BBC bosses have unveiled a star-studded programme of festival fringe events in Perth, before a live music extravaganza at Scone Palace.
Noel Gallagher, Emeli Sande, Brit rockers Squeeze and violinist Nigel Kennedy are among the star performers at BBC Music’s Biggest Weekend in May.
Bosses have unveiled details of a 10-day package of events to complement the two-day show and the programme will create hundreds of job opportunities for young people.
The broadcaster has announced Jools Holland’s gig at Perth Concert Hall, featuring special guest Marc Almond, will be recorded for Radio Two’s hugely popular Friday Night is Music Night show.
Morning show host Ken Bruce will also be in the city, along with Radio Scotland’s new and alternative music DJ Vic Galloway.
He will broadcast live from Perth, as well as taking listeners backstage during the Scone Palace weekender.
Meanwhile, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will be visiting primary schools across the region to work with pupils on a creative music and digital project.
Alongside a composer and orchestra players, young people will be encourage to write, perform and film their own brand new musical story.
The Biggest Weekend Fringe will run from May 18 to 28. The main festival will be held over the May 25/26 Bank Holiday weekend. Other BBC festivals will be held at Belfast, Coventry and Swansea on the same date.
Bob Shennan, director of BBC Radio and Music said: “Working closely with a wide range of local partners, the Biggest Weekend Fringe events will offer people from across the UK the opportunity to attend some inspirational and innovative sessions, whether it’s to see how they could have a career in the music industry or just to have a bit of fun.”
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Scottish rock icons Simple Minds were among the first headliners announced for the Perth event.
Tickets for the Saturday event – with a focus on pop and rock – have already sold out.
Nigel Kennedy, percussionist Evelyn Glennie and soprano Danielle de Niese will perform at Scone on the Friday.
Meanwhile, a jobs fair, offering opportunities for about 200 16-24-year-olds will be held at Perth and Kinross Council’s High Street HQ on Saturday, April 14 from 11am-4pm.
Each secondary school has been asked to send eight pupils to the event.
