BBC Manchester's Austerity Christmas

Phil Trow Broadcasting from the Christmas Market.

The final two weeks of 2013 sees BBC Radio Manchester rap up its "Love We You Live" tour for the year.   Add that with the end of the Christie Campaign as all was set for another, al be it smaller, tour of a Markets in the Greater Manchester area.

The first week was spent in the city centre itself at the Christmas market that takes up Cross street, St Anne square and Exchange Square.

Parking up on Exchange Square we asked shoppers for Christmas dedications and even asked them to present the weather.

On each day a presenter came out to present his or her show live from the Christmas market.

BBC 6 Music's Mark Radcliffe
and Stuart Maconie

Becky Want was first out for her lunch show then Sam walker was next with her lunch time.  And the final weekday presenter Phil Trow came out for his drive show.


At the weekend we stayed in the same place to bring Becky Wants show on Saturday and then brothers in law, Jimmy and Eamonn, came out in the morning before the very popular Mike Sweeney rapped up the week on the Market. 

Over the week we talked to 100s of potential listeners and recorded nearly 50 request for BBC Radio Manchester.

The second week had a few days days "on the road" before heading back to the Christmas Market.  

After a day off the Bus tour headed to "Eden Square" in Urmston where Phil Trow headed out again.

Maxine Peake
being interviews by Phil Trow

On Wednesday Becky Want came back out, this time to "The Rock" in Bury and Thursday was Sam Walkers time to head back to the bus when she came out to the Market in Royton.

Due to technical reasons Sam had to head back to the studio during her show however we still met quite a few new listeners (hopefully).

The final day was the busiest of the lot.  BBC 6 Music's Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie came out to the Christmas Market to broadcast via the bus between 12 noon and 4pm.  At 3pm Phil Trow made his 3rd visit to the bus where he made a simulcast between 6 Music and Radio Manchester.  Not often 6 Music is on FM!

360 degree photo of the Urmston venue. (see if you can spot Justin Bones)

Also See  BBC Manchester's Love Where You Live Tour 2014
                 BBC Manchester at the FA Cup Final


listen to Phil Trows first hour of his first show from the Christmas Markets.

Also on my blog Turn Back Time

More at adrianchenery.co.uk