Volunteers from Preston FM with Liverpool band Figures

A Preston community radio station has held a summer fundraiser.

Preston FM volunteers partied at Club Tonic on Sunday night to raise more than £100 for the station.

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Live bands, DJ sets and food were on the menu for volunteers to celebrate taking over the station after the plug was pulled on community arts group Prescap and full-time staff who used to run Preston FM.

Station manager Brian Ashman said: “”I see the Tonic event as a significant milestone for Preston FM volunteers, and for the Friends of Preston FM group in general.

“When the community radio licence was transferred to totally volunteer-run Preston FM Ltd in early 2012, that company inherited a pool of volunteers who were used to working within a service-user model; almost everything any volunteer did before the hand-over was organised and facilitated by Prescap’s six full-time staff.

“With nil start-up funding and not a single member of staff, what was always needed was a change in the culture of the organisation and a move towards individual volunteers taking on greater responsibility.

“And that’s what I see as the really significant milestone, marked by this event. While the event was a moderate financial success, more important is the evidence it provides that Preston FM volunteers are willing and able to take the initiative and organise themselves to make sure that their radio station continues, improves and thrives.

“It signals the beginnings of a change in the way volunteers perceive their role; shedding dependence and becoming much more active, self-motivated and collaborative contributors.”

The event was organised by the Friends of Preston FM group.

Among the bands performing were Liverpool group Figures.

Kev Walker from the group said: “Preston FM have been very supportive to our music, specifically in our previous band Tres with the OpenMicUK competition. This is why we wanted to support them in the fundraiser event. The event was very welcoming and professional.”

Volunteer Shaun Cairns who manned the BBQ all day said their wished to thank everyone who came along to attend and support.

Did you go to the event? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below