Greg James meets British Esports following BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland

Popular radio DJ, presenter and author, Greg James, met British Esports Senior VP Dave Martin (centre) and Commercial VP Stephen Gallagher recently!

Greg met the pair after his BBC Radio 1 morning show at his temporary location at Keel Square in Sunderland – just a short walk away from British Esports’ HQ, the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland.

The news comes after Sunderland hosted one of the biggest music events in the UK calendar as BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend arrived in the city from May 22nd to 24th. Thousands of music fans travelled from across the country for a full weekend of live performances, nightlife, and celebration, with The Place in Sunderland providing accommodation for festival goers.

The 2026 edition of Radio 1 Big Weekend took place at Herrington Park, a major green space to the south of the city that has previously hosted large scale live events.

The news also comes as British Esports Commercial VP Stephen Gallagher was invited to join a BBC Lifehacks live panel at East Durham College during the build-up to BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Students joined the ‘Staying Put, Moving Forward’ panel, hosted by the BBC. The discussion explored the incredible career opportunities that exist within the city, and the panel shared views that you no longer need to leave the North East to follow your dreams.

We shared insight around the work British Esports is doing to harness young people’s love for video gaming, and the education and work-ready skills development we deliver. Esports students develop valuable future-ready skills, from teamwork and leadership, communication to graphic design and business.

Stephen Gallagher, Commercial VP, said: “It’s not just video gaming – the esports education pathway delivers things like business studies, graphics development, broadcasting skills, marketing and technical skills.”

A big thank you to Helen Wardropper, Amy Elise Mercer, North East BIC, East Durham College and everyone involved for championing opportunities for the next generation!

Sunderland is about to get another boost in the broadcast space later this year, with the opening of the 15,000 sq ft British Arena. You can also visit the dedicated British Arena website for more information.