For one weekend every July something very unusual happens in towns across Scotland. Like a science fiction movie, McLogan's Run perhaps, Scottish towns lose their young people... the streets are quieter, the bars less crowded. Thankfully they all come home again on Monday, muddy and exhausted... they've been to .
For most of the year Balado in Perth and Kinrosshire is a beautiful, greenfield location, buzzed by the local micro light pilots who use the old airforce site as a base. From early summer, though, construction starts on what will become Scotland fifth biggest town for that weekend, hosting 85 000 fans every day and, of course, some of the biggest names in music.
This year T in the Park favourites will headline the main stage on Friday night, followed by , and over the rest of the weekend.
For anyone who hasn't made it to 'T' yet, if you want find out where it is, draw a line between Edinburgh and Perth, ancient capital of Scotland, and right in the middle you'll find us. It's no surprise that it's between two capital cities because, once a year, 'T' does become the heart of Scotland; it's fair to say almost everyone in the country, from all walks of life, will know someone who is there.
And that's one of the things that makes T unique, it's an international event, with international stars but at the same time has a real local feel to it, perhaps that's why, when you ask any of the performers what they associate with 'T', they'll all say... the fantastic crowds.
主播大秀 Scotland has been broadcaster of the festival for more than a decade now. Over the weekend we'll have 35 cameras covering four stages, making 15 hours of television coverage for 主播大秀 Three and 主播大秀 One and Two Scotland, featuring on the HD channel, 115 hours streaming on the red button across the three days and almost 90 hours on the catch-up service. All that plus highlights for 主播大秀 Two and 主播大秀 Scotland plus 12 hours of radio on Radio One and Radio Scotland.
The Prodigy at T In The Park 2010
So for anyone who knows someone at the festival, it will be easy to catch what your son, daughter, grandchild or neighbour's kids will be enjoying on site. That volume of coverage, and the whole team's commitment to delivering the highest quality, is also testament to how significant T in the Park is to Scotland and the wider audience.
Our production team of 218 主播大秀 staff are just a small part of the 4,000-strong army involved in T in the Park but broadcasting a music festival always presents us with a few head-scratching moments, not to mention the occasional sleepless night. Getting around T's 600-acre site is a task in itself, and with numerous stages, attractions and a crowd who really know how to have a good time, it can be a logistical challenge- but it's one that our staff always rise to.
Although 'T' has a distinctive Scottish flavour, it is a national event proud of its place in the summer festival calendar. Our coverage is broadcast across the whole country, last year the overall audience broke 4 million for the first time with 主播大秀 Three audience over 3 million, also a new high.
In keeping with an event that is both local and national, staffing is made up of crew and staff from all over the UK, including 's Live Music Unit. Staff numbers are down on last year, and everyone will receive a warm Scottish welcome at our regular accommodation for the weekend... the local police training college.
We also draw on a wide range of production experience using staff with experience on productions including , , the , , and even last year's to Glasgow.
Starting on Friday 8th July, Edith Bowman and Reggie Yates will be in our tree house studio overlooking a newly designed site, Greg James will be out-and-about soaking up the atmosphere and local lads Ally McRae from Radio One and Vic Galloway from Radio Scotland will be bringing expert local knowledge.
So, if you're at home that weekend let us give you the full T in the Park experience, if you know someone who'll be there, watch closely... you might just spot them, and if you just want some great music, on TV, radio or on line, from some of the biggest acts in the world... it's time for 'T'
Graham Mitchell is Executive Producer of the 主播大秀's T In The Park coverage
- Visit and read about the 主播大秀 Introducing stage .
- T In The Park is and . The has .