Radio 1's Big Weekend could inspire Luton's next generation

BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James revealed the news live on his breakfast show from Luton Town's Kenilworth Road

Radio 1's Big Weekend could inspire a new generation of musicians from Luton.

That is the hope of Connor Willis, events manager at The Castle, a music venue in Luton who said it was a "big opportunity for the town".

He admitted planning gigs in the town had occasionally "been a battle" but hoped the festival in May will "inspire the next generation of bands in Luton".

"We're starting to see new bands approaching us now, hopefully Big Weekend pushes that further," he said.

Connor Willis spoke to Radio 1 DJ Greg James during songs as he broadcast from Kenilworth Road

Other artists from the town have also spoken about the uplifting effect the three-day music festival could have.

Radio 1 presenter Greg James announced the event live on his show broadcast from Luton Town Football Club's Kenilworth Road on Monday.

Mr Willis was so excited by the news he rushed straight to the stadium to visit the pop-up studio.

The DJ took a photo with Mr Willis between songs and then spoke about The Castle live on air.

"Everyone that came into the venue yesterday was talking about it," he enthused.

Ryussi said Luton's music scene faded during the pandemic but has recently started to come back to life

Music producer Ryussi, 26, grew up in the town and has been played on BBC Radio 1 and supported by BBC Introducing.

She hopes that the festival visiting Luton will "flip the narrative".

Ryussi said: "Luton gets a bad reputation, as we are all very well aware, so a highly-acclaimed festival such as Big Weekend being thrown here will shine a positive light on the town and it's potential.

The DJ hopes that visitors to the town see "how diverse and inclusive it is here".

"There are good eggs in this town, who just want to enjoy themselves without the horrible stigmas attached," she said.

Lavz hopes Radio 1's Big Weekend boosts the "musical momentum" in Luton

Rapper Lavz, also from Luton, said Big Weekend "puts us on the map as a place than can host an event such as this".

She said the music scene in the town was "fairly underground" and the festival would be an opportunity to see big acts "right on our doorstep".

Lavz said: "Music events of this scale don't usually happen in smaller towns and I think it's incredible that my hometown are hosting it.

"Hopefully this will boost the musical momentum in the town for both artists and people who love music,"

BBC Introducing presenter Kerrie Cosh is hoping the festival inspires more talented musicians in Luton

Presenter Kerrie Cosh presents BBC Introducing on BBC Three Counties Radio and BBC Radio Northampton which supports the work of new and upcoming musicians.

Artists from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire send music to Ms Cosh in the hope it will be played live on her show.

She has noticed "a real influx of talent from LU postcodes in recent months across all genres".

The presenter said: "If a major festival like Big Weekend encourages even a handful of talented people to start sharing their music with us, then I'll be chuffed.

"Music lovers will get to see some of the biggest names and kick off festival season in their own town. It's wild, but also amazing."

Radio 1's Big Weekend begins on 24 May.