Kenilworth is set to play its part in the 2021 City of Culture celebrations as Radio Abbey will take over the airwaves at BBC Coventry and Warwickshire later this year.

Radio Abbey will be one of eight stations preparing its own one hour show to be played on 8 August by the BBC in a 'Community Radio Festival' supported by the Voluntary Arts 'Up For Arts' model,

Kenilworth's show will include local musicians, poetry, a focus on how Kenilworth charities and community groups responded to Covid-19 and even a short radio play.

Also involved are Arawak Radio, Coventry Hospital Radio, Hillz FM, Radio Panj, Radio Plus, RAW Student Radio and Vanny FM.

The show will be broadcast live and then be available for later listening on BBC Sounds.

As well as being able to listen to the broadcast, there will be opportunities on the day to attend live sessions from some of Coventry's best-loved local artists, and the chance to discover some new talent too.

This line-up will be chosen by the eight community stations, helping to show off the best of Coventry's talent.

As well as being given the chance to showcase their talents, Radio Abbey presenters have been offered BBC training in radio and presenting skills through the next few months.

Holly Hewitt centre manager at the Kenilworth Centre, the home of Radio Abbey, said: "Our team of volunteer presenters are so professional, talented and committed. It fills me with pride to be part of this project every time I tune in.

"It's fantastic that they and the other community stations are getting to share what they do with an even bigger audience via BBC radio.

"We are always open to people in the town interested in getting involved in Radio Abbey in a technical or presenting capacity. The station has grown from two to 17 presenters in the last few years and the listening figures along with it. We now have 40 countries tuning in regularly.

"Radio Abbey is one of The Kenilworth Centre's projects supported by fundraising as donations as we are a charity. The Round Table has given up donations in the past as we provide the 'MCing' and music at the fireworks each year and this allows us to run and keep equipment up to date."

Looking for more Kenilworth events? Then check out our What's On section here.

Find out more about the radio takeover here.