The BBC announces today that Apache Indian will team up with the BBC Asian Network to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the famous BBC Maida Vale Studios.

On Friday 30^th October, all of the BBC’s radio networks will broadcast programmes from the historic venue, including: live music on BBC Radio 2; Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performing with the BBC Symphony Orchestra; a Live Lounge from Snow Patrol on Fearne Cotton’s Show on BBC Radio 1, alongside 75 classic Maida Vale session songs on the station throughout the day; a special edition of BBC Radio 4’s Front Row; a performance from the BBC Symphony Orchestra on BBC Radio 3; and sets from BBC Radio 6 Music’s Craig Charles and BBC 1Xtra’s Max.

After 20 years in the music industry, Apache Indian, says, "Very, very excited about going back to Maida Vale, one of the best venues in the world. It is an absolute privilege and honour to be asked to go there again with the BBC Asian Network"

Apache will be performing live on the Friction Show. He comments ‘People can expect the songs that they know... but live... with some great twists and special collaborations!’

The network will also mark the occasion on Nikki Bedi’s Arts Show, playing a selection of highlights from past BBC Asian Network Maida Vale sessions.

The BBC’s association with the former skating rink began in 1934 when the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers moved into the newly refurbished building.

The studios were used to broadcast news across Europe during World War II and were the home of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop from 1958 to 1996 and BBC Radio 1’s Peel Sessions from 1967 until 2004. They also hosted early radio performances from legendary acts including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie and drama recordings for BBC Radios 3 and 4 including Dr Zhivago and King Lear.

Today, BBC Radios 1 and 2 regularly use Maida Vale for live music performances - the Arctic Monkeys recently played a high profile set there - and radio dramas are still regularly recorded in the building.

Tim Davie, Director BBC Audio & Music said; “Maida Vale has played a unique role in British music and arts for 75 years.  The thousands of people who have passed through its doors have created some of BBC Radio's most memorable moments. Our celebrations promise to offer listeners some exceptional live performances which are a fitting tribute to this legendary venue.”

Programmes so far confirmed for the celebration:

BBC Radio 1 will play songs from 75 Maida Vale sessions across the day and Fearne Cotton's Show will feature a ‘Live Lounge’ performance with Snow Patrol from the venue.

BBC 1Xtra will broadcast Max Live from Maida Vale in the afternoon.

BBC Radio 2 has a range of music throughout the day, with the Stereophonics on Janice Long, a live set from Jamie Cullum and a special ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’ with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barry Wordsworth.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra also performs for Radio 3 at 2pm, conducted by Yan Pascal Tortelier.

In speech broadcasting, BBC Radio 4’s arts magazine Front Row comes live from Maida Vale and the network also records With Great Pleasure with Paul Gambaccini in the studios.

BBC Radio 5 Live joins the celebration with Simon Mayo’s show broadcasting live from the venue.

Digital network BBC 6 Music hosts its funk night with Craig Charles and an all star live band.

BBC Radio 7 raids the BBC archive to punctuate the day with entertainment programmes recorded in W9, including Don Quixote starring Paul Scofield and Bob Hoskins, Doctor Who – Paradise of Death, starring Jon Pertwee and a Radiophonic Workshop selection, introduced and discussed by Richard Cole.

BBC Asian Network will host Apache Indian live on the Friction Show and Nikki Bedi will feature the best of Asian Network Maida Vale Sessions.

More programming will be confirmed nearer the time.