Launch of Poppyland Community Radio in Cromer, Norfolk

Published:
07:00 21 February 2022

Over 100 people helped celebrate the launch of a new radio station in North Norfolk.

On Saturday, Poppyland Community Radio held an official launch at its base at the Belfry Center for Music and Arts in Cromer Road, Overstrand.

Launched last month, the radio station would be able to reach 150,000 people in an area stretching from Cromer to Bacton and from Trunch inland.

The official launch allowed people to meet presenters and pitch ideas for shows, with a focus on local history and chat show slots.

There were cheers as North Norfolk District Council Leader Tim Adams cut a ribbon to officially launch the station.

Radio station manager Paul Hensby was delighted with the turnout and the way the station has been received so far.

Bertie Anderson sings at the opening of Poppyland Community Radio in Overstrand
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022

Mr Hensby said: “The feedback has been very positive.

“People like what they listen to and they asked about how they can put together programs.

“The turnout yesterday was well over 100 people.

Radio station manager Paul Hensby welcomed attendance at the official launch
– Credit: Denise Bradley

“Everyone was very positive. They were cheering and clapping and wanting it to happen.

“We had a long list of people who wanted to pitch their program ideas or volunteer as helpers or come into the studio to participate in programs.”

Poppyland Community Radio was the brainchild of station manager Will Wilson and his wife Kate, who had started broadcasting from their kitchen.

Station manager Will Wilson at the official launch of Poppyland Community Radio
– Credit: Denise Bradley

The station operates 24 hours a day and offers its own content between 3pm and 7/8pm, with music coming from the rest of the lineup.

Mr Hensby said the station hopes to increase its own level of content as it gets stronger.

He said: “The future plan is to fill the schedule as much as possible, especially to increase the number of local talk shows.

“We want to capture the social story, we want them to talk about their life in North Norfolk.

“It’s a station with local voices for local people.”

The event featured folk rocker Bertie Anderson and an opportunity to meet local bands, with Henry’s of Cromer providing refreshment as part of its sponsorship.

Bertie Anderson performs at the official launch
– Credit: Denise Bradley

Poppyland community radio logo
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022

For more information on how to listen to the station and how to participate or submit ideas, visit www.poppylandradio.co.uk