Radio 1 and 1Xtra have been simulcasting a show live from Hackney this morning as the stations announced a massive free music event for next June in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics.
100,000 tickets will be given away for Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, which replaces the station’s Big Weekend for next year, and will feature performances from local artists including Leona Lewis and Plan B.
Like the Big Weekend, coverage will air on Radio 1 and 1Xtra as well as online, via the Red Button on digital TV and on BBC Three television.
In addition to joining more than 80 artists, bands and DJs in the line-up at Hackney Marshes, Leona and Plan B are joining Trevor Nelson and Triple Jump Champion Phillips Idowu as ambassadors to champion the event.
Radio 1 and 1Xtra Controller Andy Parfitt announced details of the Hackney Weekend during a live OB from the Olympic Park presented by Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson this morning. He also revealed that the stations will embark on an ambitious programme of local engagement and outreach activity – linking with schools, colleges and organisations in Hackney and its surrounding boroughs in East London.
Andy Parfitt says: “This is the most ambitious event in the station’s 44 year history. We aim to enhance the overall London 2012 summer with a celebratory event aimed specifically at the thousands of young people who live in the boroughs directly surrounding the Olympic Park – we have the support of the music industry and, in particular, Hackney leaders, so it promises to be a very special weekend.”
Trevor Nelson added: “It’s the most fantastic event that I’ve ever been asked to be involved in. I just know as a Hackney son that it will go down as the greatest musical event in recent memory.”
50,000 pairs of tickets for the event on 23 and 24 June 2012 will be given away for the Hackney Weekend through a ballot. This year’s Big Weekend in Carlisle attracted 793,000 applications for the free passes and Radio 1 bosses say they expect demand for next year’s event to be even higher.
Posted on Monday, May 23rd, 2011 at 11:05 am by RadioToday UK