Radio News

From ancient rituals to a modern bank holiday May Day is one of those dates that feels very British. A long weekend, a chance to relax, maybe a local event or two… but the history behind it goes back much further than bank holidays and days off work. In fact, May Day has been celebrated in different ways for thousands of years. 🌼 Ancient beginnings: welcoming summer The roots of […]

What actually goes on behind those red benches? Yesterday was the last day that hereditary peers sat in the House of Lords… but have you ever wondered what goes on in there? It’s often talked about, occasionally criticised, and not always fully understood. While the House of Commons gets most of the attention, the House of Lords plays a key role in how the UK is governed. So what does […]

The fortunes of UK entrants over the last 40 years For many artists, Eurovision is either a launchpad… or a full stop. In the UK, it’s often been a bit of both. Some acts have gone on to major success, while others have struggled to turn that one big night into a long-term career boost. Here’s a look at what’s typically happened to UK Eurovision acts since the mid-1980s, using […]

It’s one of Brits’ favourite talking points… but what actually controls it? Whether it’s too hot, too cold, too wet, or “not like it used to be,” the weather is a daily topic of conversation in the UK. But behind every grey sky or surprise sunny spell, there are a number of factors working together to create what we experience outside. Here’s what really affects the weather. ☀️ 1. The […]

And why one song can take you straight back in time You know the feeling. A song comes on and suddenly you are not in the present anymore. You are back in a car, a nightclub, a school disco, or just a random moment you had completely forgotten about. Music has that strange ability to unlock memories instantly. But why does it happen so strongly? 🎧 Your brain links music […]

From shelves of CDs to millions of songs in your pocket Not that long ago, listening to music meant owning it. You bought the single, saved up for the album, or taped it off the radio and hoped the presenter didn’t talk over the intro. Now, you open an app and have access to almost every song ever made within seconds. So how did we get here? 💿 Before streaming: […]

Simple, relaxed, and actually enjoyable A great barbecue isn’t about showing off. It’s about good food, decent company, and an atmosphere where people feel comfortable. The best ones always feel effortless… even if there’s a bit of planning behind the scenes. Here’s how to get it right. 🔥 Start with the basics You don’t need fancy kit to host a good BBQ. A reliable grill that heats evenly Enough fuel […]

A year of massive pop, big ballads and unforgettable Number 1s The UK Singles Chart in 1986 was still driven purely by physical sales, meaning every position reflected what people were actually buying in record shops that week. Using official year-end data (as compiled from the UK charts), here’s the Top 10 biggest singles of 1986, along with why each one mattered. 1. Don't Leave Me This Way – The […]

There was a time when the UK Singles Chart wasn’t just part of music culture… it was music culture. Every week built to one moment. The countdown. The Number 1 reveal. It mattered in a way that’s hard to imagine now. So what changed? 📻 The 1980s: When the chart ruled everything In the 80s, the chart was the ultimate measure of success. Driven purely by physical sales, the UK […]