Ben Ellis is the whirlwind of energy that's been brightening our British mornings for years. With his infectious enthusiasm and a voice that could rival a rooster's crow, he's the perfect person to coax you out of bed and into a cheerful mood as soon as the sun rises.
Meet Nikola Hughes, the dynamic host of "Pop Rock Party," your ultimate destination for pop rock revelry every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm. With an unshakable passion for pop rock music and endlessly entertaining anecdotes, she’ll get you dancing and laughing along all evening.
Nikola has been an avid fan of pop rock since a young age, growing up on a wide variety of music ranging from Queen to Lily Allen. Her unwavering passion for the genre shines through in every note she selects and every story she shares. As your musical storyteller, Nikola weaves together the tales behind your favorite pop rock tracks, giving an intimate peek and a personal spin on all your favourite musicians.
Nikola's all-time favorite pop rock anthems include classics like “Half The World Away” by Oasis and “Not Nineteen Forever” By The Courteneers. She believes these songs capture the nostalgic and timeless spirit of pop rock.
Nikola is a huge concert-goer and has been lucky enough to see pop rock legends such as U2, Robbie Williams and The Arctic Monkeys live, multiple times! Make sure to tune in to hear all her cracking stories and top tips on how to have the best time at a live gig.
"Join me every Friday and Saturday at 9 pm for the 'Pop Rock Party', to celebrate the power of pop rock and get hyped up for the weekend with unforgettable tracks and stories that make the music come alive!”
Tune in to Nikola Hughes' "Pop Rock Party" and rock your weekends with the host who knows how to turn every track into a musical adventure!
Ian Shipley is the calm yet captivating voice guiding your weekend nights every Saturday and Sunday from 10 PM to midnight on The Late Wave, and every Sunday at 10:30 PM on The Next Big Thing, where he uncovers the freshest talent one track at a time. His smooth delivery and laid-back style make late nights feel like a cosy chat with an old friend — except this friend knows an awful lot about music.
Ian has a peculiar bedtime habit: before every show, he insists on wearing his “lucky” headphones — a vintage pair he found in a charity shop. Legend says they once belonged to a roadie from a famous 80s band, but Ian’s not sure which one. Either way, he swears they bring him good vibes and the occasional musical inspiration.
Ian is a master at sharing quirky stories — sometimes from his own on-air adventures. Like the time during a live interview, Ian’s microphone unexpectedly cut out just as his guest was about to reveal their “big secret.” Thinking fast, Ian improvised by miming questions and reactions, turning a technical glitch into an impromptu comedy sketch that had listeners chuckling long after the show ended. Moments like these prove that with Ian, the unexpected only adds to the fun.
Ian’s style is straightforward — no gimmicks, just genuine enthusiasm. His voice effortlessly flows between songs, with smooth transitions and just the right amount of chat to keep you hooked. He’s been known to deliver a perfectly timed smile through the microphone, even if you can’t see it.
If you ask Ian for his go-to tune to set the mood for the night, he’ll pick “Someone Somewhere in Summertime” by Simple Minds — a timeless classic that captures the quiet beauty of late evenings.
“Stay curious, stay chill, and let the music take you on a journey. I’ll be here every weekend, sharing great songs and the stories behind them, making your nights just a bit more memorable.”
Tune in to Ian Shipley’s The Late Wave and The Next Big Thing — your perfect soundtrack for weekend nights.
Peter Kirkpatrick isn’t just a man with a love for music – he’s a walking encyclopaedia of rock. Every Saturday at 10am, he invites you to slip behind the velvet curtain with The Backstage Pass, where chart-toppers, anthems, and cult classics all reveal their secret pasts.
While the world sees flashing lights and roaring crowds, Peter prefers the quiet hum of the studio. He’s the man in the corner with a notebook, the one who hears the unfiltered truth – from backstage tantrums to breakthrough takes – and brings them to life on air.
Peter has a gift: artists talk to him. Maybe it’s the coffee he makes, maybe it’s his uncanny ability to recall B-sides from 1973. But somehow, he gets them to open up – and what they reveal becomes pure radio gold.
His record collection is the stuff of legend – so vast it might need its own postcode sector. From rare pressings to signed sleeves, he’s probably got the demo version you didn’t know existed.
His ultimate anthem? Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple. Not just for the riff (although, yes, it’s iconic), but for the story – a casino fire, a mobile studio, and a band capturing chaos on tape. Classic Kirkpatrick material.
Rumour has it Peter once spent three days in a tour van with a now-legendary punk band, just to find out who really wrote their biggest hit. He won’t name names. But he will play the track with a knowing grin.
“Every song has a story. Some just need the right ears to listen.”
Before the coffee kicks in, Mark Hanbidge is already up with the music news. Catch his quick, clear updates every weekend — helping you sound informed before your first sip.
Forget coffee - Mark runs on curiosity and a killer playlist. From fresh artist drops to unexpected tour announcements, he’s your go-to for all the latest in music, pop culture, and entertainment news — squeezed between the songs you love. If it’s trending, touring, or topping the charts, you’ll hear it here first.
Mark launched his first radio station as a teenager in his bedroom. Since then, he’s presented on commercial and digital stations across Europe,and produced shows for award- winning stations. From building radio brands to leading volunteer teams, he's all about radio that connects.
“Zombie” by The Cranberries — It’s more than just a song for Mark, it’s an unofficial anthem. Hearing it echo through stadiums at Irish rugby matches gives him chills every time, capturing a powerful sense of national pride and identity.
“Classical music. It just helps me wind down after a long day. It helps me focus, reset, and just enjoy the moment. I first started listening to it when I was studying for my exams, but now it’s a daily ritual.”
Mark was once stopped by his local librarian who recognised his voice from the radio while he was renting a book. For a brief moment — nestled between fiction and non-fiction — Mark felt like a national treasure.
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