New website celebrates legendary Manchester radio station

Piccadilly Radio 261 launched from its studios in Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester on April 2nd 1974. It was listened to and loved by millions of people across the north west and became the most popular and successful mixed news and entertainment radio station in the country.

“Pioneering and fearless” Piccadilly Radio 261 launched the careers of many staple broadcasters including Chris Evans, Timmy Mallett, Gary Davies, Mark Radcliffe, Andy Crane, Steve Penk and Andy Peebles, plus a host of journalists, TV and film producers, businessmen and women and entrepreneurs.

Piccadilly Radio 261

It also nurtured a wealth of local talent including Susie Mathis, Phil Wood, Dave Ward, Mike Shaft, James Stannage, Mike Sweeney, Becky Want, James H Reeve and Stu Allen.

They all became a huge part of listeners’ daily lives and were some of the top presenters on the station.

Now the team behind the radio have launched a not-for-profit website created by former members of the radio station to celebrate 50 years of its historic launch.

You can check out their new website by clicking here

Tony Ingham interview

Tony Ingham, who worked for Piccadilly Rado 281 and helped pen the book For the Record – The Story of Piccadilly Radio 261, gave us the scoop about the new website.

“For the 50-year celebrations, we felt that it was important to document the story of the station before material and memories are lost,” he said.

“Many of the original team went on to do remarkable things so it’s nice to feature this snapshot of before they were famous.”

The team are now working with students from the Salford University Media and Journalism course who are interviewing former members of staff in a series of podcasts which will be featured on the website, starting with Mark Radcliffe.

Piccadilly Radio 261’s Reception

The website features an amazing selection of photos, memorabilia, reunion photos, and a great shop featuring loads of awesome merchandise too. And you can pick up a Piccadilly 281 T-shirt with all proceeds going to The Christie Hospital.

“There’s all kinds of memorabilia as well as pictures of the 50th reunion which took place last week. We’re featuring the “For the Record “ book which is now available as an audiobook with actual programme clips, interviews and jingles, not to mention fabulous memories from listeners”.

Mike, Mark and the Bee Gees

You are invited to enjoy plenty of amazing memories from the heydays of Piccadilly Radio and to hear of the news of an exciting special AUDIO version of the Piccadilly story featuring the voices from the station.  

For the Record – The Story of Piccadilly Radio 261

You can get your copy of For The Record, an amazing book documenting the years of Piccadilly 261 Radio, by clicking here