Virgin Radio has announced that the station will launch with a live radio broadcast from a moving train.
At 11am on March 30, the ‘Virgin Radio Star’will depart Manchester Piccadilly and journey through the UK, via Crewe, Birmingham and Rugby, to its final London destination.
The broadcast will mark the station’s launch on DAB digital radio. The station will play a wide range of pop and rock, from the best 80s and Britpop tunes, to the latest artists.
On board will be Virgin Radio breakfast and drivetime presenters, Edith Bowman and Matt Richardson, who will be broadcasting the new station’s very first show.
The train has also been refitted for a live performance space on-board, with wallpaper, rugs and music memorabilia among changes that have been made to the carriage.
Throughout the journey, a host of musicians will be entertaining guests with live, on-board acoustic performances of some of their greatest hits.
Artists include some of the UK’s leading bands, including Travis, The Feeling, Mystery Jets, Gavin James, Emmy the Great and Walking On Cars.
Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder, said: “Virgin is steeped in music history and I’m delighted that Virgin Radio is set to hit the UK airwaves once more. While many people thought the rise of digital would be the death of radio, it has instead enhanced the experience. 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. With presenters like Edith and Matt on board and with music from some of Britain’s leading bands, listeners are going to get a great launch experience. We’re excited to be back.”
Ian Grace, President of Virgin Radio International, commented: “We’re delighted to bring the iconic Virgin Radio brand back to the UK. It’s been a long while and the teams at Wireless Group, Virgin Radio International and Virgin Enterprises have worked tirelessly for the last 15 months to make this a reality. The new sound of Virgin Radio, Edith, Jamie, Kate, Matt, Tim and more, are a fantastic line-up of presenters to be leading us into the next generation. We are really looking forward to the challenge.”