Video: We’re live! Ben and Laura launch YorkMix Radio

York and North Yorkshire has a brand new radio station!

YorkMix Radio went on air this morning at 6.30am.

Breakfast show presenters Ben Fry and Laura Castle launched the station, following a dramatic introduction which name-checked every major event in York’s history, from the Romans on.

And then the first song – Chasing Rainbows, by York’s very own Shed Seven.

Four months after leaving their Minster FM breakfast show, before the station was closed down, Ben took to the airwaves to introduce the world to YorkMix Radio.

“They say never go back and I’m sure lots of people will think we are crazy trying to do this at this moment,” he said.

“But if you look round at the moment, people everywhere are going above and beyond and battling on and chasing that rainbow where we all get back to normal normal…

“Now let’s be honest playing a few Ed Sheeran songs is not changing anything in North Yorkshire, but radio is so much more than just a noise out of a speaker…it’s a connection, a chance to be a friend to someone wherever they are whenever they need us.

“And if that connection can help a charity get there message out, support a business to get them through another couple of months, stop you being stuck on the A64, or just raise one smile for one person…then it’s probably worth giving it a go.”

Launch gallery