Creative young people aged 13 -19 will soon be able to unleash their imagination in a series of free workshops run by BBC Blast in Bury St Edmunds.
Blast is the BBC’s youth creativity service. From first-timers to emerging artists, Blast gives teenagers the chance to try out new skills, showcase their own work and find out more about working in the creative industries. Each year the BBC takes Blast out on tour, giving young people the opportunity to get some hands-on experience and training in a wide variety of free multi-media workshops. Last year, Blast engaged over 170,000 teenagers in face-to-face activities throughout the UK.
Blast will roll their trucks into West Suffolk College on Wednesday 23rd June and build an impressive mobile creative village, complete with digital workshop spaces and separate performance area.
Over the next three days, young people with a passion for music, dance, fashion, film and art, can take part in a variety of free workshops, meet industry professionals, learn new skills, share ideas, use the latest technology and get creative, whatever their ability.
Highlights include: Internationally renowned chip tune musician Pixelh8 will be performing, hosting a seminar and leading his Super Chip Tune Samba Band Workshop. Pixelh8 makes his music from rewiring and reprogramming old toys and vintage computer systems. Sample electronic music production and try turntable trickery with Drum & Bass DJ Kubiks and Radio 1Xtra’s G Child. Hear invaluable insider information about the Music Industry at the Q & A Session with representatives from BBC Introducing and Radio 1Xtra, plus musicians and band management.
Other exciting workshops on offer include: Street Sculpture and Graffiti Workshops with Kevin Parker. Live Band Experience: learn the basics of live sound engineering and help create a three camera video mix of the band. Guerrilla Physicality Theatre - a fast paced, dynamic acting workshop with award winning company, Tangled Feet. Use state of the art equipment to make a film; mix video film clips in a VJ workshop; create your own 3D Game; compose a film score; or try radio journalism and programme making. Plus art, design and animation, fashion, photography, music, comedy and dance.
A selection of films, music, dance and radio pieces created at Blast will be shown to the public at the Blast Talent Showcase on Friday 25th June at 4.30pm where you can get to see the future stars of the area showing off their new skills!
Sian Lord, Editor for BBC Blast said “The idea of being creative can be pretty daunting, if you don’t consider yourself to be particularly artistic. But in fact there’s some creativity in all of us and sometimes all you need is a bit of inspiration. BBC Blast is all about inspiring young people to explore their own creativity, through technology and interactivity.”
Workshops take place throughout the day, with plenty of after-school activities available. Those interested in taking part should go to the Blast website to sign up: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/events or email blast-burystedmunds@bbc.co.uk.
