Wireless Festival 2016 day one: Vic Mensa pays tribute US shooting victims as Calvin Harris brings surprise guests

Wireless Festival 2016 got off to a rousing start with some unforgettable performances and a host of surprise appearances. Thousands flocked to London's Finsbury Park on 8 July to watch the likes of Calvin Harris, The 1975, Miguel and Anne-Marie rock out on stage.

US R'n'B star Bryson Tiller arguably drew the biggest crowd of the night with the Pepsi Max Arena tent filled beyond capacity with fans rushing to watch the crooner in action. Tiller, 23, brought his blend of modern soul to the stage with songs from his critically acclaimed 2015 album Trapsoul.

From the moodily reflective Exchange to his infectious breakout hit Don't, Tiller delivered exactly what the audience wanted and the music spoke for itself. It is not hard to see why his string of London shows in March sold-out within minutes.

On the more vibrant end of the spectrum, headliner Calvin Harris closed the first day of Wireless with a thrilling display of fireworks and those club banger hits the DJ seamlessly churns out. Before the main man arrived on-stage, Harris was given a very unexpected introduction from Hollywood film star Will Smith.

The Independence Day actor happens to be quite the Calvin Harris fan and brought along his children, Jaden and Willow Smith, for the experience. Harris, 32, performed a fantastic closing set with songs including Blame, We Found Love, How Deep Is Your Love and This Is What You Came For, while rappers Big Sean and Dizzee Rascal made cameos.

Earlier in the day, US rapper Vic Mensa gave the audience food for thought with his hard-hitting lyrics about the racial tension in America. Given the current unrest following the shootings of black men in the country, Mensa's EP There's A Lot Going On, could not be more well-timed.

Particularly, the Black Lives Matter-inspired 16 Shots was particularly fitting as Mensa, 23, paid tribute to Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, two black men who were shot and killed in Baton Rouge and Minnesota respectively.

Festival-goers appeared to be in high spirits as they bustled around Finsbury Park and many complimented the security measures, which have been improved since gatecrashers caused chaos at the 2015 event. One guest told IBTimes UK of their experience entering the festival this year: "It was actually really easy to be honest. It was pretty smooth, we just got right in… They were very efficient, so it was really good."

Another festival-goer said: "There were a few police, people being held up, but I haven't had any issue getting here with my friend, so far it has been good so I have got nothing to complain about." One other said of the search procedure: "It was professional and felt comfortable."

Wireless Festival continues on 9 July 2016 at Finsbury Park with performances from Chase & Status, J Cole and Future.