Bristol independent radio station hopes to raise £70k to save its home

An independent radio station in Bristol is aiming to raise £70,000 in 30 days in order to save its home from redevelopment.

Noods Radio has launched the crowdfunding campaign to purchase its home, Mickey Zoggs in St Pauls, after reportedly being told by its landlord that it would need to buy the pub or relocate. It comes as the radio station nears the end of its tenancy there.

Noods Radio has been broadcasting from Mickey Zoggs since 2021. The venue is described as having 'evolved into a vital hub for Bristol's creative community'... 'where local creatives can get together to meet like-minded individuals, share and discover new music'. However, the team behind Noods say that the future of the space is now at risk and, if the radio station is forced to leave Mickey Zoggs, the building will be developed, the radio station will 'not be viable' and 'its community focus projects will be put on hold'.

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Leon Pattrick, Noods Radio co-founder and director, said: “Bringing the station back to where it all began was something of fate, a message from above! Seeing how the space has brought together the community and become a regular stop for music lovers and touring artists has been amazing to see.

"Although the idea of it all coming to an end in six months is heartbreaking, I believe we’ve been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide a permanent space for the radio and ensure the space can remain for generations to come.”

The station has the 'ambitious' goal of raising £70,000 in the next 30 days, with all funds going directly towards securing a deposit on the venue, ensuring that Noods Radio can continue its operations and support the local creative community, the team say. Since its inception in 2015, Noods Radio 'has been a prevalent outlet in Bristol’s cultural landscape, offering a platform for diverse voices and underground artists'.

The team behind Noods Radio run various programmes and initiatives aimed at paving the way for new and inclusive talent within the creative industries. From workshops helping women and non-binary individuals to enter the world of broadcasting, to educational initiatives designed to help young people gain the skills and experience necessary for a lifelong career in the creative sectors, the radio station aims to 'give back to the community that keeps it alive'.

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Izzy Cross, director of Noods Levels, said: "This means more than just the purchase of a space; it's preserving a community created over the last three years of Mickey Zoggs being open; it's key projects like our Radio Broadcasting course for non-binary and women who want to become broadcasters running; it's keeping Noods Radio alive. We hope that by purchasing the building, we can keep it in the hands of the community and continue to build on what we have already achieved.”

Bristol-based artist signed to Timedance, Bruce, added: “Needless to say, to be experiencing yet another crisis of a crucial pillar of Bristol's spirited music scene, under threat from development is overwhelming. The irony, knowing that it's the work of our community which has a valid hand in increasing the value of the area, is nothing short of painful, when it is ignored by those with the money and power to push us out.

"Mickey Zoggs is the home of a radio station, two football teams, multiple gaming clubs and a community of compassionate, like-minded individuals that all greatly benefit from the space. The radio station not only nurtures local grassroots talent, further fortifying the rich and diverse local community, giving a friendly start to young people, but also being able to host some of the best artists and DJs from all over the world.”

You can find out more and donate to the crowdfunder via this link.