Whether you’ve lived in the UK for the proverbial donkey’s years, or arrived here more recently, you’ll be familiar with that national treasure known as the BBC, short for the British Broadcasting Corporation. Many of us enjoy or, let’s be honest, need a fix of our beloved Beeb on a daily basis, whether via television, radio, iPlayer or online.
But there are many other ways to get upfront and personal with ‘Auntie Beeb’. One of the very best is to join a behind the scenes tour at the amazing BBC Media City in Manchester, or at one of many outstanding regional studios including BBC Bristol Centre, Birmingham’s The Mailbox, Newcastle’s Pink Palace and Pacific Quay in Glasgow, riverside headquarters of BBC Scotland. You’ll have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of your favourite stars, visit backstage studios and have a go at making your own news or weather bulletins in interactive studios. Media City is also home to Children’s BBC and has created a fab CBBC tour especially for young people. Tours are free or reasonably priced but very popular, so be sure to book well in advance.
If you’ve always dreamed of seeing your favourite show filmed or broadcast live, why not sign up to the BBC’s online mailing list and apply for free tickets to dozens of popular TV and radio shows? Favourites include Strictly Come Dancing, the Now Show, the Dog Ate my Homework and Friday Night is Music Night, the world’s longest running live radio programme.
Those with chutzpah may prefer to take part as contestants. If so, you can apply to pitch your wits or test your quizzability IQ in quiz shows Eggheads, Impossible, Mastermind and Only Connect or competitions like Who Dares Wins. Consider having your house renovated by the DIY SOS: Big Build team or your garden made over by the flowery folks at Garden Rescue. Bring your heirlooms and car boot bargains to the Antiques Roadshow. Or nominate your Mammy for Mrs Brown’s Mammy of the Week award.
Further information: bbc.co.uk/showsandtours
Photo: Home of the Beeb - BBC Media City, Salford, Manchester, photo by Geoffrey Davies
Article by Judith Schrut - email Judith at californianinlondon.dudaone.com.