Two top Wearside bands are set to get thrown under the national spotlight when Radio 1 lands in the region to broadcast a series of shows. MARISSA CARRUTHERS finds out more.

With a region brimming full of talent, it's little wonder Radio 1 and sister station 1Xtra have chosen the North East to present a series of shows from.

And from Thursday, March 4, to Saturday, March 6, a new series of shows, In New Music We Trust Live (INMWT), will hit the nation's airwaves live from a series of venues in Newcastle.

We've dreamed about this for years, say Futureheads.

Sunderland post-punkers Futureheads and hotly-tipped Wearside band Frankie and the Heartstrings are just two local acts who will find themselves being listened to by thousands when their performances are broadcast live.



On Thursday, March 4, In New Music We Trust Live will be dedicated to rock and indie, with Radio 1's Zane Lowe and Nick Grimshaw presenting their shows in front of a live audience at the O2 Academy.

Zane will broadcast an extended version of his nightly show, from 7pm to 10pm, with performances from the Futureheads and indie band The Courteeners.

From 10pm, Nick Grimshaw takes over for a two-hour show from the O2 Academy 2, with music from hotly-tipped bands Chapel Club and Frankie and the Heartstrings.

From 7pm on Friday, March 5, Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac opens the second night, this time dedicated to the best new dance music.

Annie will host her weekly show in front of an invited audience at a secret location.

Following in her footsteps will be top DJs Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Kutski, who will take to the decks at 9pm to kick off for a marathon six-hour broadcast from Digital Newcastle, including live performances from Delphic, Crookers and Japanese Popstars.

The second room will play host to Radio 1's In New Music We Trust DJs Toddla T, Alex Metric and Kissy Sellout.

On Saturday evening, Radio 1 teams up with Radio 1Xtra for the final part of INMWT Live to celebrate the very best in new black music.



Starting at 7pm, Trevor Nelson will present his weekly show in front of an invited audience at a secret location – with a very special acoustic performance.

The fun continues from 9pm to 1am with Tim Westwood and Mistajam hosting a free party from Newcastle University Students' Union, featuring Donaeo and his band Dynamix, Skepta, Giggs and many more.



Neil Wyatt, executive producer of live events BBC Radio 1, said: "We're really looking forward to bringing In New Music We Trust Live to Newcastle for three nights of amazing broadcasts.

"This event really underlines BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1xtra's commitment to continually support new and live music throughout the year."

INMWT is a strand of BBC Radio 1 & BBC Radio 1Xtra programmes highlighting the breadth and depth of the station's specialist music output and hosted by key musical experts respected in their field.