Island's link to pirate radio ship celebrated

Chris Pearson still broadcasts on Radio Caroline, which is now based on the Ross Revenge

Events to mark 60 years since a pirate radio station made its home in Manx territorial waters by anchoring off the coast of Ramsey are set to take place in the town.

Radio Caroline North operated from the ship the Fredericia, which was renamed MV Caroline, and first broadcast from 3 miles (4.8km) off the Isle of Man's coast in early July 1964.

Celebrations include vintage bus tours with live music from the 1960s around the town centre on Saturday, and children's activities and a food festival in Mooragh Park on Sunday.

Broadcaster Chris Pearson, who helped to organise the events, said the weekend would help to "share the story and ultimately to provide a bit of a legacy".

Ramsey's Mooragh Park is set to host to some of the events marking the anniversary

The station was founded at a time when broadcasting was dominated by the BBC and the playing of pop music was limited to an hour each week.

Radio Caroline North was one of two ships under the banner, and was anchored off the Isle of Man so it could serve the northern part of the British Isles.

Mr Pearson said that at the time stars of the time would come to Ramsey because of the ship's location off the Manx coast.

The introduction of the Marine Offences Act in 1967 meant that it became illegal to tender services to the offshore station, and although the island did not immediately adopt the legislation it was implemented after pressure from the UK, he said.

The station continued to exist, and is currently a legal and licensed internet and digital service that serves England and northern Europe.

Broadcasting under the Radio Caroline banner continued from elsewhere, and the station now operates an internet-based service.

The events to mark the anniversary, which have been supported by Ramsey Commissioners, also include presentations exploring the station's links to the town.

Deputy clerk to the local authority, Steven Bevan, said the events would recognise the importance that Ramsey played in the Radio Caroline story, particularly as the ship's crew received supplies from boats from the town.