Successful radio station to expand to audiences in Corby, Wellingborough and East Northants

The team at Shire Sounds is looking forward to broadcasting to new audiences across north Northants

A community radio station run by young people out of Kettering is to expand to serve communities across north Northamptonshire from the new year.

Shire Sounds Radio will begin aiming its broadcasts at Corby, Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire audiences from Saturday, January 2, 2021, kicking off with Saturday Breakfast at 7am.

The move coincides with the new unitary council for north Northants that will come into being in April next year.

It aims to play a ‘feel-good’ mix of music from the 1980s to today’s chart hits, national news every hour and local news and events covered within live shows.

The online station can be listened to online, on smartphones via the MyTuner Radio app, on Google Home and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices as well as Sonos speakers.

It features well-known local presenters such as Sarah Langdon, Katie Donnelly, Mikey Faulkner as well as award-winning Oli Hackett from Corby, who won the Best In Music award presented by BBC Radio 1’s Annie Mac earlier this year.

Shire Sounds also has a variety of shows playing music including soul and R&B, musicals, rock and nostalgia and a top 20 chart show.

Station Manager Charlie Stone said: “Community Radio is playing a vital part in spreading messages with regards to Coronavirus.

”It’s also a great source of entertainment. Our academy training program provides a unique experience for those wanting to learn more about radio broadcasting, with a potential entry point into a career”

Friday Night Dance presenter Charlotte Fulton said: “As a newcomer at Shire Sounds, I have received nothing but the warmest welcome.

“As someone who is a full-time music enthusiast, not only am I doing something I enjoy but it has taught me so many new skills. I like to hope in these hard times that our entertainment can really help others when they need it most.”

Rothwell resident Samantha said: “I love listening to Shire Sounds all the time because it has a variety of different shows across the week. My personal favourite is the Musicals Way with Oli on a Sunday, but even the non-stop music in the work day is great for motivation.”

Shire Sounds Radio launched in Summer 2019 from the Kettering Market Place with live performances from Kettering Theats and local band The Touch.

The station is primarily run by a team of under 25s with a passion for radio.