Heathrow disruption delays travel to Radio 1 Big Weekend

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Rita OraImage source, Getty Images

Musicians and DJs have been delayed travelling to Radio 1's Big Weekend in Londonderry, after an emergency plane landing closed runways at Heathrow.

Radio 1 controller Ben Cooper says that all acts are currently expected to perform as scheduled.

Rita Ora, who is due to perform on Friday evening at the event in Derry, spoke to Newsbeat at the London airport.

"It's sad when a festival doesn't go to plan. It's annoying," she said.

"All I know is the acts aren't giving up so that's a good sign."

Four hours after their flight was due to take off, artists including AlunaGeorge and Angel Haze are still at Terminal 1.

Rita Ora described the terminal at Heathrow as a "Radio 1 reunion" as artists and stars from the station continued look for an alternative route to Northern Ireland.

British Airways has cancelled all short haul flights leaving Heathrow until 4pm, after one of its planes made an emergency landing on Friday morning.

The airline said the Heathrow to Oslo service turned back after a technical fault before 9am. Witnesses reported seeing flames coming from the engine.

Other artists thought to be affected by the delays include J. Cole and Wiley, who are due on stage on Friday evening.

Rita Ora, who is headlining on the 1Xtra Arena/In New Music We Trust Stage, says she is hopeful that she can still make it to the event in time to perform her set.

"Fingers crossed," she said. "I think Radio 1 will figure it out. You can't stop a show."

Calvin Harris, Biffy Clyro and Bruno Mars are headlining Big Weekend.

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