From broadcasting live from The Black Horse, memories of DJing at Tokyo Jo’s and the beauty of Avenham Park we caught up with some of the BBC Radio 2 DJs about their time in the city.

Saturday 7 September was the first full day of BBC Radio 2 in the Park at Moor Park in Preston and we spoke with Rylan, Jeremy Vine and Owain Wyn Evans about their experience.

Over 30,000 people descended on the park, coming from all-over the country to see the likes of Sting, Snow Patrol and the Sugababes perform in the venue.

Amongst the huge pop stars who soundtracked the day were popular Radio 2 DJs, who kicked off the event with a Pre-Party on Friday evening (6 September).

Read more: In pictures: Thousands of revellers enjoy Saturday at BBC Radio 2 in the Park Preston

Despite the park becoming a mud bath during Sunday’s downpours there were still large crowds determined to see the Manic Street Preachers, Delta Goodrem and Pet Shop Boys close the festival weekend.

On Saturday, the gang from Radio 2 introduced each artist onto the main stage, while also having their own set on the DJ stage at the other end of the park. From Tony Blackburn’s Wonder Years to Rylan’s Rybiza Anthems there was something for everyone.

With this being the first time in the city for most of the Radio 2 stars, Blog Preston caught up with the DJs to ask about what they thought of Preston.

Travelling to Preston by train, Scott Mills’ and Rylan Clark’s first impression of the city was its historical railway station.

Speaking about what he thought of Preston so far, Rylan said: “Preston’s been amazing. The park is incredible and the layout is great.

“The fans are amazing. The first time we did this was last year in Leicester so to be here in Preston and knowing what we’re all doing now, knowing what to expect, it’s just exceeded expectations.”

Read more: In pictures: Radio and music stars shine on stage during Saturday at BBC Radio 2 in the Park Preston

Kicking off his career on the X Factor, then going onto win Big Brother and now a Radio 2 DJ, Rylan has had a wide variety of experiences. He showcased his skills on Saturday, performing a duet on the main stage with his friend and neighbour, Pixie Lott.

“She rung me on Wednesday and she was like ‘you’re gonna come and sing with me’.

“We didn’t rehearse. I’ve been so busy and I’ve been on air here so a literally just did a quick change, put my ears in and I went on.”

With a few people in the crowd spotted with Rylan t-shirts and even cardboard cut-outs, the Radio 2 DJ thought it was ‘crazy’ that people had came to see him.

He said: “There’s so many amazing acts on the stage then there’s people with Rylan t-shirts and I’m like, ‘what’s going on?’

“I don’t get it, but I love it!”

Tokyo Jo’s nostalgia

Scott Mills, speaking on the Sunday afternoon, recalled his times DJing in the city through the years.

He said: “I’ve been to Preston a lot, both as a DJ but also when it was the Radio 1 Big Weekend.

“DJ wise then we’d always play at the nightclub Tokyo Jo’s and it sticks in my mind about that ‘free until you pee’ event.

“They used to put tin foil over the toilet doors? And yeah, it was free drinks until someone went to the toilet and broke through the foil. Mad. That wouldn’t happen now would it?”

Read more: See more nostalgia and Tokyo Jo’s news

Mills, who is currently covering the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show while Zoe Ball is off, was full of praise for those thousands of music fans who stuck it out on the Sunday.

He said: “It’s just the most amazing atmosphere. I’ve always been one to get out on the road and meet your audience, you need to see the whites of their eyes.

“Even though it’s some tough weather then it’s great to see everyone having such a fantastic time.

“And people are so friendly, and I know you might think we always say that, but it’s like another level of friendliness. And people are so apologetic about asking for a photo, I don’t know if that’s a very Preston thing, but everyone just keeps saying sorry – about the weather, about asking for a pic and it’s like ‘don’t worry about it!’ we’re all having a great time.”

Scott said the Radio 2 DJ tent has continued to be a huge draw for crowds and has grown bigger than last year in Leicester.

He said: “The main stage is obviously brilliant but I do feel there’s this real connection the listeners of Radio 2 have with the DJs and to be able to actually DJ live for them, in that cool space, it’s just so much fun.

“And it’s mad to think that back in 2007 we were in this same park for Radio 1. I remember the crowds being absolutely wild for that, and when Rianna played umbrella, and everyone got their umbrellas out – even though it was inside the tent – it was so funny. Just brilliant. Got to love Preston.”

