Global star Robbie Williams was among the voices sharing their advice and insight to aspiring actors, musicians and filmmakers, as part of an exclusive event.
Hosted by performing arts and media institution LMA, YOU Festival brought together more than 120 industry experts who led masterclasses, ran workshops and showcased their skills over the course of the three-day event.
The festival, which was held at the M&S Bank Arena from 20 to 22 January, was staged exclusively for LMA students and alumni, plus international students, in a bid to help build quality industry connections and pave the way for career success.
Kicking off the event was a special video message from LMA co-owner Robbie Williams, who told youngsters how to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.
Robbie, co-owner of LMA, said:
“Your dreams choose you, you don’t choose them and you are compelled to go and achieve.
“I’m sure you have things in your mind saying ‘why me?’ but if not you, then who? I suggest you take whatever dreams you have and multiply them by five – think bigger, always think bigger.
“Having dreams is vitally important – it’s the everything.”
As part of YOU Festival, Radio 1 DJ and I’m a Celebrity…star Dean McCullough hosted a special 80s-themed after-party on Wednesday to close the event, while comedy duo Dick and Dom led a party night on Tuesday.
A range of specialists from various industries were also on hand to share their skills and forge connections with students, both past and present.
Among those lending their expertise were major names from the worlds of dance, acting, musical theatre, filmmaking, music and gaming, giving attendees the chance to learn from those at the very top of their game.
From performers such as West End royalty Kerry Ellis, and global choreographers such as Duwane Taylor who has collaborated with Sony and Nike, to The Gentlemen actress Ruby Sear and Grammy Award-winning producer Jason Perry, students had their pick of the best of the best.
Now in its second year, YOU Festival – a free event to all LMA students – was created as part of LMA’s ongoing growth and integration into industry.
Based across two campuses at Metquarter, Liverpool and Here East, London, the performing arts and media institution is home to 2,500 students across media, music and performing arts, delivering qualifications from BTEC through to BA degrees.
Last year, LMA London expanded by more than 50,000 sqft to take over three film and TV studios, plus recording and acting studios. In addition to student classes, the studios are now hired out to the likes of EA Sports, Netflix, Prime Video and a range of artists preparing for tours and music festivals.
Richard Wallace, who founded LMA with brother Simon in 2009, said:
“Building industry connections and hearing from those who are living out what our students dream of is incredibly important for both skills development and self-belief. It is something that we’re extremely passionate about giving to our students.
“We launched YOU Festival to do just that and we were blown away by its success and the feedback, not only from students but also from the industry specialists themselves.
“The event enables those working on the ground to meet with, and coach, the young talent we have here, helping to create relationships that can lay the foundations for collaborations later.
“This year’s festival has been a huge success and it is a true testament to the quality of speakers, performers and exhibitors we have had here. We’re now looking forward to what the next year will bring and we have already started making plans for next year’s YOU Festival, so watch this space!”
For more information about YOU Festival, visit the website.
