Virgin Radio returns to the UK today with a live broadcast from a train.
The train, renamed the ‘Virgin Radio Star’, will depart at 11am to bring musicians, VIP guests and presenters Edith Bowman and Matt Richardson from Manchester to London. On their arrival guests will be whisked to the new studios for a final performance in ‘The Red Room’ – a space reminiscent of the Virgin Radio Zoo of the 1990’s.
Throughout the journey bands and artists including Travis, The Feeling, Mystery Jets, Gavin James and Walking On Cars will entertain guests and perform acoustic versions of past and present hits.
“We like to do things differently, that’s why we’re launching the new sound of Virgin radio with a live broadcast from a Virgin Train,” said Sir Richard Branson.
The weekday line-up includes former Radio 1 presenter Edith Bowman, DJ and former Kerrang! presenter Kate Lawler, broadcaster and DJ Tim Cocker and stand-up comedian and TV presenter Matt Richardson. Angela Scanlon and Russel Kane will host The Saturday Show whilst Johnny and Inel and The Mac Twins host evening shows.
Ben Jones is the only presenter from the original Virgin Radio to return on the new station and brings a wealth of experience from interviewing music and film stars.
The first playlist features music from established artists Travis, Richard Ashcroft, Muse and Coldplay, as well as newer acts X-Ambassadors, Walking on Cars and Jack Garratt. The station will play a range of pop and rock music from the 1980s to today.
Weds March 30 Virgin Radio UK is back. Online, On Digital & On your mobile/tablet device. All aboard! #virginradiouk pic.twitter.com/zMvdSE3t7e
— Virgin Radio UK (@VirginRadioUK) March 23, 2016
Virgin Radio was originally launched by Richard Branson on medium wave in 1993. The station was sold in 2008 and became Absolute Radio – the new Virgin Radio UK is not related to the original UK station.
Today’s launch is the last of several which have taken place during March, with new stations talkSPORT 2, talkRADIO, Magic Chilled and Mellow Magic beginning broadcasts on the new national multiplex. It may be necessary to retune digital radios to receive the new stations. The station is also available online and in apps.