On May 14th 2023, Radio Northwich celebrates 5 years of broadcasting from the town centre. The station launched transmissions to coincide with the Charlatans homecoming concerts in 2018, the original studio being located on the second floor of premises at the bottom end of High Street. The station broadcasts 24 hours per day and is run entirely by local volunteers, providing an entertaining mix of music, local sports and current affairs programmes.
In 2019, the stations owners decided the profile of the station needed improving and set about the search for new premises. Immediately prior to the first Covid lockdown, a lease was signed with Cheshire West and Chester Council and their Agents, to move into new premises in Barons Quay. The new premises were initially closed to the public due to the ongoing situation with the pandemic, but BBC Radio legend Mark Radcliffe officially opened the doors in August 2021.
“The 5 years have passed so very quickly” said partner John Thompson, “and we are just delighted to have reached this milestone despite the many challenges encountered along the way. Since day one, we have sought to be an integral part of the local community and relocating our studio to the heart of Barons Quay has certainly helped achieve this aim. Visit Northwich, Northwich BID, Rotary in Northwich, Northwich Town Council and Barons Quay arrange some amazing events and we are thrilled to be involved and participate in each one.
“We really appreciate the support we have received over the last 5 years from all our sponsors and advertisers, without whom we simply wouldn’t have been able to provide the service we do. Additionally, we are thankful to our wonderful team of Presenters who continue to dedicate many hours producing excellent audio output for the community.”
To mark the occasion of the 5th anniversary of broadcasting, the station’s owners, Kim Smith and John Thompson, have announced five concerts, four of which will be held at the iconic Northwich Plaza between July and the end of 2023.
“It seems fitting that we should mark the occasion of our fifth birthday with some outstanding music events” explained Kim, “including a first visit to the town of Ska legends Bad Manners, the two Mad for the Plaza evenings featuring four of the finest Manchester tribute acts and culminating with the return in December of the amazing synthpop giants Heaven 17, who’ll be supported by Electromantics and Mark Radcliffe’s UNE.
“By arranging these concerts, we aim to raise as much money as possible for the two local charities we are supporting this year – Simply The Breast and Tiny Steps, whilst providing great entertainment for the local community”.
Tickets for all the concerts are available to purchase through Radio Northwich’s website www.radionorthwich.co.uk.
Upcoming Events
Northwich has some of the biggest events in Cheshire, below is a just a selection of what we have to offer.