Coalville Public Radio (CPR) Our Story

Coalville Public Radio

Coalville Public Radio (CPR) is a volunteer-led community radio station for North West Leicestershire. We share local voices, music, stories and events while bringing people together and helping reduce social isolation through connection and conversation.

Our Story

CPR officially launched at North West Leicestershire District Council’s Christmas event on Saturday 23 November 2024. This marked the realisation of a long-held ambition, supported by the SPF UK Grant and our partnership with Coalville CAN, Communities and Neighbours.

In September 2024, CPR was formed by a dedicated group who brought together 14 former presenters from Hermitage FM. With years of experience and a shared belief in community radio, they laid the foundations for a professional online radio station supported by the wider community radio family.

CPR continues to grow and is working towards future FM and DAB broadcasting, creating new opportunities to connect with listeners across North West Leicestershire.

Out in the Community

Provided sound and staging support for Coalville Pride
Took to the stage to host Picnic in the Park
Supported the Coalville Christmas Light Switch On in 2025
Hosted Christmas Light Switch On events across five locations in 2026
Provided outside broadcast coverage for Coalville Autumn Fair
Supported and broadcast from Coalville Entertains events
Delivered regular Saturday broadcasts from the town centre

Outside Broadcasting

CPR operates a full outside broadcast setup, allowing us to broadcast live from events, town centre locations and community spaces. This enables high-quality sound, live interviews and music, bringing local activity directly to our listeners.

Outside broadcasts help keep CPR visible, accessible and embedded in everyday community life while giving local organisations a wider platform.

Recognition and Growth

In its first year, CPR reached the finals of the VAL Volunteer Organisation of the Year Awards. This recognition reflected the dedication of our volunteers and the impact of a community-led radio station built in a short space of time.

Being shortlisted alongside established organisations highlighted the strength of our approach and reinforced the role of community radio in connection and inclusion.

Broadcasting Today

CPR uses Myriad broadcasting technology, allowing us to broadcast live from the studio, from home, on the road and directly from community events.

Launch Day

Despite stormy weather, twelve presenters broadcast live at the Coalville Christmas Light Switch On in 2024. The station went live at 10am with I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.

Broadcasts took place both on site and from the studio, welcoming listeners to a brand new community radio station with strong local support.

With Thanks to Our Supporters

The Healy Group — supporting the Christmas light switch on and helping distribute over 250 selection boxes and prizes.

Lynx Custom Cables — keeping our sound quality high using cables made in Coalville.

Coalville Pet Supplies — our first ever advertiser and early supporter.

East Midlands Airport — a £2,000 grant that enabled us to take CPR into the community.

Get Involved

Whether you are a business wanting to advertise, a listener who would like to volunteer, or someone passionate about supporting local initiatives, your involvement makes a difference.

CPR brings people together through conversation, music and shared experience.

If TU Can, you can too.