During the 1980s and 1990s, the Radio 1 Roadshow was arguably the South West’s biggest and most eagerly anticipated summer event. Every year, excitement built around where and when the Roadshow would arrive, promising an unforgettable day filled with music, laughter, and surprises.
Launched in 1973 with its first stop in Newquay, Cornwall, hosted by Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman, the Roadshow quickly became a national sensation. It featured some of the era’s top DJs and chart-topping artists, drawing crowds eager to snag freebies and even win grand prizes by appearing on stage.
For locals in towns like Weymouth, the Roadshow was more than a broadcast—it was an electrifying social event. Special buses ferried excited teenagers from neighboring towns like Yeovil, transforming the beach into a buzzing hub of energy and anticipation. The atmosphere was always infectious, reaching a crescendo when the show went live, uniting everyone in shared excitement.
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One of the standout personalities was Tony Miles, affectionately known as ‘Smiley Miley,’ whose infectious enthusiasm and armfuls of goodie bags delighted participants in live games like ‘Bits and Pieces.’ The stage itself evolved over time from a simple truck platform to an elaborate setup of two massive vehicles back-to-back, housing everything from the performance area to audio control rooms and production offices.
Events could start as early as 10 am with a crowd warm-up, building an electric atmosphere before the national broadcast kicked off at 11 am. Competing to be the loudest cheer was a badge of honor among the tens of thousands gathered, eager to make their presence felt during the 90-minute live broadcast.
The Roadshow reached its peak in 1992 when over 100,000 people celebrated Radio 1’s 25th anniversary at Sutton Park in Birmingham, showcasing the event’s massive appeal.
However, as Radio 1 began to modernize in the early 2000s, the Roadshow was retired. It gave way to one-day pop concerts called One Big Sunday, which evolved into the now-iconic Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival starting in 2012.
Despite these changes, the memories of those vibrant Roadshow days remain cherished. For anyone who experienced it, the sounds, sights, and spirit of the Radio 1 Roadshow hold a special place in their hearts—even decades later.