Biffy Clyro, Emeli Sande to mentor future stars at Radio 1 Academy

Biffy Clyro and Emeli Sande are among the stars lined up to mentor youngsters at the BBC Radio 1 Academy as part of the upcoming Big Weekend event. 

The Scottish artists join Scot comedian Kevin Bridges, as well as Rita Ora, Nina Nesbitt and Example in delivering workshops, Q&A sessions and live gigs for just 7000 of their homecountry teenagers next month, at Glasgow University's Queen Margaret Union. 

 "Emeli Sande will be getting people to write songs and lyrics – it’s not just a meet and greet," said Radio 1 DJ Ally McCrae. "I used to be in a band as a drummer and it could be tempting."

She continued: "I first went to Radio 1’s Big Weekend celebrations in Dundee as a student and the Academy was brilliant.  I remember seeing Muse soundcheck and meeting Colin Murray, who remains one of my radio idols. “The workshops this year are amazing and you have people like Biffy Clyro who will be able to tell you how they got where they are.

She added: "There are sessions about how to get noticed in the music industry and I’ll be excited to see what Kevin Bridges has to say.  It’s fantastic to see someone so inspiring to young people. It’s nice to catch up with Nina Nesbitt too. She got her first radio play on my show and did her first session with us."

Rita Ora will perform live while Example will give advice on getting into the music industry.

"Some of the most passionate music fans I’ve met live north of the Border," said Example. "I look forward to meeting young people in Glasgow and answering all their questions."

Former Glasgow student Emeli Sande added: "I’m really excited to be part of the Radio 1 Academy and this is made even more special as it’s in Glasgow, a city that’s been a huge part of both my life and career. I’m sure it will be a great day working with young music fans on the art of songwriting."

For tickets and more information on the BBC Radio One Music Academy, visit here. 

Coldplay have been named as the first headliner at this Radio 1's Big Weekend 2014. The band, who have recently announced new album Ghost Stories and a one-off London date at the Royal Albert Hall, will headline the free event on 24 May.

Other artists confirmed to perform at the show include Paolo Nutini, The 1975, Pharrell Williams and Rita Ora - and there are still plenty more names to come.