Young people in the borough will get the chance to work with the likes of Leona Lewis and Plan B at a new academy being set up in the run up to BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend 2012.

The project, which opens at an as yet undisclosed location on June 1, will offer workshops and training in subjects including business, radio production and journalism.

Stamford Hill-born singer Leona and Plan B - award-winning artist and actor Ben Drew from Forest Gate - have signed up to get involved, alongside DJ Trevor Nelson and triple jump champion Phillips Idowu, who were both born in Hackney.

The academy will become a base for the Radio 1 and 1Xtra stations until start of the Hackney Weekend 2012 on June 23.

The free two-day show, an official London 2012 Festival event, will feature more than 100 artists, bands and DJs performing in front of 100,000 fans on Hackney Marshes.

Tinie Tempah and Florence & The Machine were added to the bill this week.

Young people will get a say in the design and feel of the Hackney Weekend 2012 and every slot on the festival’s BBC Introducing stage will go to unsigned and emerging acts from east London.

Jason Carter, BBC Radio 1’s event director for 2012, said: “Our activity in Hackney will be the most ambitious programme of events in the station’s history, and our work across the community, is as important as the main live music concert in the park. This year we have spent time consulting with many young people from east London to understand what is important to them and how Radio 1, in the lead up the event, can give them opportunities and something of lasting value.”

Other projects happening around the Hackney Weekend will include community radio schemes, volunteering opportunities and a festival curated by the young people of Hackney.

It was announced this week that Elbow, who performed at St John at Hackney Church last week, will provide the BBC’s soundtrack to the Olympics.

More details about the programme of events will be announced early 2012.