Thousands of people cheered on major music acts as they took to the stage at the first ever RiZE Festival in Essex.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dan Smith, lead singer from British indie pop ban Bastille, performs on stage on day two Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA WireDan Smith, lead singer from British indie pop ban Bastille, performs on stage on day two Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire

Chart-topping acts such as Rita Ora, Years and Years and Stereophonics performed at the inaugural event, which took place on Friday and Saturday at Hylands Park in Chelmsford.

Former Oasis singer Liam Gallagher headlined the festival on the Friday night, where he paid tribute to the late Aretha Franklin who died on Thursday of pancreatic cancer.

Gallagher said she had the “best voice in the universe” before dedicating his performance of Oasis hit Live Forever to the legendary singer.

Stereophonics took to the stage on Saturday, where they performed their last UK gig before heading across the pond.

East Anglian Daily Times: Craig David performs on stage at the brand new Rize Festival in Hylands Park Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA WireCraig David performs on stage at the brand new Rize Festival in Hylands Park Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire

RiZE Festival replaced the long-running V Festival, which had taken place in the same venue for a decade.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fans watch Liam Gallagher on stage Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA WireFans watch Liam Gallagher on stage Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire

East Anglian Daily Times: Chart-topping acts such as Rag'n'Bone Man performed at the festival Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA WireChart-topping acts such as Rag'n'Bone Man performed at the festival Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire

East Anglian Daily Times: Liam Gallagher headlined on day one of the brand new Rize Festival in Hylands Park Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA WireLiam Gallagher headlined on day one of the brand new Rize Festival in Hylands Park Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire