A programme made by Bedford Radio to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in the borough has been nominated as a finalist in the 2025 Community Radio Awards.
The awards are a national celebration of excellence in community broadcasting, and the nomination is in the Specialist Content category.
Historic Bedford: VE Day 80 was broadcast back in May on Bedford Radio across Bedford Borough and included archive recordings of people who witnessed VE Day celebrations in Bedford, as well as eyewitness testimony read by volunteers from The Place Theatre.
The original archive recordings were provided by the Higgins Bedford as part of its BBC People’s War project, and the music used throughout the programme were pieces that were heard on the BBC Home Service on VE Day itself.
Show producer and presenter John Kell said: “The programme was a true community effort, and only possible because so many people contributed.
“I’d like to thank once again the volunteers at Bedford Radio and The Place Theatre who recorded readings, and the Higgins Bedford for their support.
“Like many people in Bedford, I’ve long known that the town played a significant role in the war, and had read about the epic celebrations on VE Day.
“The 80th anniversary was the perfect opportunity to tell those stories and bring them to a new audience. And where better to do it than on Bedford’s local radio station?”
The Community Radio Awards ceremony, now in its 10th year, will take place in Bradford on Saturday, 25 October, following the UK Community Radio Network Conference.
Director of the Awards, Maxine Jones, said: “The awards are a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact community radio has across the UK. Being nominated is a huge achievement in itself.
“The Station, its presenters and volunteers should be so proud of all that they do for their community, and for this nomination and the recognition for all their hard work.”
Bedford Radio is Bedford’s local radio station serving all of Bedford Borough with local presenters, local guests, local artists, and coverage of local events and activities.
The show Historic Bedford: VE Day 80 is still available to listen again on the station’s website here.
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