BBC Blast (www.bbc.co.uk/blast), the learning project that inspires young people to get creative, is coming to Victoria Square, Birmingham on Thursday 7 September to Sunday 10 September 2006. The BBC Blast Truck offers local 13-19 year olds the opportunity to bring along their creative work or ideas, get feedback and take part in free workshops and one-to-one surgeries for art, dance, music, film, writing or digital creativity.

Now on the final leg of its 15-week tour, the Blast Truck’s last stop will ensure young people get hands on using music production software, develop their song writing techniques, mix, edit and burn until a final masterpiece is produced to take home. For young people with a passion for fashion and make up, master classes will show young people the important of wigs and make-up in film and theatre, whilst exploring their creative skills to create eco-friendly clothing with recycled fabrics.
 
BBC Blast is working with a host of industry and local talent to inspire and support young people in the Midlands. Joining the Blast team on Friday 8 September, SFX maestro John Purdie will be sharing his knowledge of the special effects industry and using footage from his experience working on the 1995 film, Batman Forever. If SFX isn’t for you, join the two-day film workshop. Young people will have the chance to create their own film documentary, learning about camera techniques, storyboards, filming, editing and getting that film in the can.
 
Joining BBC Blast from the BBC Asian Network, stars Bobby Friction and DJ Kayper will be showing off their skills at the start of the tour with a workshop on DJing, whilst fellow BBC Asian Network stars, the Foreign Beggars, will be passing on the tricks of the trade on Sunday to the future DJ generation. Local Birmingham rap artist Witness will also exploring the process of creating a great rap from the original idea through to a finished performance.
 
 
Street dancing and choreography workshops are also available, offering a range of urban dance styles including popping, locking, R’n’B and Hop Hip. Rounding off the day the BBC Blast showcase will combine an eclectic mix of indie, rock, funk and acoustic for young bands and artistes from the Midlands region, alongside DJing, Dancing, Film and Animation. The Blast showcase will feature material from the Blast workshops, plus more hot talent on the DJ and MC scene.
 
Wrapping up the Blast tour on Sunday 10 September, visitors to the truck can also take part in vocal master classes, where a singing coach will improve technique and performance, explore different styles of dance or unleash creative talents with an introduction to video production.
 
Fiona Dye, Project Manager, BBC Blast Birmingham, said, “The Blast Truck Tour provides an exciting opportunity for the young people of Birmingham to come down and experience an exciting array of creative workshops and surgeries. With so many fun events and workshops taking place with highly experienced industry professionals, we hope that BBC Blast will inspire young people to develop their own creative ideas and build on their skills and confidence.”
 
The Blast Truck is part of a larger three-year programme to target young people who are socially and economically disadvantaged, providing opportunities to develop creative skills as well as providing showcasing opportunities. BBC Blast works in partnerships with the Arts Council England, the Prince’s Trust, Connexions and Artworks.
 
Young People wanting to get involved in the BBC Blast Truck Tour should visit www.bbc.co.uk/blast or contact the local Blast co-ordinators at birminghamblast@bbc.co.uk. To take part in any of the Blast activities, under 16’s will need to get permission from their parents/guardians. A consent form is available for download on the Blast website.