The renowned and beloved BBC Children and Education’s show, Blue Peter, which has been going strong since 1958, is set to get a new look and refreshed format starting with a new location in Manchester city centre. As one of the world’s longest-running children’s television shows, Blue Peter has evolved for over 67 years, adapting with its audience and interests to both entertain and inform, however from this September, Blue Peter will be freshening things up in the aim to appeal to existing and new audiences.
With it being such an iconic show, Blue Peter needs an iconic building and will be moving from Media City in Salford to the historic former Lower Campfield Market in Manchester, that was part of the Science and Industry Museum housing the Air and Space Hall, until its closure in 2021. The 130,000 sq ft mega campus in the St. John’s neighbourhood spans three buildings, including two iconic Victorian market halls, and will be managed by Department, a leader in flexible workspaces.
In a statement, the BBC said: “Young viewers are set to enjoy the new creative studio space and digital-first magazine format, recorded in Campfield Facilities at Versa Studios in Manchester. Blue Peter will continue to invite children into the creative studio to experience how the show is made and to bring their energy and excitement as the action happens. Spontaneous moments and unscripted surprises will remain key parts of the show.
“Over the decades, Blue Peter has continuously evolved for different generations of children across multiple platforms, maintaining a strong connection with its audience through the iconic Blue Peter badges, exciting challenges, memorable competitions, heartwarming moments, lovable pets, and DIY crafts and bakes with presenters coining the famous catchphrase “here’s one I made earlier!
“The upcoming format refresh and new studio will maintain all those core elements, cementing the show’s legendary status, while providing audiences with a dynamic, interactive, and engaging viewing experience. Blue Peter has always been an interactive show, and will continue to encourage kids to submit their own ideas and artwork, participate in competitions, and enjoy adventures with their favourite presenters.”
Although recording will move to Manchester city centre, The Blue Peter Garden will remain at Media City, as well as the garden at RHS Bridgewater, both of which will continue to be used for filming. The production team and post-production will remain at Media City in Salford, the home of BBC Children’s and Education.
The refresh comes after a tender process to produce the flagship series with a brief to build on the strengths of the Blue Peter brand and create a more digitally focused show. The tender was retained by BBC Studios.
Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning +7, BBC Children’s and Education, says: “Blue Peter is such an iconic part of children’s television, and we’re evolving the show with innovative ways that will be really exciting for our young audience. The move to the new studio will provide a variety of creative locations and visual options that a whole new generation of viewers will love.
“Whether through interactive social media moments, global adventures, or on-demand content. We’re proud to continue the legacy of a show that has inspired generations, and we can’t wait to show audiences our new look in September.”
Blue Peter badges continue to captivate thousands of children each week, who reach out to the show inspired by what they see on CBBC and BBC Two. The updated format and innovative creative studio aim to also appeal to audiences watching on BBC iPlayer, allowing children to enjoy their favourite episodes anytime, anywhere.
Blue Peter‘s presenters will also continue to take young audiences on exciting adventures. Recent highlights include Shini Muthukrishnan’s exploration of India in search of tigers, Abby Cook smashing a world record for Red Nose Day, and Joel Mawhinney’s visit to Tokyo, to explore the world of Pokémon, sumo wrestling, and robot cafés.
Blue Peter airs Fridays at 5pm on CBBC and BBC iPlayer and, with regular breaks during school holidays, the show will maintain a constant digital presence on YouTube and social media as well as BBC iPlayer. A Blue Peter refresh and move to Manchester city centre will start from September.