Radio M29 is a community station celebrating its second birthday this year that shares great music, local events, news, and sports updates. Recently, connecting with presenter Joe Graham at the Early Doors Club allowed me to discover this gem in the heart of Tyldesley. Today I popped down to the radio and met with the team to see the station’s inner workings. I was kindly given a guided tour by Joe.

As with all great success stories, Radio M29 was born in a local cafe in Tyldesley when a group of friends realised there was an opportunity for a broadcast that focused on local issues, celebrated community members, and connected people through the love of music. Since its inception in 2022, the station has aired over 1,000 episodes and reaches around 6,000 listeners a month. This shows there is a demand for a station whose heart beats for the community, connecting with local people.

I met with local presenters Bevan Thompson and Maddi McKay, who host the radio’s morning show, ‘The Breakfast Buffet.’ The breakfast buddies broadcast their usual mix of bangers and banter every Saturday morning. Listening to the show, I love the crazy, sometimes nonsensical, and always wholesome exchanges between Bevan and Madi. Whether you’re having a hectic day or just looking for a soundtrack to your Saturday morning, this show is bound to make you smile! Fun fact: I am listening to their show while writing this post. You don’t have to tune in on Saturdays if you can’t; the show is available for you to catch on M29’s Rewind on Mixcloud!

Joe’s show ‘Curveball’ promotes local and new bands, playing a range of music from funk, electronica, leftfield pop, and many others. As an avid gig-goer, I can personally attest to Joe’s passion for music, having run into him at Early Doors Club gigs and events at The Snug. Joe is a true music lover, constantly showing his support for new and local talent. I love Joe’s show (look at me rhyming) because it allows people to discover new artists and become fans of genres they might never have encountered otherwise. I recently listened to Joe’s interview with local singer and songwriter Noel Fraser, which I found entertaining and informative, allowing me to learn more about a local artist. Joe is a wonderful person who truly supports his community, a quality that is rare these days.

With sponsorship from the National Lottery, Historic England, and Wigan Council, it’s clear that the station is growing and connecting with a wide range of organisations, aiming to increase its presence within the community. The radio station is also planning to attain its DAB license, which would allow people to listen to the station from their cars and home radios. M29 is a station that heartbeats for Tyldesley and surrounding areas. I think now more than ever, it is important to support a station that does so much for its community. If you would like to check out the station (please do; I promise you won’t regret it! ), please follow the links below by clicking on the buttons. I have linked the station’s social media as well as their website and Mixcloud link.

Radio M29’s Facebook

Radio M29’s Instagram

Radio M29’s Rewind on Mixcloud

RadioM29’s Website