Radio Soar Sound

Soar Sound is a community radio station serving Leicester and Leicestershire, with wellbeing and participation at the centre of its purpose. Named after the River Soar, it links its identity with a landmark running through the city and county. The organisation operates as a Community Interest Company and develops radio as a way for local people to contribute, learn and share their experiences.

Its programme and podcast material gives substantial attention to arts, culture and community activity. Conversations have explored exhibitions, creative organisations, unpaid caring and the relationship between recovery and filmmaking. These subjects give the station an individual editorial character, allowing contributors to explain the work and experiences behind a brief local announcement.

Pete Degnan's Spotlight on Leicester Life follows local people and subjects, while Michael Watson contributes Breakfast with Added Community. The Nico Show connects gardening with wellbeing, and Kieran's 00s Rewind explores music from that decade. Alex Samson's Sunday Mornings from the Mountaintops and Ian 'Sumo' Green's Let's Have Some Fun add other presenter identities. The project has also published election and candidate discussions, giving civic participation a place alongside its arts interviews.

Soar Sound grew from a gathering of volunteers at Phoenix Arts in 2024, bringing together broadcasting, technical and public engagement experience. It continues to invite people into programme-making and wider station activities. Music and entertainment sit within that participatory approach, while documentary work and discussion connect the broadcast with education, employability and community wellbeing.