27/05/2025
Rockin' the North West!
97.4 Red Rose Rock FM !
Easily the north's best sounding radio station of the 1990s,
Red Rose Radio's FM station was totally polished.
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Red Rose Radio was the first Independent Local Radio (ILR) station licensed for Lancashire, originally launching on October 5, 1982. Broadcasting from unique studios inside the former St Paul's Church in Preston, it served audiences in Preston, Blackpool, Blackburn, and surrounding areas.
Early Years & Success (1982–1990)
Launched on October 5, 1982, with Dave Lincoln as the first presenter.
Initially broadcast on 97.3 FM and 999 AM (301 metres MW), playing a mix of music, news, and entertainment.
Quickly became one of the most popular stations in Lancashire, reportedly drawing in 60% of radio listeners in the area.
The Radio Marketing Bureau estimated the coverage included a population of 900,000 adults by 1985.
Frequency Split & Rebranding (1990–2000s)
In June 1990, Red Rose Radio followed the UK government's push to split AM and FM services:
Red Rose Rock FM (97.4 FM, now Rock FM) – Continued as a youth-oriented pop and hit music station.
Red Rose Gold (999 AM, now Greatest Hits Radio Lancashire) – Focused on classic hits and nostalgia programming.
Over the years, both stations underwent several name and network changes:
Red Rose Rock FM shortened to Rock FM and became part of the Bauer Hits Radio Network.
Red Rose Gold eventually transitioned into Greatest Hits Radio Lancashire, focusing on older audiences with classic hits.
Modern Evolution & Revival (2020s)
In 2022, the Red Rose Radio name was revived as a digital-only community station, broadcasting online and on DAB+ across Preston, Leyland, and Chorley.
The modern Red Rose Radio plays classic hits and maintains local personality-driven radio, contrasting nationalized formats.
Legacy
Red Rose Radio played a major role in shaping Lancashire's local radio scene, producing famous presenters and influencing stations across the UK.
Notable Presenters from its early years include Allan Beswick, Rob Charles, Derek Webster, and Sally Moon.
The station’s strong community engagement and listener loyalty have helped keep the Red Rose name alive in Lancashire radio today.
Now you can wear this iconic T shirt, in all sizes from Adult small to 5XL.
And if you'd like a matching mug, make this the ideal gift for a fan! Just use the drop down menu at checkout to add one of our fantastic standard size, dishwasher proof mugs to your order.
This is a top quality Heavy Cotton tee-shirt with hard-wearing, sharp vinyl print which will last and last. Postage is free and we aim to despatch within 48 hours of purchase, although larger sizes may take a little longer. Thanks for looking.
Condition: NEW
Neckline: Crew Neck
Fit: Regular Fit
Sleeve Type: Short Sleeve
Material: Cotton
Garment Care: Machine Washable
Recommendations: Wash at 40 degrees max, avoid tumble drying
Sizes available
Small 34 -36" Chest
Medium 38 -40" Chest
Large 42/44" Chest
XL 46/48" Chest
2XL 50/52" Chest
3XL 54/56" Chest
4XL 58/60" Chest
5XL 62/64" Chest
This is a brand new, top quality Gildan Heavy cotton unisex tee shirt product.
Postage is free, using Royal Mail tracked 48.
Red Rose Radio was the first Independent Local Radio (ILR) station licensed for Lancashire, originally launching on October 5, 1982. Broadcasting
