Radio 1 is touring the North East before the Big Weekend

BBC Radio 1 is running outreach sessions in schools, colleges, universities and community centres across the North East just ahead of the Big Weekend which takes place in Middlesbrough.

Named the Inspire ME tour, it will include a schools tour, a takeover of Middlesbrough College, and a skills showcase at Teesside University. Young people living in the area will be able to get an introduction to working in the creative and sporting industries.

Big names from both industries will join Radio 1 on the tour, including Brit Award winner Sam Fender, along with Radio 1’s Cel Spellman, Katie Thistleton and Jordan North.

Actress Jessica Daley, Sunday Girl magazine founder Abby Dennison, musician Dylan Cartlidge, and boxer Joe Maphosa, who are all from the Middlesbrough area, will also take part.

The tour will last for three weeks, beginning on Tuesday 7 May, running up to Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Katie Thistleton says: “I’m really looking forward to visiting some schools and meeting some of the young people in Middlesbrough to chat to them about their careers and futures, it’s one of my favourite subjects to talk about! We’re bound to have a fun few weeks ahead of Big Weekend.”

Aled Haydn-Jones, Head of Programmes at Radio 1, says: “We’re really excited to be able to meet so many fantastic young people from Middlesbrough and beyond during the lead up to Radio 1’s Big Weekend. Only Radio 1 could bring so many talented people together and we hope to use their expertise to inspire anyone thinking about a career in the creative or sporting industries to take their first steps. We can’t wait to get started!”

Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough runs from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 May, with a line-up of artists including Miley Cyrus, Stormzy, Mumford & Sons, The 1975, Little Mix, Mark Ronson and MK.

We'll be joined on the Inspire ME tour by some incredible artists, actors, influencers, entrepreneurs, athletes and Radio 1 DJs ?? Stay tuned for details…

See you soon Middlesbrough! #BigWeekend 2/2 pic.twitter.com/WKc2znlZXT

— Radio 1 Press Office (@BBCRadio1PR) April 23, 2019