Ipswich Community Radio

Ipswich Community Radio offers a deliberately varied service for Ipswich and surrounding districts. Its history reaches back to 1989, and its purpose includes giving airtime to people and interests that receive less attention in mainstream media. Local music, conversation and a wide range of specialist styles share the schedule, with community participation shaping the programmes as much as any single musical format.

The line-up stretches from Graham Blackburn's Dancing to Stockhausen, which explores avant-garde music and jazz, to Roly Arbon's Indie Soup and Gerry G's Jazz Grooves. Owen Thompson presents Visions from the Darkside, covering heavier rock and metal, while David Davies' Rest of the World Show includes music from African, Caribbean and other international traditions. Rez presents The Kurdish Hour, adding a distinct cultural voice to the station.

Webby's Mouthpiece gives local music a dedicated programme. Other strands include Steve Mann's Blue Sunflower Show, Graham Cleaver's Sixties Show and The Naked Football Show with Graham Blackburn. Breakfast also reflects the variety of contributors, including Graham Cleaver, John Doughty and the Burnt Crumpet team. The resulting schedule encourages listeners to follow particular presenters and interests rather than expect identical programming throughout the week.

The station provides a route into broadcasting through training, allowing community members to develop and present their own material. It also works with local charities and events, including fundraising activity around Ipswich. Programmes may be live, recorded or repeated, with the public file explaining that repeats are identified on air. This practical approach supports a service where local participation and less familiar music have room to develop together.