Soar Sound

Military History Live 2024

Welcome to another episode of Soar Sound! Today, we’re bringing you a special feature from the Military History Live event, held at the Adult Education Centre in Leicester. This engaging event provided a deep dive into the conflicts of the past 500 years, shedding light on how these events have shaped our world today. As we roamed the exhibits and engaged in conversations, we encountered a wide range of topics, from life on the frontline to the experiences of those on the home front. Highlights included the At Risk War Memorials Project, discussions on the Anglo-Sikh wars, and interactive exhibits like the “Museum in a Box” workshop. Participants had the chance to explore everything from Cold War memorabilia to the role of video games in understanding war and conflict. We spoke with passionate hobbyists, re-enactors, and experts who shared their knowledge and personal stories. Through these dialogues, we emphasized the importance of remembering sacrifice and service, and examined the profound effects of military occurrences on individuals and communities. Join us as we revisit these conversations, reflecting on the stories of courage and resilience that continue to resonate through history. Source [https://www.soarsound.uk/military-history-live-2024/]

Soar Sound at Riverside Festival 2024

The Leicester Riverside Festival [https://www.visitleicester.info/whats-on/riverside-festival-p704771], held on 1st and 2nd June 2024, celebrated its 25th anniversary with a vibrant array of activities that delighted both visitors and exhibitors. The event, which took place across Bede Park, Western Boulevard, Castle Gardens, the River Soar, and the De Montfort University campus, drew a significant crowd and garnered positive reactions from attendees. Visitors praised the festival for its diverse offerings, which included colourful boat displays, dragon boat racing, live music, street food, and craft stalls. Many enjoyed the new additions this year, such as the outdoor cinema showcasing local creative content and the Heritage Hotspots, which provided insights into the historical transformation of the River Soar area. Families particularly appreciated the wide range of children’s activities, from arts and crafts to outdoor theatre and a funfair. Exhibitors also reported positive feedback, noting the high footfall and engagement from the public. The market stalls featuring local, hand-crafted goods were a hit, and the Art on the River exhibit, displaying local artists’ works, received commendable attention. Food vendors and craft ale stalls enjoyed brisk business, with many visitors highlighting the quality and variety of offerings available The Leicester Riverside Festival 2024 provided an exceptional opportunity for Soar Sound community radio volunteers to engage directly with their audience. Broadcasting live from the festival, Soar Sound featured interviews with attendees and regular programme presenters such as Michael Watson, Mandy Nuttall, Alex Samson, David ‘Gingar’ Brown, Chris Higgs, and Johnny Kershaw. This live interaction enabled the volunteers to gain invaluable insights into the tastes and interests of their listeners, fostering a stronger connection with the community and enhancing the station’s ability to cater to local preferences and needs. The vibrant festival atmosphere and diverse activities offered a perfect backdrop for this immersive experience, highlighting the importance of community engagement in community radio broadcasting. The Leicester Riverside Festival 2024 was a significant occasion for Soar Sound community radio volunteers, providing them with a unique platform to enhance their skills in presentation, community reporting, and event organisation. Broadcasting live from the festival, volunteers had the opportunity to engage directly with festival goers and present their shows in a dynamic, real-world environment. This hands-on experience allowed them to refine their presentation techniques, improve their ability to report on community events, and gain practical knowledge in organising and managing live broadcasts. Additionally, the volunteers benefitted from full access to the festival’s diverse activities and vibrant atmosphere, which enriched their content and deepened their connection with the audience. This immersive experience was invaluable in developing their professional capabilities and strengthening Soar Sound’s role in the local community. Source [https://www.soarsound.uk/soar-sound-at-riverside-festival-2024/]

