New station to play round-the-clock Christmas hits

Friday November 14 2008

Non-stop Christmas music will be broadcast on a new radio station which will go on air in Dublin at the end of this month.

Christmas FM is a temporary station which will be belting out a feast of festive tunes 24 hours a day from 28th November until St Stephen's Day.

The radio station was set up to help raise funds for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).

Station manager, Paul Shepherd, said that he hopes the content will bring some Christmas cheer to counteract gloomy economic forecasts.

"We want the station to be happy and bouncy," said Mr Shepherd. "I think we need something that is upbeat and optimistic, considering the times we are living in."

The manager promised a wide mix of Christmas music across many decades, from classic artists such as Bing Crosby to more contemporary favourites like Mariah Carey and Bruce Springsteen.


Celebrities

There will also be little clips of memories and nostalgia from celebrities and the general public about what Christmas means to them, according to Mr Shepherd. Traffic and travel details will also be broadcast to help keep Dublin moving.

All monies which are raised through sponsorship of programs, premium texts and inserts will go direct to the charity ISPCC and Christmas FM will be highlighting the plight of many of the less fortunate at this time of year.

The station will be live from 7am until midnight.

"You will be able to tune in at any time during the day or night and hear Christmas songs," said Mr Shepherd.

A lot of shops in Dublin city said that they would be tuning their radio into the station throughout the Christmas period.

"Some shops in the city said that they usually have albums like 101 Christmas Hits on repeat and they would welcome a radio station that plays something different," Mr Shepherd stated.


Online

The station can be accessed online at www.christmasfm.ie or at 89.9FM and will be broadcast from studio facilities which were provided by D4 Hotels at the Ballsbridge Court Hotel in Dublin.

The station only has a licence for 30 days, but the station manager hopes that it will become a permanent event each year.

"We will run for 28 days this year and hope to make it an annual event. But I assure you, we will not be playing Christmas tunes in July," joked Mr Shepherd.

I aint into christmas much but its a good idea to bring some happiness to this harsh world we live in.

Oh i love Christmas..my daughter has already got a little pink tree up in her room..she uses it as a night light.I think it's a great idea..some of the Christmas music is lovely.

I love christmas, but it;s way too early for songs and trees....still it's a good idea though.

eddie wrote:I love christmas, but it;s way too early for songs and trees....still it's a good idea though.

we have our tree on already! Ana love to see the lights on

eddie wrote:I love christmas, but it;s way too early for songs and trees....still it's a good idea though.

Ha ha..it's never to early..im like a big kid..im already making crackers..and wrapping presents.I'd have my tree up but my son won't let

lubelle wrote:

eddie wrote:I love christmas, but it;s way too early for songs and trees....still it's a good idea though.

Ha ha..it's never to early..im like a big kid..im already making crackers..and wrapping presents.I'd have my tree up but my son won't let

You make crackers?? What do you put in them?? I am coming over!!

[quote="eddie"]

lubelle wrote:

eddie wrote:I love christmas, but it;s way too early for songs and trees....still it's a good idea though.

Ha ha..it's never to early..im like a big kid..im already making crackers..and wrapping presents.I'd have my tree up but my son won't let

You make crackers?? What do you put in them?? I am coming over!![/quote Oh yes..we make them to suit the person..and hide lots of little presents ,sweets and little notes in them.Hey im having a Christmas glitter party..all very welcome

pm wrote:

eddie wrote:I love christmas, but it;s way too early for songs and trees....still it's a good idea though.

we have our tree on already! Ana love to see the lights on

Lucky you..i bet she loves it.. bless.It's a very exciting time of year..i like to make the most of it..it go's to quickly.