Guilfest 2006 (14th, 15th & 16th July 2006)

The glorious summer sunshine returned for the fifteenith Guilfest at Stoke Park in Guildford. Embrace, A-Ha and Billy Idol headlined the main stage at the three day annual open air music festival.

Nizlopi, Gary Numan, Kosheen, Sandi Thom, The Strangers and Stereo MC's were amongst the many who performed during the weekend.

There were seven music stages and a new theatre tent for revellers to enjoy. The Kids Zone and Gaming Tent kept the kids entertained.

Radio Lion reporters were there all weekend and a special highlights programme was broadcasting on air on Sunday between 8pm and 11pm.

Woking Community Hospital Spring Fair (20th May 2006)

Radio Lion were invited once again to the Woking Community Hospital Spring Fair. A new approach this year with the stalls moving inside.

Laura Chatwin, Maggie Dawes and their team organised the popular event with plenty of bargains on offer including cakes, produce, CDs and plants.

Gareth Wakefield interviewed Humphrey Malin (MP for Woking), Kitty Quilts, John Healy and Audrey Laycock (artists), Richard Dawes (CD stall and Polydor Records) and Maggie Dawes (organiser).

Awards Success (3rd April 2006)

Radio Lion are celebrating after our success at the 2006 HBA Awards. We were highly commended for Station Promotion for Lifestyle and commended for Station of the Year and Special Event for Guilfest. The winners were announced at the Spring Conference in Blackpool on 1st April 2006.

Please click here for details.

The Big Switch (30th March 2006)

It is a historic moment for Radio Lion. We have been broadcasting "through the tubes" since our move to the Royal Surrey County Hospital in 1991. Today we have switched to the new Premier Bedside entertainment system where not only can you listen to Radio Lion in better quality but you can call our studio with your request for free! Simply go to channel 1.

Currently around 160 beds are hooked up with the entire hospital expected to be live within the next few weeks. The old system is still available where the new system is not.

New Technology (25th February 2006)

Radio Lion is preparing to say goodbye to the dodgy old handset and headphones which have served the Royal Surrey since 1991. The new technology now being installed by almost all bedsides has been in the pipeline for the last few years and will offer exciting new benefits to patients.

The introduction of the new system will enable Radio Lion to be heard in crystal clear stereo like never before and allow direct access to this web site for making instant requests and dedications.

Please click here for details.

Radio Lion Shortlisted (12th February 2006)

Radio Lion have been shortlisted in three categories in the 2006 HBA Awards. We are in the running for Station of the Year, Special Event for Guilfest and Station Promotion for Lifestyle. The winners will be announced at the Spring Conference in Blackpool on 1st April 2006.

Carol Service (11th December 2005)

The traditional annual Carol Service offered a festive selection of carols and readings for patients and visitors at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

The lessons were read by guest speakers including Councillor Tamsy Baker (Mayor of Guildford), Anne Milton (MP for Guildford), Keith Hamblin (President of Guildford Lions) and Andrew Jupp (Chairman of Radio Lion).

The carols were sung by GHOSTS choir to the sounds of the Friary Brass Band. The service was presented by Radio Lion's Jim Richman and was organised by Mike Webb and Gareth Wakefield. It was recorded and broadcast later on air.

Father Christmas made a special visit around the wards after the service with presents for the children.

Wood Street Village Show (16th July 2005)

A hot mid-summers day attracted a large crowd to the annual Wood Street Village Show just outside Guildford. Radio Lion returned with a tombola stall and mobile studio to provide the music and commentary.

The attractions included maypole dancing, dog show, running races, car boot sale, plants stall and classic cars.

Guilfest 2005 (15th-17th July 2005)

The Pogues, Paul Weller, Status Quo, Daniel Bedingfield and Lulu all rocked the main stage at Guilfest during a blazing hot weekend on Stoke Park.

The festival offered extra stages including The Funky End and The Rock Sound Cave. The record for the "biggest air guitar ensemble" was broken by more than 4,000 people on the last night.

The outside broadcast team were on site interviewing the artists and revellers. The highlights were broadcast throughout the weekend concluding with a special programme on Sunday evening between 8pm and 11pm.

Guildford Lions Raft Race (2nd July 2005)

Crowds lined the River Wey for the annual Raft Race between Millmead and the Waterside Centre. The 25 hand-made rafts were judged and the best awarded a prize. The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Tamsy Baker started the race in aid of the Waterside Centre and local charities.

Official New Studio Opening (25th June 2005)

Radio Lion's gleaming new studio was officially opened by former newsreader, Michael Buerk. The project has been made possible by the generous donation by the Guildford League of Friends. Members of the station along with other interested parties marked the occasion at midday.

The opening of the new studio marks the completion of phase one of the refurbishment, that began with an appeal in the Surrey Advertiser last autumn.

Worldwide Week (11th-19th June 2005)

Radio Lion celebrated the launch of its new studios with a fantastic week of themed programmes. We travelled round the world to bring you the best in conversation, guests, features and music for Worldwide Week.

A range of different shows covered travel, history, the environment, the arts, literature, drama, food and drink, culture and music. We were on air with extended hours all week and several studio guests visited. Thank you to everyone involved.