Radio 1 academy to open in Hackney ahead of Olympics

Radio 1 is to open a learning academy in east London just ahead of next year's Olympic Games.

It will offer workshops and sessions on subjects including business, careers, the arts, and media skills - including radio production and journalism.

Celebrities like Leona Lewis, Plan B, DJ Trevor Nelson and triple jumper Phillips Idowu are signed up as ambassadors.

The academy will be open for three weeks starting on 1 June 2012.

It will be followed by Radio 1's Hackney Weekend music event on 23-24 June when the likes of Tinie Tempah take to the stage.

Every young person in the area will be invited to get involved with the academy, which is being run jointly by Radio 1 and BBC Learning.

The project will collaborate with local organisations in Hackney to help inspire people and create new opportunities.

Jason Carter, Radio 1's event director for 2012, said he had high hopes: "Our activity in Hackney will be the most ambitious programme of events in the station's history.

"Our work across the community is as important as the main live music concert in the park."

The 100,000 capacity event, the biggest Radio 1 has ever put on, also features ambassadors Leona Lewis and Plan B.

More acts, and details of how to apply for the free tickets, will be announced next year.