UK

The line-up for BBC Radio 2 in the Park in Preston was announced on Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show this morning and includes Sting and Pet Shop Boys as headliners.

Sting will headline the Saturday night and Pet Shop Boys the Sunday night.
Taking place in Moor Park in Preston on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September, for the first time, there will also be a Friday night Radio 2 in the Park Pre-Party on the DJ stage.
Presenters including Sara Cox, Vernon Kay, Scott Mills, Rylan and DJ Spoony will each be playing sets on the DJ stage and will also be introducing artists across the weekend.
Jeff Smith, Head of Music for Radio 2, said: “Following last year’s incredible Radio 2 in the Park in Leicester, we are delighted to hand the baton to Preston. Only Radio 2 could present another star studded line up featuring some of the UK and the world’s most loved pop artists from the last six decades performing their biggest songs. We can’t wait to bring the Radio 2 listeners and presenting family together in Preston for an unforgettable weekend of live music.”
The line-up:
Saturday 7th September
StingSugababesSnow PatrolCraig DavidKim WildePixie LottShaznay LewisTravis
Sunday 8th September 
Pet Shop BoysManic Street PreachersSister Sledge feat. Kathy SledgePaul HeatonGabrielleShed SevenDelta GoodremHaircut 100
All tickets go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday 4th June at 8.15am, and will be available via www.bbc.co.uk/radio2inthepark along with full terms and conditions. […]

Capital has launched a pop-up station playing Taylor Swift 24/7 ahead of the UK leg of her tour.

With the launch of Capital (Taylor’s Version), it’s the first time in the UK that a national DAB radio station has been dedicated to a single artist.
The station, which is also being streamed live on Global Player, will play Taylor’s hits along the latest news as she tours the UK and also hear from fans attending pre and post shows.
Brent Tobin, Managing Editor of Capital “We were so excited to create this pop-up radio station to celebrate Taylor Swift.
“It’s set to be a fan favourite, with not only the greatest songs, but top trivia and tour news. We’ll be on air until it’s So Long, London and we hope all the Swifties join us for the ultimate tour celebration!” […]

Andrew Neil will join Times Radio earlier than previously announced following the General Election being called for 4th July.

Originally scheduled to start in September, Neil will now launch his new show next Monday, 3rd June. It will air Monday to Thursday from 1pm.
The news programme will focus on the UK and US elections, featuring interviews with high-profile politicians and newsmakers, debates and his own take on the day’s political events.
As part of the line-up, Michael Gove and Harriet Harman will be joining Andrew every week to give their views on the campaign.
Andrew Neil said: “Someone once said a week is a long time in politics. In the digital age, a day is a long time. Join me on the Election Station from Monday June 3rd as I navigate Times Radio listeners through one of the most important elections in recent years. I’ll be bringing you the best interviews, the hottest debates and expert analysis.”
Tim Levell, Programme Director of Times Radio added: “Andrew Neil joining Times Radio for the election campaign gives the station the strongest political line up in British radio, alongside the likes of John Pienaar, Kate McCann, Matt Chorley and Adam Boulton.
“Andrew’s authoritative take and razor-sharp analysis will be unmissable. Listeners want to know what’s really going on, and what to make of all the claims and counterclaims. Andrew will give it to them straight. And having Michael Gove and Harriet Harman join him each week is the icing on the cake.”
Jane Garvey and Fi Glover will move an hour earlier, starting at 2pm, John Pienaar’s Drive will air from 4pm and Kait Borsay will be on air from 7pm to 10pm. […]

Following his decision to stand down from LBC to put himself forward as a candidate for MP in the General Election, Iain Dale has pulled out of the bid.

Earlier this week Iain announced on-air that he was stepping down from the station after 14 years to put his hat in the ring for the second time to stand for Parliament.
Now a turn of events has changed that, as Iain explained when he appeared on Nick Ferrari’s Breakfast Show this morning.
He told Nick that comments he made on an episode of his For The Many podcast in 2022 had resurfaced online and while this clip by itself was out of context, he understood how in isolation it could cause a problem, so he took the decision to withdraw his name from the shortlist.
When asked what’s next for him, Iain said: “I think I’ve got to take time to reflect on that because I’ve made the mistake of making a decision without probably thinking about every possible consequence so it would be a bit silly to do the same again.”

Iain Dale withdraws from bid to be Tory candidate for Tunbridge Wells.
Read more: https://t.co/H7DKZ0UNc2 pic.twitter.com/aAmq1pEvdU
— LBC (@LBC) May 31, 2024 […]

The Local Music Show on Bedford Radio, which launches next week, will showcase grass-roots local music in the area.

As well as playing music and interviewing current Bedford-based acts, artists based in nearby areas who play in in the town will be also included.
Local musician and songwriter, Danny Barton will present the show and will also be the station’s Local Music Coordinator.
Danny said: “I can’t wait to get started on the show! I’ll be sharing my favourite music from both chart-topping success stories and up and coming acts from in and around Bedford, as well as giving you a rundown of all the musical goings on in town that week.”
The station is putting together a new playlist of tracks from local artists, with at least one an hour being played every Monday across the day, starting this summer.
Station Manager Martin Steers said: “We promised in our manifesto that Bedford Radio arises from the local community and supports the local community.
“Providing a focal point for local music has long been one of our ambitions, so I’m delighted to welcome Danny to the station, and to have such a well-known figure on the local music scene leading our work.”
Martin added: “Anyone who would like to support us in making local radio for Bedford can vote for us with their blue token in Tesco until the end of June.” […]

BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Rob Butler is moving to BBC Radio 5 Live in Salford to take up a new sports role this summer.

Butler has been at the station for over 10 years covering Norwich City Football Club in programmes including The Scrimmage and Canary Call.
In post on X, he said that he’d accepted the offer of a job attachment at 5 Live Sport for a big summer of sport and beyond.
He added that BBC Radio Norfolk’s coverage of Norwich City will have a different sound with some old new voices from the start of next season.
It’s not clear if this is a permanent move or what changes will be made at BBC Radio Norfolk.

Bit of news…
I’ve accepted the offer of a job attachment at @5liveSport for a big summer of sport and beyond. Cannot wait!
Our #ncfc coverage on @BBCNorfolk will have a different sound with some new (and old) voices from the start of next season.
Off to Salford I go… 🫡
— Rob Butler (@BobRutler) May 27, 2024 […]