A local not-for-profit radio station has launched a crowdfunding appeal to help it stay on air.
Salford City Radio is run by just one member of staff, with around 80 volunteers chipping in to create a platform that makes ‘a real difference’ to the people of Salford.
Radio shows at the station are all presented and produced by volunteers from all backgrounds, who are in return given new training and skills.
For 15 years, Salford City Radio has given its team ‘a much-needed sense of purpose and routine, a reason to get out of bed each day and carry on.’
Credit: Salford City Radio
Many of its volunteers have come to the station following difficult circumstances like ill health, redundancy or bereavement.
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But the station is now facing the expensive process of renewing its Ofcom licence, as well as its equipment and running costs.
It’s hoping to raise £20,000 over the next fortnight to cover those costs and stay on air.
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Salford City Radio added that it provides ‘a voice for community and charitable organisations, local businesses, schools, local theatres, artists and musicians from Salford and further afield, and much, much more’.
Credit: Salford City Radio
It’s already managed to raise £2,681 in donations.
They wrote: “Although like commercial stations we produce shows and adverts, we don’t make lots of money, we’re a not-for-profit community station whose shows are all produced and presented by volunteers from all backgrounds and all levels of ability.
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“It gives them opportunities to learn new skills both in radio and other media, and many transferrable skills, helping to improve self-confidence, develop CVs and increase the potential of gaining paid employment.
“The Council kindly supported us financially up to 2016, and still support us by providing accommodation for our studios. Without their support we would have had to close.”
The studio is run from the Salford Civic Centre in Swinton.
Salford City Radio continued: “We ask you to help us please if you are able, by making a donation to our crowdfunder.
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“As a thank you for your kind donation, you will be rewarded by opportunities to get a shout out on air, be a guest on air, or maybe even present your very own show!
“Your contribution will make a real difference to the people of Salford. Thank you for listening and supporting 94.4 FM.”
Oasis finally confirm ‘private ballot’ ticket information for reunion tour
Daisy Jackson
Oasis have just announced more information about how tickets will be sold through a ‘private ballot’ for their extra reunion tour dates.
The group added two additional shows at Wembley Stadium after their initial 17 gigs across London, Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh and Cardiff generated huge demand and sold out in a day.
Oasis and Ticketmaster came under fire though for the use of dynamic pricing, which saw ticket prices shoot up by hundreds of pounds by the time people made it through the online queues.
For these additional reunion tour dates at Wembley, ticket sales will look a little different.
They’ll be using a ‘private ballot’, which will give first dibs to those who missed out on the first ticket sale.
You’ll only be invited to register for the sale if you signed into your Ticketmaster account on Saturday 31 August, and joined a queue for a specific show.
And you’ll only receive an invitation if you DIDN’T manage to bag tickets the first time round.
THEN you’ll be able to register for the actual ballot, which still doesn’t guarantee you a ticket but does at least get you into a (hopefully less lengthy) queue.
“Invitations to enter the private ballot will be sent overnight tonight (Saturday) to eligible fans we have been able to identify.
“If you signed into your Ticketmaster UK account on Saturday, 31st August, and were able to join a queue for a specific show, but didn’t get a ticket-then you may be eligible to take part and will receive an email on how to register for the ballot.
“Keep an eye on the inbox associated with your Ticketmaster account, and don’t forget to check your junkmail.
“Once successfully registered, you will be entered into the ballot for a code for access to the final Wembley on sale.
“Due to the demand for the shows and to avoid last week’s long queues, codes will be strictly limited. Entry to the ballot does not guarantee you will receive a code.
“The ballot is only open to invited fans. You must register with the email to which your invitation was sent and which is registered with your Ticketmaster account.
“All other entries will be discounted. If you do not receive an email then unfortunately you will not be eligible for the ballot.
“You will be automatically discounted from the ballot, even if you go through the registration process.”
Featured image: Simon Emmett
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Olly Murs announces Manchester show on huge arena tour – with Blue as support
Daisy Jackson
Olly Murs has just announced details of a huge arena tour, including a stop here in Manchester.
He’ll be playing the city’s biggest arena, the Co-op Live, as part of his 2025 tour.
The news comes fresh off the back of his nationwide tour supporting Take That on their massive This Life on Tour tour.
He’s announced a massive support act for himself too, bringing along British boyband favourites Blue.
Olly Murs first rose to stardom when he placed as runner-up in 2009’s The X Factor competition (though his career has soared past winner Joe McElderry’s).
Since then, he’s released seven solo studio albums, including last year’s Marry Me.
His massive hits include Heart Skips a Beat, Dance With Me Tonight, and Troublemaker, and he’s worked with the likes of Rizzle Kicks, Snoop Dogg, Demi Lovato and Flo Rida.
Olly Murs is now heading back out on the road for an all-singing, all-dancing arena tour.
It will include dates in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and loads more.
Olly said: “Celebrating 15 unbelievable years doing what I love best will be truly special. But to top it off I’m taking a band with me who I was obsessed with in my college years, BLUE!
“No doubt the pranks and banter will be free-flowing but most importantly it’s going to be a great night for the fans to enjoy, I can’t wait.”
Blue said: “We were really delighted when Olly asked us to join him on his Arena tour next year and can’t wait to get on the road with him in the Spring!
“We are going to have a whole lot of fun and look forward to making him an honorary Blue boy! We’ll be singing the biggest hits and maybe the odd joke here and there – watch out Olly!”
Tickets will go on sale on Friday 13 September at 10am – you can get yours here.