Manchester’s imposing Cathedral is the unlikely setting for a ‘pop-up’ DAB digital radio station this Christmas. MCR - Manchester Cathedral Radio will broadcast a unique blend of Christmas songs and features from 9:00am on Thursday 1 December through until 6:00pm on Thursday 5 January.
MCR - Manchester Cathedral Radio is the brainchild of Manchester Radio pioneer Mike Shaft who has a long association with the Cathedral. “It never fails to amaze me how radio stations dig out the same tired old Christmas songs year-in year-out”, says Mike. “MCR will be different, with a far wider repertoire of music ranging from traditional carols to popular Christmas classics performed by artists such as Chris Rea, The Carpenters and Elton John. There will also be plenty of Gospel music, old and new”.
The station will be providing listeners with an insight into the various events taking place at the Cathedral in the run up to Christmas. There will also be a range of features and interviews with key members of Greater Manchester’s Christian community.
Dean of Manchester, The Very Reverend Rogers Govender, said: “Manchester Cathedral is fully embracing the communications revolution of the 21st Century. We want to remove all walls and barriers of a church which can date its origins back to the 11th Century. People across the city, across all communities and even the country will be able to hear our inclusive message and share in our glorious celebrations at this special time in the Christian calendar. Radio and the Internet are powerful ways to communicate with people of all faiths or none and MCR - Manchester Cathedral Radio will offer a truly unique soundtrack to Christmas”.
MCR - Manchester Cathedral Radio will broadcast across central Manchester on DAB+ digital radio and will also be available online via the Tune-in app.