200 Former Radio City employees reunited to celebrate station’s 50th Anniversary

Hits Radio Liverpool, formerly known as Radio City, celebrates 50 incredible years on air on today, 21 October.

Launched on Monday 21 October 1974, Radio City became one of the UK’s most successful radio channels, known for its record-breaking listening figures and numerous industry awards for excellence.

Over the last five decades, the radio station has been an industry leader, producing some of the country’s finest journalists, sports reporters, presenters, production teams, and business talents.

Its legacy is felt not only across Merseyside but nationwide.

To honour this momentous occasion, 200 former staff members and current team members came together on Friday 18 October at Dicey Reilly’s in Wolstenholme Square to raise a glass and celebrate five decades of broadcasting brilliance.

Some travelled from as far as Australia, Europe, and across the UK to be part of the celebration, showing just how special Radio City has been to so many.

The event was organised by Molly Marshall (Hits Radio Liverpool/former Radio City) and Carolyn Hughes (former Radio City, now of Carolyn Hughes PR Ltd), who have played a key role in the station’s many landmark celebrations. The duo felt it was important to mark the 50th anniversary with a fitting tribute to the station’s long-lasting impact.

Molly Marshall said:

“Radio City has a special place in many hearts throughout the region, and also with the many former employees who travelled far and wide on Friday to acknowledge this very special day. 50 glorious years and so many memories made for so many people, I am beyond proud to be one of the longest-serving members of staff and delighted that we could celebrate 50 wonderful years.”

Carolyn Hughes added:

“We wanted to make sure that there was a celebration and an acknowledgement for the former staff who worked so hard to make Radio City one of the most successful independent stations in the country. The amount of love, affection, talent, and genuine appreciation in the room on Friday evening was testament to the amazing team who built the Radio City legacy.”

The evening was a heartwarming reunion, with former sports presenters who have gone on to work for the BBC, Sky, and international channels, as well as presenters who have built impressive careers in radio and TV.

It was a chance for old colleagues to reconnect, for newer employees to meet the legends of previous decades, and to toast to the station’s founder, Terry Smith, who passed away three years ago. Without Terry’s vision, Radio City might have remained just a dream.

In addition, former employee Al Stirling has created a nostalgic website, www.radiocityis50.co.uk, where staff can access photos, videos, and memories from the event and throughout Radio City’s illustrious history.

Cheers to Radio City for 50 glorious years and to every single employee who played their part in making it a local, regional, national and international success, without every single one of them the amazing journey would not have been impossible!

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