BBC Radio 1 DJs begin their Swansea takeover with a series of free creative events for 16-24 year-olds

BBC Radio 1 and BBC Learning have announced plans for BBC Radio 1’s Academy - a series of special events in the run up to Radio 1’s part of BBC Music Presents The Biggest Weekend - featuring a host of stars from the world of music and entertainment that will culminate 21-24 May with a residency at Swansea Grand Theatre.

Influential figures from across the creative industries will deliver exclusive hands on workshops, live music performances and industry insight, providing 16-24 year olds with the tools, contacts and information they need to take the next step in their creative careers.

Now in its seventh year, Radio 1’s Academy in Swansea will feature:

• Music: BBC Radio 1’s iconic Live Lounge and other live performances will transmit from the Academy, while a Horizons/Gorwelion gig will provide a platform for new bands and local artists. Stars will host Q&A’s and practical workshops that will see attendees learn song writing and performance techniques from the best in the business.
• Radio: Radio 1 DJs will deliver personal insights into their careers and attendees will be given the chance to quiz both DJs and Radio 1 insiders about what goes on behind the scenes at the station and what drives the DJs success. Plus the Radio 1 production teams will be giving the ultimate hands on guides to making great radio.
• Television, film and theatre: Academy attendees will be able to ask those at the very top of the TV, film and theatre industries about their careers. Actors, writers, directors, producers, camera operators and set designers will all share their insider secrets and top tips on how to get ahead.
• Creative business: The Academy will also see industry leaders and celebrities from the world of social media, business, advertising, art, design, photography and fashion come through the doors offering attendees further bespoke learning opportunities.

As well as scheduled sessions attendees can spend time in The Hangout, a drop in area full of hands-on-activity. From Speed Meets that offer one-on-one time with TV and radio insiders, through to daily live Radio 1 broadcasts, career and CV advice, DJ decks, live music, virtual reality, 360 filming and much more.

Radio 1’s Academy begins its residency in Swansea 20-29 March with Radio 1’s Academy: School’s Tour. BBC Learning and Radio 1 will offer every secondary school in Swansea a chance to get involved. Pupils in year 10 upwards can attend specially designed sessions presented by R1 DJs and featuring star guests from music and the internet in schools across the city.

Radio 1’s Academy will also be working with BBC Radio Cymru to offer sessions to Welsh language schools in Swansea.

Radio 1’s Academy Satellite Sessions - also in March, April and May Radio 1 DJs will offer inspiring workshops and host talks with star talent and live performances.

CS3

Highlights

Thursday 22 March

Charlie Sloth broadcasts his show The 8th With Charlie Sloth live from The Hyst, Swansea and presents a Q&A with the show team from a college in Swansea.

Friday 23 March

Nick Grimshaw and The Radio 1 Breakfast Show team host a Q&A about their careers and their show from a school in Swansea.

Friday 20 April

Matt Edmondson and show team workshop with FE students in Swansea.

Saturday 21 April

Matt Edmondson and a special guest broadcast a Radio 1 show live from a Swansea school while Katie Thistleton and Cel Spellman record R1’s Life Hacks as part of a special live event from Swansea with star guests from the worlds of TV and music.

Saturday 5 May

BBC Radio 1’s Academy ticket launch exclusively for people in Swansea with live Piano Sessions hosted by Huw Stephens at the Swansea Grand Theatre. Huw invites some of his favourite artists to perform a mixture of their own tracks and a cover in a stripped back set.

The launch will be followed by a BBC Music Introducing Gig featuring the best in upcoming bands and artists live in Swansea at The Garage.

New this year

Radio 1’s Academy Podcasts: How I Got Here

New this year is a series of podcasts presented by JPD (Jovian Wade, Percelle Ascott and Dee Carter), better known as YouTube’s Mandem On The Wall. The episodes will feature the trio sharing tales of inspiration, information and jokes with comedians, producers, entrepreneurs, Instagrammers, influencers, authors, musicians, writers, chefs, fashion designers and bloggers who, like them have carved out a career in the creative industries. The first release is scheduled for March 19 and will be available from bbc.co.uk/radio1

Tickets

More details will follow and tickets will be available via the Radio 1 website.

Quotes

Charlie Sloth, Radio 1 DJ says: “I’m a huge fan of Radio 1’s Academy. I feel every time we bring it to a city, the impact of having big names giving heartfelt advice ripples through the local community for years to come!”

Dan Gooding, Executive Producer, BBC Learning, says: “We are delighted to be heading to Swansea this year. Radio 1’s Academy will enable young people from all backgrounds in the area to hear directly from those at the top of their field, learn more about routes into the creative industries and get unique insights that will help them reach their potential.”