Vibe25 Radio, a charity-led community radio station based in Hampton in Arden, is celebrating six months on air and announcing plans to expand into Leicestershire. The station, which launched in February, will add a new DAB multiplex next month, extending its reach to listeners across eight counties, including Warwickshire, Staffordshire, and Lincolnshire.
Station founders and early success
The station was founded by husband-and-wife team Kerry Martin and Paul 'Shoresy' Martin. It features a team of more than 30 volunteer presenters, including TikTok star Bucket Hot Mom and dance music producer Chicane. Chicane, known for hits like Saltwater and Offshore during his 30-year career, joined as patron in June. The station offers a mix of shows, from 80s classics to dance music, broadcast across DAB, apps, and smart speakers.
Presenter Becky Nichol showed her commitment by getting a Vibe25 tattoo. She explained: "The tattoo felt meaningful to me after the great feeling Vibe has given me since joining back in April. Being a presenter has given me confidence, helped my mental health and a great sense of belonging and given me back my identity again after a difficult time."
Partnerships and community impact
The station has already partnered with national events like Boardmasters, Y Not Festival, and the Sausage & Cider Festival. Presenters will also record a special broadcast at the Tutankhamun Exhibition in Birmingham alongside sister charity Smiling Families.
Paul and Kerry created Smiling Families after Kerry suffered a life-threatening illness following the birth of their son, Owen. They built the radio station to give a creative voice to people living with serious illness, disability, and major life challenges.
Kerry added: "One of the achievements we're most proud of is the community impact. In only six months, more than 32 charities, support organisations and community groups have been welcomed onto Vibe25 and given access to the platform to raise awareness and reach new audiences."
Future plans and how to get involved
This is the story of how a relatively new, volunteer-powered station has grown quickly, attracted recognised names, begun working with major events and, crucially, created a platform that is already being used by more than 32 charities and community groups. People can find out more about the schedule online at vibe25radio.com. Anyone who wants to present their own show can email studio@vibe25radio.com.
