Students gain experience at major music show.

Over 150 students from Birmingham Ormiston Academy put their skills to the test as they took part in Free Radio Live 2014.

For the second year running, talented students from a range of vocational pathways available at the academy in Birmingham’s Eastside had a hands-on role in delivering one of the Midlands largest annual music events. With both on stage and behind the scenes roles available, students were given the chance to gain practical experience in their field, working closely with the Free Radio team to utilise their skills.

Talented performers relished the opportunity to join the iconic Free Radio mascot, HumFree, on the main stage, whilst others headlined the ForumLive stage to warm up the crowds ahead of the arena opening. Students also auditioned for roles entertaining the queuing crowds and performed high-energy routines in the special dance arena.

Behind the scenes, students completed two-week placements in October with the Free Radio team, working on marketing, event management, radio production and social media. Selected students from the Broadcast Pathway were also on hand to capture the event, with their completed film featured on the Free Radio website and social media channels.

Gaynor Cheshire, principal at BOA, said: “Free Radio Live attracts some of the biggest names in the music industry, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to not only showcase their own talents, but also gain experience behind the scenes. This is our second year working with the radio station, which we hope will continue for years to come.”

BOA was the official partner of Free Radio Live 2014, which took place at the former LG Arena on 29th November with performances from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Nicole Scherzinger and McBusted.