LOCAL radio station Gateway 97.8 has launched a special History of Local Radio broadcasting festival this summer, running from 31st July until 27th August.

The festival's aim is to look at the history of community radio from the early days of 'Radio Basildon' that broadcast via Rediffusion cable throughout the town, and to the present day where 'Gateway 97.8' now entertains the local community via its FM radio frequency, while being educational and informative. 

The BBC began its main service in 1922, whilst the regional station BBC Essex, launched in November 1986, still serves the county today. The festival also aims to educate as to how disc jockeys and the presenters from the 1950s and 1960s, broadcast using then state-of-the-art analogue equipment long before computers took over the role.

It is a working museum where everything functions. All members of the public, including children, are welcome to try their hand at being a DJ while using the retro equipment. The site has disabled access.  

Anyone with a love of history can enjoy the experience of producing their own radio show for broadcast.

Community station Gateway 97.8, Basildon Hospital Radio - BHR 87.7, and Internet station Krystal Radio, will broadcast from the Green Centre at Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea. Times: 10am until 3pm, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

Some of the highlights include the Conservative MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Stephen Metcalfe, who will officially open the festival, and the Mayor of Basildon, Cllr Luke Mackenzie, will visit on Saturday, 5 August. 

Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt, who are currently hosting 'The Steve and Ian Show' on BBC Essex, will guest on Wednesday 16 August on a special 'retro' afternoon show on Gateway 97.8 hosted by Danny Lawrence using analogue broadcasting equipment.  

On 26 August the festival closes, but not before former BBC 'Top of the Pops' and 'Radio One' presenter 'Diddy' David Hamilton makes a guest appearance in the afternoon.

This project is supported and funded by Gateway 97.8 and the Lottery Heritage Fund. The organisers are Steven King, John Taylor, Danny Lawrence and Ros Connors.

Festival timetable - open 10am - 3pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

• Monday 31st July - Stephen Metcalfe MP, 11am visit.
• Wednesday 2nd August - 6pm (Krystal Radio) LIVE BROADCAST!!
• Saturday 5th August - Luke Mackenzie, Mayor of Basildon, 10am visit.
• Saturday 5th August - Basildon Hospital Radio (BHR 87.7) 9am - 12 noon LIVE FROM THE FESTIVAL!!
• Wednesday 9th August - The Next Chosen Generation, Yetunde Adeshile, visits with children.
• Saturday 12th August - Gateway Radio Club visit 10am - 12 noon with links broadcast LIVE FROM THE FESTIVAL!!
• Wednesday 16th August - Danny Lawrence hosts a Festival Special with Steve Scruton and Ian Wyatt (Gateway 97.8) 1pm - 3pm LIVE BROADCAST!!
• Saturday 26th August - Festival ends with a visit from 'Diddy' David Hamilton.