leading figures from the world of entertainment and business are heading to Glasgow for a major Radio 1 music festival and series of workshops.

Coldplay, fronted by Chris Martin, are to be joined by Pharrell Williams, Rita Ora and Paisley-born musician Paolo Nutini for the Big Weekend in front of about 50,000 revellers at Glasgow Green on May 24 and 25.

Others leading figures from the world of entertainment are heading to the city for a series of related workshops and mentoring sessions for young people. Sir Richard Branson, Scots-born singer songwriter Emeli Sande and comedian Kevin Bridges are among the mentors.

Martin broke the news of his band's involvement on Radio 1 yesterday, saying: "We're very thrilled to be asked, thank you so much … We're all pleased to be here, I speak for everyone when I say that."

Virgin billionaire Sir Richard, Sande and Bridges are to pass on their tips of the music and comedy trade to youngsters in the city in a separate event linked to the festival.

The famous names are to be joined by Scots rockers Biffy Clyro, singer Ora and Edinburgh-born Nina Nesbitt at the Radio 1 Academy in Glasgow, a spin-off event from the Big Weekend.

About 7000 free spaces will be available for people aged 16 to 19 for the workshops and masterclasses at the Queen Margaret Union, part of Glasgow University, from May 10 to 16.

It is hoped the programme, organised by BBC Learning and to be broadcast live on Radio 1, will form part of the Commonwealth Games legacy in the host city.

Virgin Records founder Sir Richard and Biffy Clyro will take part in a Q&A, while Bridges, who is from Clydebank, will lead a stand-up comedy workshop.

Sir Richard said: "It's a pleasure to have been invited to attend the Radio 1 Academy this year and I'm looking forward to meeting and hearing from some of the young people of Glasgow. It's a fantastic project and I hope people leave feeling inspired after the day's talks, workshops and events. It's the perfect place to share ideas, interests and hopefully pick up some advice along the way."

Sande, a former Glasgow University medical student, will take part in a songwriting session. Cast members from the Greenock-based TV drama Waterloo Road will be involved in a TV acting workshop, while Radio 1 DJ Greg James and his team will take part in a masterclass panel.

Sande said: "I'm really excited to be part of the Radio 1 Academy and this is made even more special as it's in Glasgow, a city that's been a huge part of both my life and career.

"I'm sure it will be a great day working with young music fans on the art of songwriting and I'm looking forward to helping them create something very special."

Ora has also been recruited to the Academy along with Example, Glasgow electronic music producer Hudson Mohawke, Nina Nesbitt, actress Sharon Rooney from My Mad Fat Diary and cast members of BBC supernatural drama In The Flesh. All Academy places are free.

Radio 1 DJs including Fearne Cotton, Scott Mills, Huw Stephens and Scots-born Ally McCrae will be at the Queen Margaret Union for the live broadcasts.

McCrae, 26, originally from Paisley, hosts BBC Introducing - which champions new Scottish bands and acts - and divides his time between presenting duties in Glasgow and London.

The former Stirling University student remembers meeting his fellow DJ Colin Murray at a Big Weekend event, which he said inspired him to pursue his career.

McCrae said: "The line-up of people taking part in the Glasgow event is the best yet. There is so much local talent."

The Big Weekend begins in George Square on May 23. All 50,000 free tickets have been allocated.