Coldplay, Beyonce and Bruno Mars performed a medley of their hits during a powerful half-time performance at Super Bowl 50.

The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers relinquished the playing field as it was turned into a Glastonbury-like set, complete with flowers and flags as the band performed their single Paradise accompanied by a youth marching band and colourful umbrellas.

British rockers Coldplay opened the show, with lead singer Chris Martin kneeling on the field at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California singing the first lines of Yellow before transitioning into Viva La Vida.

British DJ Mark Ronson was next to hit the stage with Bruno Mars for a rendition of Uptown Funk before Beyonce appeared on the field with a team of dancers to perform her new single Formation for the first time.

She released the song and video unannounced just a day earlier.

The singer narrowly avoided falling during her energetic dance routine. She visibly lost her balance but composed herself in time to continue with the performance without missing a beat.

After a dance battle between Beyonce and Mars, the pair were joined by Martin for a final chorus of Uptown Funk before Coldplay re-claimed the stage to perform Fix You.

The song accompanied a montage of clips of half-time shows from previous Super Bowls, including performances by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and U2.

The show concluded with fireworks and the message Believe in Love spelled out on a rainbow background over half of the stadium seating.

Lady Gaga kicked off proceedings before the match with a stunning performance of the American national anthem.

But the stand-out performance of the night came from the Broncos, as they upset the Panthers with an impressive defensive performance to win 24-10.