'Tiny Bowland Tower' stunt helps Lancaster University student radio station win big at awards

Wednesday, 9 April 2025 10:36

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Tiny Bowland Tower celebrating the win with Bowland Tower itself. (Photo Credit: Ava Glass)

Lancaster University's student radio station is celebrating a big awards win - including one for dressing up as the iconic Bowland Tower!

Bailrigg FM secured two gold and one bronze award at the 2005 Student Radio Association's Amplify Awards, its first gold success since 2004.

The awards recognise Bailrigg FM’s exceptional station culture, iconic on-air moments, and the dedication of its committee members.

The station won gold for Best Station Culture and Student Radio Moment of the Year, awarded to the 'Bowland Tower Meets Students' segment from the Bailrigg FM Festive Bonanza, featuring PR & Marketing Manager Anna Foster dressed as the Bowland Tower.

“I am beyond thrilled that Tiny Bowland Tower has been pronounced the Student Radio Moment of the Year,” said Anna.

“I wanted to thank the entire Festive Bonanza production team, especially my fellow producers Elizabeth Coopland, Rowan Brigden, as well as Erin Strom - and shout out the entirety of Bailrigg FM’s exec team, past and present, for their support.”

Erin Strom, Music Director, (left) is pictured holding Best Station Culture Award and Anna Foster, PR & Marketing Manager, (right) holding the Student Radio Moment of the Year Award.

A bronze award was given for Most Committed Committee Member, to Station Manager Georgia Platt in recognition of her unwavering leadership and passion.

Last year, the station also earned bronze for Team of the Year and silver for Best Student Media Collaboration at the Amplify awards, along with a bronze for Best Interview at the 2024 SRA Awards for its interview with Hacker T Dog and Katie Thistleton at the Highest Point Festival.

Established in 1969, Bailrigg FM is one of the UK’s oldest student radio stations. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, the station has revitalised its presence by increasing membership to almost 100 active members and 50 shows, relaunching events such as Battle of the Bands, and hosting industry speakers.

Bailrigg FM broadcasts on 95.3 FM and online.