Community radio station exceeds expectations and plans Leamington expansion on sixth-month anniversary

A charity-led community radio station is celebrating huge success as it marks its first six months on air with a series of new announcements.

Vibe25 Radio, from next month, is adding the latest multiplex to its broadcasting reach locally, incorporating new areas across the counties of Warwickshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Towns included are: Loughborough, Rugby, Daventry, Banbury, Bicester, Warwick, Leamington, Nuneaton, Hinckley, Lincoln, Newark, Burton on Trent, Lichfield, Stafford, Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Whitchurch, Market Drayton, Wem, Ellesmere, Newport, Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock.

This is in addition to the current potential 600,000k DAB listenership and 12,000 listeners known to be tuning in internationally via online or apps every month.

The station, which launched in Hampton in Arden in February by husband and wife team Kerry Martin and 'Shoresy,' is rapidly emerging as one of the Midlands' most exciting and community-driven broadcast platforms, with a team of more than 30 volunteer presenters from across the area, including Warwickshire. These include TikTok personality Bucket Hot Mom and music icon Chicane – a.k.a Nick Bracegirdle, who also joined as patron in June.

The legendary electronic music producer, songwriter and internationally acclaimed artist is known worldwide for timeless productions such as Saltwater and Offshore, and a catalogue of iconic dance and chillout releases spanning more than three decades.

One presenter Becky Nichol, from Chelmsley Wood, has even shown her commitment to the station by joining Shoresy in having Vibe25 inked on her arm.

She said: "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."

Vibe25's strong reputation has also led to collaborations with major national events and organisations, the roving broadcast team attending, among others, Boardmasters, Y Not Festival and Sausage & Cider Festival. Members of the team will also soon be taking over the Tutankhamun Exhibition in Birmingham for a special project which also involves the station's sister charity Smiling Families.

Smiling Families was founded by Paul ('Shoresy') and Kerry after Kerry experienced a life-threatening illness following the traumatic birth of their son, Owen, leading to ongoing health challenges. Alongside events, the charity offers support networks that foster friendship, understanding and shared experience.

The pair's vision for the radio station was that it would help provide another voice and creative outlet for individuals and families facing serious illness, disability, and life-changing challenges.

Kerry said: "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.

"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."

The station, which launched in February, is rapidly emerging as one of the Midlands' most exciting and community-driven broadcast platforms, blending music, creativity, and social impact to create a unique listening experience.

Broadcasting across multiple platforms, and using the latest state-of-the-art technology, Vibe25 Radio offers a diverse schedule of shows spanning everything from 80s classics and drive-time hits to dance, trance, and specialist programming, delivered by a passionate team.

It has rapidly grown into a platform reaching thousands of listeners online, through apps, Alexa and, now, on DAB to south Birmingham audiences. It will soon also be heard in the north of the city.