better view of their idols and waved up at the stage as the former X Factor contestants treated them to well-known tracks such as Kiss You and What Makes You Beautiful.

And at the end of their gig, heartthrobs Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Liam Payne showed their appreciation as they posted a message on Twitter saying: ‘Glasgow – you rocked that!’

The band took to the stage at 1pm yesterday as part of a weekend-long event featuring more than 50 acts. Members of the band were keen to let their audience know just how grateful they were to be taking part in Europe’s biggest free-ticketed music event.

And 21-year-old Malik, who is engaged to Little Mix’s Perrie Edwards, assured them: ‘This is pretty brilliant actually. We had to get up quite early this morning but you guys have made it worthwhile, so thanks for that.’

Meanwhile Styles, with his trademark long locks pushed back off his face in a headband, was greeted by screams when he addressed excited fans, telling them to ‘make some noise’.

And Irishman Horan, 20, further impressed the crowd when he adopted a convincing Scottish accent to ask: ‘Alright Glasgow, how’s it going?’

Fan Sarah Robertson, who has recently completed a politics degree at Glasgow University, was delighted to have seen the group perform, describing them all as ‘babes’.

The 22-year-old from Edinburgh said: ‘They were sensational. They’re all beautiful and their voices were great – I wanted them to sing right to me. They’re just unreal. I can’t choose a favourite, it’s a toss-up between Harry, Zayn and Niall – I love them all.’

Around 60,000 music fans were expected to attend the festival throughout the weekend at Glasgow Green, where groups and solo artists performed over three stages.

Dressed in wellies and waterproof jackets, many yesterday were well-prepared for the rain that threatened but the afternoon passed without the feared downpour, with the sun making an appearance later in the afternoon. Those lucky enough to have secured free tickets for the three-day event – which started with a string of DJ sets in George Square on Friday night – were thrilled at the chance to see such famous acts.

Helen Boswell, 27, from Glasgow, said: ‘It’s amazing to see so many great bands in your own city. ‘Everyone wants to be in Glasgow at the moment

and this is a great warm-up for the Commonwealth Games. I feel quite proud and there is an amazing atmosphere.’

Fashion management student Ailsa Willins, 21, from Edinburgh, said: ‘It’s pretty amazing how the tickets were free, considering the acts that are playing, it’s an amazing line-up.

‘One Direction were definitely a highlight, as well as Bastille and Calvin Harris. It’s great to have an event like this in Glasgow and I prefer something like this to a camping festival – I like being able to get a shower and my bed.’

The boy band were clearly a big draw and local lawyer Craig Brodie, 24, added: ‘My friends call me One Direction because I love the band so much. It’s a dream come true to see them here in my home city.’

Laura McLanachan, a 30-year-

old dental nurse from Mauchline, Ayrshire, said: ‘It has been such a great day with a really good crowd and an amazing atmosphere.

‘It’s brilliant to have events like this in Glasgow, it’s really good for the city.’ Laura Thomas, 24, from Glasgow agreed and said: ‘It’s great that everyone’s talking about Glasgow in such a positive way. The crowds in Glasgow are so friendly.’

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