Piccadilly Radio archives to be preserved for future generations
A collection of reel-to-reel tapes are to be digitised thanks to a heritage grant
Last updated 3rd Sep 2024
An archive collection of reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes and mini disc recordings dating back to April 1974, when commercial radio started in Manchester, will for the first time be digitised for a new generation of radio enthusiasts and historians.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded Manchester Central Library the £99,000 grant to make the archive catalogues browsable for new audiences.
The lottery grant has been topped up with match funding from Manchester Libraries Trust and former staff who worked at Piccadilly Radio, which evolved into Key 103 and then what is today Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio.
Introductory podcasts with those who listened to and made the radio station famous will be made by journalism students from the University of Salford. Students will put their talents to work interviewing former Piccadilly Radio staff members, presenters and loyal listeners for a series of special podcast episodes that will put the importance of the archive into context.
Everyday access to the digitised archives will be made available on library access pods.
The grant for Manchester Central Library has been given because the safely stored tapes are now degrading and the reel-to-reel format is obsolete, which means it's even more important to save them in digital format for future generations.
John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, said:
“It is brilliant to see the precious archives we keep of Piccadilly Radio at Manchester Central Library be supported to move into the digital era of archiving.
“The radio station has played an important role in our broadcast media in the city, for former staff members and its many listeners over the years. I am proud to see this being rightly recognised and for the project to be collaborating with diverse people in our community and being made accessible for young and older audiences.
“Piccadilly Radio has been a cornerstone for many Mancunians and its work with one of our biggest libraries in the city will cement its impactful history for years to come.”
Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“Local radio holds a special place in the hearts of many people in the North of England, so it is fantastic news, that thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support the Manchester Central Library to ensure that its Piccadilly Radio collection is preserved for years to come. This investment will mean that more people can learn about our rich musical heritage, gain new skills in podcast production and cataloguing and hopefully inspire future broadcasters.”
Brendan O’Shea, Chair of Manchester Libraries Trust, said:
“Manchester Libraries Trust is delighted to have helped secure funding for the digitisation of Piccadilly Radio archives. Piccadilly Radio is an important part of the history of Manchester. Digitising the content will provide future generations with a vital insight into a time of significant social and economic change in Manchester.”
Tony Ingham, Former Producer of Piccadilly Radio, said:
“It was very important that the legacy of Piccadilly Radio be preserved. As someone that worked at the station for many years, it played a massive part of people’s everyday lives in the 70s and 80s and the fact that its cultural significance and magical memories will be accessible for them, and future generations is fantastic.
“I know that former colleagues who worked at the station are delighted and grateful to the Library and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for recognising the importance of the archive.”