Our Launch
96.5 Bolton FM launched on Saturday June 20th 2009 with a massive event on a big stage in Victoria Square, Bolton. The station was officially opened at 11am by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Norman Critchley.
The event was in conjunction with the 'One Bolton Festival' which is a 6 week programme of multi-culural events taking place all across Bolton. There were soloists, duets, bands, dancers, drummers, poets, adults and children from the local area and worldwide. Bolton FM were on hand to introduce each act which doubled as an opportunity to talk about the many different shows and features that will be broadcast. Each presenter had a go on the mic and the day was a great success, not only from the entertainment point of view, but it also promoted Bolton FM and the presenter line-up very well. We also had our promotions team on hand to distribute our new car stickers, pens and balloons and also provided an opportunity for the public to have a chat and find out about the station or fill in an application form to join the team.
At 10.55am we played a countdown sequence which told the listeners a little about what was 'coming soon to their radio' and then at 10.59am we had a one minute countdown. After one of the new 96.5 Bolton FM jingles Matt McManus from Bolton FM's Breakfast show, introduced the Chairman of Bolton FM, Councillor Frank White, who welcomed the Mayor to the stage to officially launch the station with the first song - We Are Family by Sister Sledge. Sports Presenter Andy Wilkinson then conducted a live interview with the Mayor before 'Greatest Day' by Take That was played. The One Bolton Festival programme then started.
On-air we had Andy Haslam from 11am-2pm. Andy was part of the original Variety FM trial broadcast 12 years ago that started the Bolton FM Community Radio dream. It was only fair that he should be on-air as that dream became reality. Following Andy at 2pm was Andy Wilkinson who had interviews with local people, businesses, officials etc and also spoke to some of the Presenting team about their shows. This continued from 4-7pm with Karen Davey before Kevin Gurney took to the airwaves to start our normal programme schedule with his 'Disco Days' show.
A HUGE thanks to everyone who came to watch the launch and to those who took part. We couldn't have done it without you all, nor would we have had a reason to.