Celebrating Over 30 Years of Ipswich Community Radio

Celebrating Over 30 Years of Ipswich Community Radio: The Beating Heart of Our Community

This year, Ipswich Community Radio (ICR) is proudly celebrating over 30 years on the airwaves — a mighty milestone for the UK’s longest-running community radio station. Since our very first broadcast from Christchurch Park in Ipswich, we’ve been connecting, entertaining, and amplifying local voices across a 10-mile radius on 105.7 FM. That’s three decades of music, memories, and meaningful conversations.

But we’re not stopping there — we’re turning the volume up!

Thanks to a recent partnership with Ipswich Hospital Radio, we’ve now expanded our reach with a brand-new transmitter atop Ipswich Hospital. Not only does this collaboration bring our sound to more listeners, but it also means you’ll catch some brilliant joint broadcasts from Hospital Radio hosts. It’s community spirit in full stereo.

A Show for Every Taste

ICR is proudly Daring, Diverse and Different — and our programming proves it. Whether you’re into soul, punk, vinyl treasures or community stories, there’s something on our airwaves for you.  Take a midweek time-travel on “Preloved Chica Time Capsule” every Wednesday at 1 PM, where guests share their four favourite tracks and the stories behind them — a musical deep dive into memories and moments. Or roll into Monday nights with Jayasarule’s “Unapologetically Spontaneous”, spinning random vinyl gems from rock to opera — no rules, just vibes. Feeling nostalgic for the Mod scene? Tune in to Trevor Shave’s “It’s a Mod Life Crisis” for Northern Soul bangers and clean-cut classics. And if soul is more your rhythm, Nick Kabay’s “Soul Stepping” will have you grooving every time.  Early riser? Our daily breakfast shows are packed with personality — especially with local legend Graham Blackburn, who also hosts the ever-popular “Naked Football” show for die-hard Ipswich Town fans.

Your Station, Your Voice

ICR isn’t just about listening — it’s about participating. Whether you’re a lifelong radio geek or just curious about what happens behind the mic, we welcome anyone with an interest in broadcasting. We offer hands-on training and mentorship so you can develop real radio skills and maybe even host your own show.
We’re not just a station — we’re a community, a family, and a creative space where diverse voices are not only welcomed but celebrated.

Stay Tuned — and Get Involved

If you’re in Ipswich, tune in to 105.7 FM to catch the real sound of your community. Not local? No problem — listen live anywhere in the world via www.icrfm.com or through your preferred radio app. Missed a show? You’ll find past episodes on our Mixcloud channel, perfect for listening at your own pace.

Help Keep Us On Air

Running a community station isn’t cheap. We rely on membership fees and good old-fashioned fundraising — including our lively quiz nights at The Manor Club. If you love what we do and want to keep ICR thriving for another 30 years, consider clicking the Donate button on our website.
So here’s to 30 years of community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a listener, a presenter, or just radio-curious — ICR is your station. Let’s keep making noise together.

Article submitted to Ipswich.love by ICR Director Elene Marsden

Photos:

• Omid Djalili on the Preloved Chica Time Capsule Show
• Andys Eclectic Rock Show
• Steve Mann Blue Sunflower Show, longest serving radio broadcaster
• Izzy Lane, ICR Breakfast Show Co-Host

Who wrote this about Ipswich?

Sam Sherman

Sam is a Co-Founder of Ipswich.love. Passionate about Ipswich, Sam looks to see how we might jointly reverse some of the recent negativity and bring some deserved positivity back to our beloved Town.