Rihanna PIC: Yui Mok/PA Wire

A-Class stars including Rihanna, Jay-Z and Jack White are gearing up to play the BBC’s biggest ever free live music event, Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend.

Around 100,000 people are expected to flock to east London to see more than 100 acts today (Saturday) and Sunday.

In excess of 250,000 people applied for tickets for the event at Hackney Marshes, with most reserved for people from the neighbouring Olympic boroughs.

Hip hop star Jay-Z is topping the bill for tonight’s show, while Rihanna is the biggest headliner tomorrow.

Other big names appearing over the two-day festival include Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Tinie Tempah and Florence + The Machine.

Black Eyed Peas star Will.i.am is also on the bill, along with Leona Lewis and Plan B. There have been reports that Cheryl Cole may perform.

Organisers have been working closely with police to ensure safety at the show, part of the London 2012 Festival which kicked off this week.

Hackney Weekend - taking place over the weekend usually occupied by Glastonbury Festival, which is resting this year - is being broadcast by Radio 1 and will also be screened on BBC3.

Unlike many festivals which have given gig-goers a chance to watch crucial football matches, organisers will not be screening England’s Euro 2012 quarter-final match against Italy at the site tomorrow.