Music from a New York band, radio masterclasses, animation workshops and street dance lessons have been soaking up the attention of teenagers in Norwich. The hands-on sessions have been taking place in the BBC Blast multi-media village, which has unfolded outside The Forum.
 | | Creating designs out of recycled clothes |
The studio is on a nationwide tour of the UK and will be in the city until Sunday, 13 May. The road trip is part of the BBC's Blast project which aims to get 13 to 19-year-olds tapping into their creativity. The village, which arrived in two massive trucks and took two days to set up, boasts state-of-the-art facilities. It means youngsters can try the latest broadcasting equipment - which they would otherwise not have access to - and build new skills. Live music set One of the highlights of the first day of the Norwich tour has been a set by New Yorkers Jake Stigers and The Velvet Roots. The singer-songwriter - who is the brother of jazz star Curtis - played a session with his band and then took questions from the audience. The gig provided perfect material for a group of budding radio reporters. "We took audio of the session and the Q and A then we got to to see him being interviewed on Radio Norfolk," said Nadia, who was in the radio workshop. "It was so great to see Jake being interviewed by the professionals." Nadia took part in the session with her friend Emma, who really enjoyed the chance to listen to some live music. "It's nice to be lucky enough to see a really intimate gig," said Emma. "His music was so inspiring and when you actually get to see people singing their songs you can see how much they mean to them." Study break
 | | Emma and Nadia edit their radio report |
The pair, who are taking their A-levels, said it was good to get away from their studies while still being able to learn. "This one-day workshop has really fuelled my enthusiasm," said Nadia. "Because there's so much theory to do with my A-levels, it's nice to do something practical. "The editing has taken forever though - I never realised how long it took!" Repeat trip It's the second year that BBC Blast has stopped in Norwich - and there have been some return visitors. Jessica, from Norwich, booked to take part in the image and sound workshop using Flash software this year. "I did the dance and drama workshops last year and I've been checking the website ever since to see when Blast is coming back," she said. "I've been setting images to music and it's been really cool and interesting as I've never done anything like it before. "I didn't take IT as an option at school so it's given me a chance to have another go at it," she added. One of the leaders of the workshop, Susie Hanna, said the session had tested the talents of the blossoming designers. "I think it's stretched them," said Susie. "They've probably never seen something like this and they've all enjoyed it, I think." | 
