In March this year, Ofcom awarded a full time community radio licence to Tidworth Development Trust so that Castledown Radio could broadcast on FM.

The station is now proud and excited to announce that its wave length has been approved and a go-live launch date confirmed.

12midday on Saturday 4th November will see Castledown Radio broadcast its first live show on 104.7 FM and celebrate the area’s first official community radio station, dedicated to all that live and work in the Tidworth Community Area and Shipton Bellinger.

Reception should cover Tidworth, Perham Down, Ludgershall, The Collingbournes, Everleigh, The Chutes, Shipton Bellinger, Bulford Camp and other villages south of Tidworth and Ludgershall that are in Hampshire.

The station has already been a huge success, but with FM broadcasting it will go from strength to strength, providing a great radio service for the community. 

Baz Reilly heads up the station and has worked tirelessly in the community - promoting and encouraging locals to get involved.  He said:
“We are all very excited about the launch; broadcasting on FM is what we’ve been working towards for some time. Our station is unique and is unlike any other station currently broadcasting. We play music for all ages and it is run ‘by the community, for the community’, and when listeners tune in they will be able to hear features about themselves and the villages they live in.” 

Castledown Radio is well supported by a crew of dedicated volunteers, who present shows, gather information and interviews, produce features and generally help run the station.

Baz added: “Most of all I am pleased for our volunteers, without whom we could not operate.  They have worked extremely hard to provide the Internet service over the past eighteen months and I know they are as thrilled as I am that we will be broadcasting on FM; providing a quality radio service, which will serve the community like no other station can.”

Castledown Radio invites everyone along to a party event on the launch day, which will include live entertainment, food and drink and plenty of chat – visitors can even say hello to their community live on-air. It all kicks off at 10.30am, with the official switch to FM at 12midday. There will also be live music from bands including, ‘Less is More’ and ‘Get This’.

So, come along, have some fun and join Baz Reilly and his team to celebrate!