Soar Sound at St George’s Day Festival
On 20th April, Soar Sound attended the St George’s Day Festival in the historic heart of Leicester, an event that celebrates the city’s culture and the story of EnglandÔÇÖs patron saint. The festival is a local tradition, featuring a variety of stalls, performances, and activities that reflect the communityÔÇÖs rich heritage.
Soar Sound, known for its community focus, was there to ensure that the festival reached a wider audience. The team, which included volunteers and presenters such as Sam, Richard, Ginger, and Michael, set up their equipment to broadcast live from the Guildhall. Their goal was simple: to share the day’s events with those who couldnÔÇÖt attend in person, and to capture the essence of the celebration for all listeners.
In this blog post, weÔÇÖll look at why Soar SoundÔÇÖs involvement in the festival was important, who took part, and how the station managed to deliver a live experience from one of LeicesterÔÇÖs most notable landmarks. Join us as we detail the day’s activities and Soar Sound’s role in bringing the St George’s Day Festival to life for the community, both at the event and on the airwaves.
Listen to Helen Pettman’s Soundwalk Here.
Volunteering with Soar Sound at public events and festivals, such as the St George’s Day Festival in Leicester, presents a unique set of advantages for the individuals involved. These occasions provide volunteers with the opportunity to solidify existing friendships within the team, as working closely on broadcasts and interviews fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Furthermore, such events are perfect avenues for meeting new people from various walks of life, broadening volunteers’ social networks and enhancing their interpersonal skills. Engaging with stallholders, performers, and festival-goers allows volunteers to hear new stories and perspectives, enriching their understanding of the community they serve.
Attending these public gatherings also serves as an educational experience, especially in a city as culturally varied as Leicester. Volunteers gain firsthand insights into the local cultural heritage and activities, deepening their appreciation of the cityÔÇÖs rich diversity. This knowledge is not only personally rewarding but also enhances the quality and depth of the content they produce for Soar Sound, ultimately benefiting the broader audience.
In essence, participation in such events can be immensely beneficial for Soar Sound volunteers, contributing to their personal growth, social network expansion, and a greater understanding of the cultural tapestry of Leicester.
The presence of Soar Sound at the St George’s Day festival provided significant benefits for a diverse range of listeners. For those who were unaware of the festival’s occurrences, the radio coverage served as an informative portal, introducing them to an important cultural event within their community that they might otherwise have missed.
Listeners who were unable to attend the festival due to work commitments, family responsibilities, or personal circumstances such as living alone, found a companion in Soar Sound’s broadcasts. The station brought the festival into their homes, cars, and personal spaces, transforming radio waves into a conduit of live experience. This outreach is especially meaningful for individuals who may find the journey to Leicester City Centre challenging; Soar Sound ensured that the distance did not translate into exclusion from the local festivities.
Radio has a unique ability to go the ‘last mile’, creating an intimate and immediate experience for each listener. Through vivid descriptions, interviews, and live reactions, radio turns a listenerÔÇÖs environment into an extension of the festival grounds. Soar SoundÔÇÖs broadcast allowed everyone to participate vicariously, bringing the community together in a shared experience regardless of their physical location. This underlines the role of radio not just as a medium of entertainment, but as a powerful tool for inclusive community engagement.