Celebrating Leicester’s Rich History at the Saturday Heritage Fair

On a bright and lively Saturday, we gathered to celebrate its diverse cultural heritage of Leicester at the Saturday Heritage Fair [https://doc-media-centre.org/2024/03/13/saturday-heritage-fair/], hosted by the Doc Media Centre. David ‘Gingr’ Brown, our dedicated community reporter, was on the scene, capturing the vibrant essence of the event for Soar Sound radio. Held in the heart of Leicester, the Heritage Fair brought together an array of heritage groups and organisations, each showcasing the unique history and cultural fabric that makes our city so special. From local history enthusiasts to cultural preservation societies, the fair was a testament to the rich tapestry of Leicester’s past and present. David, with his characteristic enthusiasm and keen interest in community stories, spoke with numerous exhibitors and attendees. His conversations were as diverse as the fair itself, offering a glimpse into the many stories that constitute Leicester’s heritage. The Saturday Heritage Fair was not just about looking back; it was a celebration of living heritage. David spoke with younger generations who are actively involved in preserving and promoting their cultural backgrounds. This intergenerational dialogue underscored the dynamic nature of heritage, ever-evolving and continuously enriched by new voices. David’s stories from the Saturday Heritage Fair highlight the importance of such events in fostering a sense of community and belonging. By bringing together diverse groups and organisations, the fair not only celebrated Leicester’s rich cultural history but also promoted mutual respect and understanding among its residents. The success of the event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the organisers and participants. It serves as an inspiring example of how community-driven initiatives can create meaningful connections and strengthen the social fabric of our city. As we reflect on the stories shared and the connections made, we look forward to future events that continue to celebrate and preserve the diverse heritage that makes Leicester so unique. At Soar Sound, we are proud to be part of this vibrant community, and we remain committed to amplifying the voices and stories that enrich our shared cultural landscape. Source [https://www.soarsound.uk/celebrating-leicesters-rich-history-at-the-saturday-heritage-fair/]

Soar Sound Volunteers Reflections

On 10th March 2024, volunteers for Soar Sound, a new community radio station for Leicester and Leicestershire, convened to share their motivations for joining the initiative. This gathering illuminated the diverse reasons individuals are drawn to contribute to community media, reflecting a broad spectrum of aspirations and perspectives. David, initially hesitant, later articulated a desire to be part of something new, seeking to contribute his experience and learn in the process. His enthusiasm for local radio underscores a commitment to bringing the community together through shared experiences. Sandhya expressed a wish to use the platform to address significant topics, such as mental health, highlighting the potential for community radio to serve as a medium for important discussions that impact the community. Sam, humorously noting his ownership of a fish and chip shop, jestingly suggested that even the finest fish and chips have a place in community radio, perhaps underlining the station’s inclusive nature. Pete Degnan praised Soar Sound for its new concept and potential for communication, emphasising the importance of variety, music, and professionalism in the station’s offerings. John Coster articulated a vision for the station as a community pillar that serves both its volunteers and the broader community. He stressed the importance of inclusiveness, representation, and reflecting community values through music and news. Johnny highlighted his four years of commitment to community radio, believing in its potential as a great addition to the community. Niko simply stated his belief that the station would be good for the community, capturing the sentiment that involvement in such initiatives is inherently positive. Clifford humorously admitted to being in the wrong place but acknowledged the rightness of participating in community endeavours. Ian ‘Sumo’ Green added a light-hearted note, looking forward to the station as an “exciting new attraction” and jokingly offering to bring doughnuts to the mix. Lastly, Rob shared his view of volunteering as “unfinished business,” appreciating community radio for the opportunity it provides to engage with others who share similar interests. He noted the refreshing nature of the station’s content, which contrasts with his recent experiences with other radio offerings, though he expressed a desire for content more relevant to the UK context. Mike, representing the collective voice of the volunteers, underscored the gap Soar Sound aims to fill in Leicester’s media landscape. He lamented the networked nature of contemporary broadcasting that has left local content behind, highlighting the community’s need for a locally focused station. This assembly of volunteers, each with their own unique reasons for joining, demonstrates the multifaceted appeal of community radio. It not only serves as a platform for broadcasting diverse content but also as a means for individual and collective expression, community engagement, and the fostering of local talent and discussions. Soar Sound, through its volunteers’ motivations, encapsulates the essence of community media: to enrich, represent, and unite the community it serves. Source [https://www.soarsound.uk/soar-sound-volunteers-reflections/]