Festive FM goes on air for 28 days from today.

New radio station launches for Barnstaple

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A CAMPAIGN for local radio has taken on a seasonal feel following the launch of a new station today (Tuesday).

Festive FM will broadcast to Barnstaple and the surrounding area on a 28-day Restricted Service Licence (RSL) until Monday, January 3.

The new station is being operated under a licence obtained by Barnstaple Town Centre Management (TCM) and is being broadcast on the same FM frequency – and from the same studio – as The Voice 106, which enjoyed a successful 28-day debut on the airwaves last month.

Voice 106 founder Ian Starling is producing the new station on behalf of the TCM. He said: “The Voice 106 had a fantastic month and we have received lots of moving emails and letters of support.

“Festive FM broadcasts from the same transmitter but to fulfil Ofcom rules on short-term station licences, it will feature a number of new presenters, as well as one-or-two from the old Lantern FM days.

“The station will have a festive feel to it with lots of Christmas music, including carol singing by local choirs and schoolchildren.

“On Christmas Eve, Barnstaple Town Centre Manager Craig Bulley will be presenting a special three-hour show with lots of local musicians and dignitaries. We’ll also be broadcasting live from the Square on New Year’s Eve.”

Mr Starling said that most of the people working on Festive FM were volunteers and that ultimately, the goal was to secure future RSLs for other areas of North Devon, including Bideford, South Molton and Ilfracombe.

“There are no more licences on the table at the moment but we are working with different people to bring new licences to North Devon and are looking at the possibility of an RSL for Bideford mid-to-late January,” he said.

“We have the financial backing to cover the £5,000 cost of the licence. The only thing holding us back at the moment is a position for the transmitter but were are currently discussing a couple of possibilities in East-the-Water.”