Global star James Bay is set to headline a special one-off nationwide Summer Prom on 12th August. This exclusive event will unite thousands of young people across the UK ahead of A-Level and GCSE results, after an unprecedented and challenging school year.
The virtual prom has been created to raise awareness of mental health support available via One Space – a new partnership between Shout 85258, The Mix and Young Minds – for young people struggling with the legacy impact of Lockdown.
#SummerProm2020 has been brought together by acclaimed Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) broadcasting platform United We Stream GM, One Space and music & mental wellbeing festival, Headstock – in partnership with Manchester’s Hits Radio.
Taking into account the recent Greater Manchester restrictions of no mixing of households, this unique, free to access event can be enjoyed by young people in their own homes, and will be live streamed on www.unitedwestream.co.uk across multiple social media channels from 8pm on Wednesday, August 12th, with music performances and artist interviews being broadcast simultaneously across the Hits Radio network.
Hosted by Hits Radio presenter, Jordan Lee, the Summer Prom will feature music from multi award-winning singer-songwriter James Bay, Australian musician Sam Fischer, pop sensation Becky Hill and DJ & producer, Joel Corry – currently #1 in the UK singles chart. The event, which will be broadcast from the Met live music and theatre venue in Bury, will also feature comedy from Bec Hill, Aurie Styla and Lauren Pattison, plus a number of surprise guest appearances.
Hits Radio Presenter Jordan Lee said: “Music and comedy is the ultimate escapism from any of the pre-exam results anxieties and I’m really excited to be working with our partners on creating this unique one-off event. I’m delighted we’ve had such amazing support from our friends in the music industry and can’t wait to hear and watch James Bay, Sam Fischer Becky Hill and Joel Corry – It’s going to be HUGE!”
The Summer Prom has been created by United We Stream GM, Headstock and One Space to support young people, aged 15-18, who are seeking support for their mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath.
Earlier in the day (11:30am), GP and broadcaster, Dr Radha, will host a special mental health-themed Instagram Live ‘surgery’ on the @onespacetoInstagram page to support young people who may be struggling, and will answering questions and offering tips and advice to anyone experiencing worry or anxiety.
Waiting for exam results is always a stressful time for young people but this year many have also been dealing with anxiety and crisis in isolation, as school and workplace closures meant a lack of structure and disrupted access to friendship and professional networks.
Greater Manchester Night Time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord said:” Getting exam results and entering University is already a stressful time, but the pandemic has added to the uncertainty and worry that young people across the UK are facing this year as they make big decisions about career choices, university places, moving out of the family home or getting a job.
“The most important thing about results day is not to panic. I struggled at school and left with two Us and an E at A-Level, but I’ve worked hard to build a career I love. If you feel you haven’t done well in your exams, there are many alternative routes you can go down, so please remember it’s not the end of the world.”
He continued: “United We Stream brought people together throughout the lockdown, and I received countless messages from the public who said that it helped ease anxiety and bring a sense of community to the region. Because of this and acknowledging this stressful time, we wanted to do something for students who are about to get their A level results to give them something fun to look forward to and to take their minds off their looming results – a great party to enjoy safely with their own household.”
“This Class of 2020 Summer Prom event has been tailor made for them and I’m grateful to the artists who have given up their time to be involved. It’s going to be an absolutely fantastic show.”
