The BBC's big names made the most of Radio 1's Big Weekend festival by partying into the early hours, according to a report.

Chris Moyles and Vernon Kay were among the stars in the bar at the Marriott Hotel in Preston who, according to the Daily Star Sunday, were on course for a drinks bill of £50,000.

A group of around 100 staff from the station were staying at the hotel during the free two-day festival at the weekend.

A source at the hotel said the fun began as soon as the group arrived on Friday afternoon. “The bar was packed full of Radio 1 staff from around lunchtime on Friday until well into Saturday morning," said the member of staff.

“We thought they would be getting their heads down with the music festival starting the following morning. But they were all in party mood as soon they arrived. Vernon Kay was on the radio in the morning.

“But he was knocking back the pints until around 2am. They spent a lot of money and they were making sure they got receipts – so it could all end up being put on their expenses."

However, pressure group The Taxpayers’ Alliance is concerned public money has been used to fund the celebrations. Matthew Elliott from the organisation said: “This is definitely a waste of taxpayers’ money if any of our cash is being used. Licence fee payers don’t expect their money to be used for boozing by DJs and their hangers-on.”