Chelmsford is going radio mad to celebrate the aspiring city's contribution to the Marconi wireless legend.

After more than 100 years association with the genius of wireless Guglielmo Marconi Chelmsford is to declare to the world its birthplace of radio with a newly badged set of signs on main routes into the county town.

And to mark the momentous first ever bridging of the Atlantic ocean by Marconi Wireless waves, his only surviving daughter Princess Elettra is to detour from the historic week to unveil a miniature version of the statue of Marconi that will be ready in 2002.

Chelmsford's Marconi Week begins on December 8 with the unveiling after which Princess Elettra will fly to Newfoundland to receive a replica message marking the centenary of the transmission from Poldhu in Cornwall to St John's Newfoundland.

On the Chelmsford day there will also be a Victorian themed market, Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society exhibition and live broadcasts, a BBC Essex live broadcast. Princess Elettra will also inaugurate the publication Chelmsford, Birthplace of Radio by Janet Lee.

There is also Music at the Mill a Christmas Concert at Moulsham Mill, an RSPB Christmas Market at Writtle Village Green and Christmas Concert at Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford with wine and mince pies, plus a Marconi Day Christmas Dance at the Marconi Sports and Social Club, Beehive Lane.

The day also heralds the start of the month-long Civic Theatre Panto, Puss in Boots.

Published Thursday November 29, 2001