Local radio presenters in Guinness world record attempt

TWO local radio presenters will attempt to break the Guinness World Record live on Melksham Town Sound for the longest continuous radio show. 

Will Bridger, founder of Melksham Town Sound, and fellow presenter Alan Byrne  will attempt to have a continuous show for 199 hours to break the current world  record.

They will start their marathon effort at 9am on Saturday 21st February and will continue the attempt live on Melksham’s own radio station, Melksham Town Sound.

They aim to be on air for nine consecutive days and hope to raise £2,500 for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in the process.

The idea for the record attempt was Alan’s who was watching a highlight reel from BBC Radio 1’s Longest Ever Radio Show with Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave. The show rekindled the enjoyment he got from the attempt at the time and from that fond memory, he thought of staging an attempt on the record on Melksham’s own radio station.

Alan said, “It was agreed by myself and station manager Will Bridger, that we are going to try and emulate that effort by Radio 1. We both want to highlight the radio station, and raise money for the WWF.

“I think the hardest aspect of this challenge is not being able to see my family for some time. My soon-to-be wife, Jade, has promised me a few pre-cooked meals, so that alone is getting me by!

“I’ve prepared by changing my diet to more healthier options and exercising more when I can. That in mind, the cross trainer will be brought into the studio during the show! This will help when I feel sluggish.

“The longest show, aptly entitled ‘The Byrne It Up Show’ will consist of everything that happens during live output on Melksham Town Sound throughout a normal week, with appearances from Monday night Dance Class DJ, Jason B – Cameron Bianci from The Cam B Show, Old and Young Git known formally as Corrine and Luke Clifford, Rob Escott, Devon Place and many surprises along the way.

“There’ll be prizes to give away, live phone-ins to see if people are still awake at 3am and hopefully a life sized Dalek and K9 from Corsham Sci-Fi. So there is a lot to do!”

The attempt by Alan and Will has been approved by Guinness World Records who have asked for evidence in the form of their live radio feed, webcam facility and social media update every hour on the hour.

Rules for the attempt state that there has to be a constant running transmission, so even playing a song or two counts as part of the challenge. The pair are also allowed to bank five minutes each hour to have ‘power naps’ with a maximum of 30 minutes allowed to be built up.

Alan added, “Will and I are both doing this to highlight the fact that Melksham has a great radio station, run by and presented by volunteers. Melksham Town Sound is for everybody and what better way to start off 2015 than by getting into the record books?

“The WWF is also one of the big reasons behind this. Enduring big challenges is what the charity does on a daily basis and I want to raise money to help in their plight, and of course, it’s for a bit of a laugh as well.

“I do love my sleep, but honestly if I have to, I could survive on a few hours. Here’s hoping I’ll be still standing after 199 hours!”

To sponsor Alan and Will visit www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlanByrneOnTheRun and listen live to the world record attempt at www.melkshamtownsound.co.uk