BBC Radio 1 launches Big Weekend Connects for the Big Weekend

Ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2022 taking place in Coventry this month, BBC Radio 1 will be launching an outreach programme for young people in the city and across the UK.

Big Weekend Connects will give young people the opportunity to learn more about working in the creative industries by providing them with the skills and the know-how to take those all-important first steps into their dream career.

From Monday 16 May – Wednesday 18 May, Radio 1 will run online panels in Coventry, made up of inspirational, creative, young professionals from the West Midlands.

Hosted by Radio 1 presenter, Danni Diston, young people will have the opportunity to hear from TikTok stars, content creators, graphic designers, journalists, podcasters and many more trailblazers within the music, fashion, TV and entertainment industries.

Audiences will be invited to listen to the panellists share their insights, knowledge and invaluable advice for those looking to take their first steps into the job market.

Danni Diston says: “I’m looking forward to hosting Radio 1’s Big Weekend Connects online panels and inviting inspirational guests to share their experiences of the creative industries. I hope every young person who watches a session feels inspired and equipped to pursue their dream career”.

Big Weekend Connects will also include a Radio 1 Masterclass in Coventry on Friday 20 May. Hosted by Radio 1’s Drivetime presenter, Jordan North, this one day masterclass will give young people a chance to learn about working at Radio 1 as well as the wider radio industry.

Jordan and the Radio 1 team will be on hand to answer any questions about radio and share advice.

There will also be several Q&A’s with radio professionals, interactive workshops, immersive masterclasses and CV advice. There will also be the exclusive opportunity for every young person attending to apply for work experience at Radio 1.

Jordan North says: “Radio 1 is my dream job and I wouldn’t have made it here without speaking to other creatives and networking. Here at Radio 1, we want to inspire the next generation of radio presenters, producers and content creators. Radio 1’s Masterclass gives us a great opportunity to show young people all the different career paths available and fill them in on some top radio secrets, leaving them feeling inspired and ready to follow their desires of joining the industry.”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “This year’s Big Weekend Connects is coming to Coventry and it will be a fantastic few days of Radio 1 and our inspiring young professionals speaking directly to young people in Coventry and across the UK. We know the last two years have been tough for young people so we want our outreach programme to equip them with everything they need to pursue their dream career and highlight the breadth of the creative industry.”