Virgin Radio made history last month when it became the first ever national radio station to launch live from a moving Virgin train. The launch included live performances from some of the UK’s leading bands such as Travis, Mystery Jets, Walking On Cars, Gavin James and The Feeling.
Spectators gathered at Manchester’s Piccadilly Train Station as Virgin Radio’s breakfast and drive-time presenters, Edith Bowman and Matt Richardson unveiled the newly-named Virgin Radio Star, alongside Sam Branson.
As the train was leaving the station, Edith and Matt kicked off the new station’s first ever broadcast. The train then journeyed across the UK (via Crewe, Birmingham and Rugby). The bands performed a range of hits both current and present, and with a selection of full band and acoustic performances thrown in.
Sam Branson, speaking on board the Virgin Radio Star said: “Being part of the live launch of Virgin Radio has been an awesome experience. It’s not often that you get to hear such great music in such an intimate space… let alone on a moving train!”
Fran Healy, lead singer of awesome band Travis, said: “We are thrilled to be asked to be the conductors on Virgin Radio’s first broadcast. Anyone without a ticket is OFF… unless they sing!”
On arrival into London, guests were taken to the new Virgin Radio Studio, where Reef performed a final live show in the building’s brand new performance space, ‘The Red Room’.
Speaking after the day’s festivities, Edith Bowman said: “What an exhilarating experience! To be part of the launch of one of radio’s most iconic brands is exciting anyway, but to do it with such a bang has been sensational. Virgin Radio has started as it means to go on, playing fantastic music, doing things that seem like they can’t be done, but which sound great on air and make the listener experience completely unique.”
Virgin Radio is available now on DAB digital radio, with a fresh new line-up of presenters, from experienced broadcasters like Edith Bowman, to witty comedians like Matt Richardson who’ll be on air for the first time. Bringing a little edginess, verve and humour back to the airwaves, the station will play a wide range of pop and rock, from the best 80’s and Britpop tunes, to the latest artists.
Listeners need to retune their digital radio to pick up Virgin Radio.
For more information, visit VirginRadio.co.uk.
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