All the fun of the fair... on the air!

About Steam Fair FM

History

Steam Fair FM was co-founded by Chris Evans and Patrick Heeley in 2003.  Both shared a lifelong interest in broadcasting, and saw the potential for large shows such as the Great Dorset Steam Fair to have their “own” radio station, uniquely serving the event with show news and information, interviews, traffic, weather, and a full 24 hour entertainment service. 

Now in its ninth year of broadcasting, the station operates with the full support and approval at the show, but is independently owned and operated by Event Radio Associates, headed by co-founder Patrick Heeley.

Licenced to thrill!

Steam Fair FM broadcasts in the FM waveband on 87.9mhz from premises directly adjacent to the show field.  The station operates under a “Restricted Service Licence” (RSL) issued by Ofcom – the government appointed body which oversees all broadcasting and communications in the UK.  The fm signal can be received 6 – 10 miles from the showground, depending on the terrain and type of receiver used, and sometimes much further, on car radios. 

……..and on the internet

Since 2006, Steam Fair FM’s broadcast has also been available via the internet (click here), enabling visitors to “tune in” before or after their show visit….or indeed, if you are unable to get to the show physically.  The stream is available through all major players, including Windows Media, Winamp, and Real Player – and can also be connected through iphones, Black Berry, and other portable media.

Broadcast Period 2012

Steam Fair FM will be on air from midnight on Friday 24th August, non-stop until 3pm on Monday 3rd September.  That’s ten days, 24/7!

Funding

The station is entirely funded through advertising and sponsorship, and we are delighted that the main station sponsor in 2012 – for the 6th year – is Vintage Spirit Magazine.

The radio staff, comprising approximately ten persons, all work on a voluntary basis, and come from a variety of broadcasting backgrounds (see “presenters”).

Enjoy……!

Once again, we’ll aim to provide the “soundtrack” to this year’s Great Dorset, and to keep listeners both at the show, and listening at home via the internet, fully updated on happenings and events.

Music Policy

Capturing the nature of the Great Dorset Steam Fair as Britain’s “National Heritage Show”, Steam Fair FM is the “Home Of The Vintage Hits” – a unique FM oldies-based music policy focussed on the period 1955-1987, with an emphasis on the 60s and 70s.  It’s upbeat, fun, and all about good times and great memories!

Vintage Hits are defined as songs which are at least 25 years old (the same definition as for a Vintage tractor!)  We “add” an extra year with each broadcast (this year 1987!)

We also recognise the tremendous popularity of the bands who regularly perform at the Steam Fair, including The Wurzels, and Dr. Busker, who is often heard playing live in the Steam Fair FM studio!

The Great Beatles Bonanza

Each year we feature an hourly “spotlight”, and for 2011 we are celebrating fifty years since the Beatles first played in Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club, by bringing back this feature which first aired five years ago.

Listen out for all your fab four favourites on 87.9!

Station Format

Steam Fair FM’s format has proved extremely successful during the first eight years.  With music as its bedrock, it combines news about the show, interviews with exhibitors on the showground, “Vox Pops” with visitors and exhibitors, regular traffic reports, weather updates, and specialist reports from experts including Nick Williams (mechanical music), and Mark Gass-Brown (tractor pulling). The editor (or deputy editor) of leading heritage publication, Vintage Spirit, makes a daily report at 6pm on show days.

There are regular competitions on show days, with great prizes to be won, and on Friday evening there will be an hour with Martin Oliver, the show’s managing director, discussing the event, and reviewing listeners’ comments.

The format is sustained day and night, 24/7, without variation – so whenever you decide to tune in, you’ll get all the information you need, as well as hearing all the greatest oldies!