S Poddar
Legendary DJ Tony Blackburn saved the day on Tuesday, September 3, when he unexpectedly stepped in to fill a radio slot at Royal Preston Hospital. He brought a touch of stardom to the hospital airwaves and brightened the days of patients and staff alike.
It started at 7.30-8.30 am when Richie Anderson appeared on Royal Preston Hospital Radio. He informed the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Scott Mills that the hospital needed a volunteer to cover an afternoon radio show. An opportunity was obtained by Scott Mills, who then contacted his fellow presenters to see if anyone would volunteer for this task. Comedic calls were placed to Sara Cox, Jo Whiley, OJ Borg, Gary Davies, and DJ Spoony, all calling in with various silly reasons they couldn’t be there. Another popular reason given was by Trevor Nelson, claiming he can’t make it because he had to take care of his fish, his “Scott Gills.”.
It wasn’t until the popular “Sounds of the 60s” and “The Golden Hour” DJ of Radio 2, Tony Blackburn, eventually took the bait. With his emergence, he took over at 2-4 PM to spin song requests for the patients of the hospital.
Speaking to Scott Mills about this opportunity that has come out of the blue, Blackburn said: “Yes, I can do it. I’ve never done hospital radio in my life before but I’m looking forward to it. I was in hospital last year and after what they did with me, this is the least I can do-a bit of payback!”
The following is a light-hearted interchange in which Blackburn says, “By the way, Scott, I haven’t heard all the show this morning, but I’m not the last person you rang up, am I? I mean, other people haven’t just turned it down, have they? I’m not your last port of call?”
Mills replied cheekily, “No! Honestly, you’re the first person I’ve called.
Black-burn, relieved replied: “Oh well, that’s great then. That makes it even more wonderful for me as well, that I was the first person you came to. That’s great. I’m looking forward to it very much indeed.”.
After the radio show was over, Blackburn reflected on his feelings about his experience: “I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do and know how much hospital radio means to the patients and their families, so it was my absolute pleasure to present a show on Royal Preston Hospital Radio.”. It was an honour to read out their messages and play the songs that would brighten their day, especially ahead of Radio 2 in the Park this weekend.”
Silas Nicholls, chief executive of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said, “The Hospital Radio volunteers at Royal Preston Hospital provide a fantastic service, lifting the spirits of patients, families, and staff. It was fantastic to welcome Richie Anderson and the legend that is Tony Blackburn. To have them come in and help present our shows has been a wonderful surprise for everyone, ahead of what promises to be a fantastic weekend for BBC Radio 2 here in Preston.
But the fun doesn’t stop there-as on Friday, September 6, Radio 2 in the Park will kick off at Moor Park in Preston with a pre-party running from 5-11 PM. The event will see Radio 2 presenters playing their favourite songs in front of 5,000 people. Sting will headline the festival on the Saturday night, while the Pet Shop Boys will headline the Sunday night. The headline performances are shown on BBC Two: Sting’s set is broadcast at 10.15 PM on Saturday, and the Pet Shop Boys are at 10 PM on Sunday.
In addition to the live performances, Radio 2 presenters will also broadcast from an on-site studio at Moor Park. Shows and sets will be streamed live and on-demand on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer across the weekend and for 30 days after the end of the event. A small number of tickets are still available for Friday night – September 6 – and Sunday, September 8, for Radio 2 in the Park.
