The Young BAFTA Roadshow with Place2Be arrives in Manchester

11 June 2024

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and Place2Be travelled to Manchester last week taking the BAFTA Roadshow to St Mary’s CofE Junior and Infant School.

A group St Mary’s CofE Junior and Infant School smiling, standing alongside BAFTA Roadshow presenters De-Graft Mensah (left) and Kia Pegg (right).

Children at St Mary’s CofE Junior and Infant School were surprised with a Young BAFTA Roadshow visit on Friday. The visit was hosted by presenter De-Graft Mensah (BBC Newsround) and actress Kia Pegg (Doctors, The Dumping Ground).

The Young BAFTA Roadshow exists to champion children’s creativity and teach important life skills through film, games, and television.

"It was a brilliant day introducing pupils at St Mary’s CofE Junior and Infant School to all the exciting career possibilities across the arts and creative sectors. The children were brimming with enthusiasm, and particularly loved taking part in the presenting workshop. I can’t wait to see what this talented bunch will do with their new skills in the future!" Kia Pegg, actress in CBBC’s The Dumping Ground and BBC’s Doctors

Each roadshow includes a variety of interactive elements, including competitions, round table discussions and classroom meet and greets. There was also a games design workshop and a presenting masterclass, enabling the children to build their confidence.

The activities on offer grant children access to creative talent and positive role models. They also raise awareness and encourage the diversity of young people interested in a career in arts and media.

"We had an energy-filled day with pupils from St Mary’s CofE Junior and Infant School, who fully embraced learning about possible career paths in the screen industries. It’s so important we continue to equip younger generations with creative skills, and I’m really inspired by the talent I witnessed from this fantastic bunch of children. Thanks so much for having me!" De-Graft Mensah, BBC Newsround presenter

BAFTA has been partnering with Place2Be since 2016. This year the Young BAFTA Roadshow will visit a number of Place2Be partner schools across Scotland, Wales and England.

All selected schools have a free school meals rate above the national average. Locations in England fall into the government’s education investment areas which were identified as part of the levelling up agenda.

“Inspiring the next generation of budding creatives, designers and content creators is central to BAFTA’s purpose, so we are thrilled to be partnering with Place2Be on our national roundshow, bringing talent to regions across the UK to showcase the power of our brilliant screen industries. Nurturing children’s creativity is crucial for mental wellbeing and also offers a huge variety of transferable skills and we believe it has a vital place in the school curriculum. This wonderful initiative champions a more inclusive screen industry by providing aspiration from an early age and highlighting the variety of career opportunities available.” Lisa Prime, Head of Children & Young People’s Programmes at BAFTA

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