A new radio station is set to launch with community at its heart.
Activ8 Radio, based in Colchester and volunteer-led, is set to go live at 9am on October 31.
The station will feature a blend of specialist music programmes, podcasts, interviews, and live performances.
It aims to create opportunities for people across Colchester to get involved in broadcasting, share their stories, and shape the station's output.
Mark Summers, one of the station’s founders who recently relocated to Colchester from Ukraine, said: "Being new to Colchester makes this deeply personal.
"I want to put down roots, build relationships, and contribute something meaningful to the place I now call home.
"That starts with listening to people, understanding what matters to them, and making room for them to help shape the station."
The station was founded by Tim Morgan, Howard Gibson, Owen Louis, and Mr Summers.
It grew out of a podcast idea sparked by conversations about music and radio.
Those talks began after Mr Gibson invited Mr Louis onto his show, having read about Mr Louis’ DJ classes for youngsters in the Gazette.
Together with Mr Morgan, they began planning a series of podcasts focused on telling the stories of people in and around Colchester.
As the team searched for a place to record, the project evolved into a broader vision for a community radio station.
Mr Morgan explored the broadcast technology needed to make it happen, and the team set about building a studio and developing a programme schedule.
Music is a core part of the station’s identity.
Presenters will select tracks based on their own tastes and experiences, with shows covering soul, jazz, reggae, blues, hip-hop, alternative, and a wide range of dance genres.
Local artists will also be featured as guests and through their recordings.
Mr Morgan said: "I strongly believe that our community in Colchester has so much to offer, and I want to be part of helping get as many voices as possible from Colchester heard and shared to bring the community together by sharing our passions and interests and inspiring people to try something new."
Launch day kicks off with Test Transmission, hosted by Mr Morgan and Mr Summers.
Other presenters will join throughout the day for music, chat, and short shows, while singer-songwriters Fraser Morgan and Moira Someonee will perform live.
The evening lineup includes Dave Malone’s 4 REAL, the Summers Magic Disco Show, and Linda Plays the Blues, followed by overnight DJ mixes.
Activ8 Radio is encouraging anyone with ideas for music programmes, podcasts, or Colchester-focused features to get in touch.
The station also welcomes volunteers interested in helping behind the scenes.
Listeners can tune in from 9am at activ8radio.com, through TuneIn or by asking Alexa to “Play Activ8 Radio”.
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