Scott was saddened to hear of the Tokyo Jo’s fire and its demolition, and was concerned to hear there isn’t a major venue in the city with the Guild Hall currently closed and 53 Degrees – where he DJd a number of times – also mothballed as an entertainment venue.

He said: “You need that event space, you need those nights where people can come together and party – especially on a large scale.

“I was talking to Michael Ball and he’s not DJd before and he was like oh wow, that was such a buzz.

“So yeah I think for Preston it definitely needs a venue and of course, sure, I’ll come and play when they get the Guild Hall open again. I’m sure lots of the Radio 2 DJs would. Let’s do it.”

Taking over The Black Horse

We also sat down with Jeremy Vine to talk all things Preston as he reflected on his show in The Black Horse.

The broadcaster did a two-hour show on Friday live from the historic city pub.

He said: “It was a superb place to do a show from, and we picked it carefully because of the history and tradition it has.

“With those beautiful tiles, panelling and there was a great atmosphere while we did the show.”

Read more: The Black Horse named as one of CAMRA’s top 17 pubs in the UK

Jeremy said after the show he and his daughter, who was with him for the whole festival, went to explore the city centre.

He said: “We wanted to go to the Harris and have a look around but sadly that’s shut isn’t it?

“You know Friday was a lovely day and it was great sitting out and have a coffee and seeing the city centre busy.

“But we definitely did notice how it’s having its challenges, like everywhere, because of the likes of Amazon and the high streets are struggling.

“They’ve got to change, near where I am we’ve got an old shop that now does axe-throwing. I mean you can’t do that online or order it can you? So things have to change and adapt and I am hopeful Preston will because it has a lot going for it.”

Jeremy said he and team had been given a very warm welcome and he was impressed with the city’s heritage and history.

He said: “I hadn’t been to Preston before, only the station when changing trains a lot to go to Blackpool and what have you.

“So we were researching to find out all these facts and people and background and I mean wow, there is so much. It was hard pushed to pack it all into two hours.

“And people are so passionate. They know their stuff and they aren’t afraid to say it. That Devolution debate we had, great, the two leaders, very different views, really saying their side.”

Asked on his view on whether Lancashire should have an elected Mayor, like Manchester and Liverpool have, he said: “I’m always a bit sceptical when people say ‘we just need one more politician to sort this out’

“But hearing both sides of what they each had to say then I can see the merits of a Mayor. It’s clear other places have a louder voice than Lancashire, and that does matter when you’re dealing with and trying to get things done with government.”

Preston City Council’s leader councillor Matthew Brown also appeared on the show to speak to Jeremy about The Preston Model – or Community Wealth Building – and what the city council was doing.

Jeremy said: “He’d actually been on the show, back in 2018 to talk about it – and he’s got a good memory as he reminded of that.

“So it was interesting to hear how that’s developed and what’s been happening in the city as part of it.”

Turning back to the festival site itself, Jeremy said his plan was to see Sting – as he is a big fan – but he also got out and about into the crowds.

He said: “I just stroll around, you know. Take it all in. Went to the DJ tent, main stage, I’ve been out there alongside the crowds, with my daughter, and we’ve just been watching.

“I think it’s a fantastic set up and I’m delighted to see the BBC doing events like this because they are a huge boost to cities like Preston.”

‘Important we get beyond London’

We also caught up with Owain Wyn Evans during the Saturday afternoon who is host of the early breakfast show – from 4am to 6.30am on weekdays.

He is perhaps best known to many in Preston from his time as weatherman on BBC North West Tonight and other BBC shows.

He said: “It’s what everyone wants to talk to you about isn’t it? The weather! But got to love it, it’s such a good conversation starter.

“And we’ve been so lucky with the Friday and Saturday to have this glorious sunshine. Sunday doesn’t look so great.”

Owain, who presents his show from Cardiff, said he thinks it is crucial the BBC continues to push outwards from London.

He said: “Last year in Leicester was so much fun and this year it’s gone up another level, definitely.

“I’ve moved around a lot in my career and lived and worked in different places and I think that will become more common and the BBC needs to support that.

“We obviously have a big base at Salford but to get right out, into Preston and elsewhere in the North West, it’s where our listeners are. I think doing events like this are crucial to the future of ensuring people engage with Radio 2 and the BBC more generally too.”

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