Radio Maker Festival
What is the role of radio in a changing world?
Where do poetry, songwriting, audio drama and story telling sit within the output of a radio station?
If Radio is a canvas, what are the colours?
Where’s the sweet spot between structure and improvisation?
Join us 23rd to 25th October for the first edition of this new annual festival bringing together inventive, artistic radio makers from our community of East Leeds and the wider world.
The festival will consist of around 45 people with prior experience in radio, sound-art, audio journalism, podcasting, and related ways of working.
Participants will take part in workshops and be guided in a process of working in small groups go out to explore and gathering sounds and stories from our local area (historic markets, forest gardens, historic working class pubs, asylum seeker communities, mysterious libraries) and then actually dig in to create short audio features to share in our magical Chapel FM Radio Theatre.
We will also have shared meals of global food, live music and sharing of art including special guests La Compagnie du Tire-Laine music ensemble from our twin city of Lille, France and socialising into the evening.
Radio Maker participants will also have the option of home stays with people from our community in Leeds.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact tony@chapelfm.co.uk
SCHEDULE FOR RADIO MAKER FESTIVAL
Friday 23rd October
1pm to 6pm – Welcome, overview of the weekend, intro workshops.
6pm – Concert in the Seacroft Forest Gardens with our artistic friends from Lille, France “La Compagnie du Tire-Laine”
7:30pm – Dinner at Chapel FM [optional]
Saturday 24th October
10am – Gather at Chapel FM
10:30am to 1pm – Groups set off to gather stories and inspiration from one of three sites
Lunch
2pm to 6pm – Sound Story shaping
6:30pm – Dinner
7:30pm – Radio Cabaret Open Mic [optional]
Sunday 25th October
10am-12noon – Gather at Chapel FM / brunch / final preparations for Sound Story sharings
1pm to 3pm – Sound Story Listening Party
Option to attend evening concert by Tire-Laine
Explore The Neighbourhood
cootie catcher
There’s an alternate reality where everyone makes a living wage and the cleanest buses you’ve ever seen arrive every other minute. Where the most intense…
Learn MoreWidowspeak
An album called “Roses” would be concerned with romantic gestures. Across the ten tracks that make up the seventh and newest Widowspeak record, intimate spaces…
Learn MoreThe Runner (12A)
Our closing film for the ‘Between Innocence and Reality: Iranian Cinema and Childhood’ season is, perhaps counter-intuitively, one of the first films that started an…
Learn MoreJoan As Police Woman: 20 Years Of Real Life Tour
Joan As Police Woman returns to the Howard Assembly Room to mark the 20th anniversary of her landmark debut album, Real Life. Released in 2006,…
Learn MoreRepublica
Republica are celebrating 30 years since their first hit with a UK headline tour for Autumn 2026. They’ll be showcasing their enduring legacy with anthems…
Learn MoreDance Through the Decades
A mix of the best hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond Get ready to groove as Func on the Rocks take you on…
Learn MoreBox Leeds
Sports bar based in Leeds City Centre serving hearty food and delicious cocktails.
Learn MoreThe Grove Inn
A relaxed charming city pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere. When you come into the Grove Inn you are sure to receive a warm…
Learn MoreWayward Wines
Wayward Wines has been a natural wine merchant in Chapel Allerton, Leeds, since 2017. Not only is does Wayward Wines offer an exquisite bar stocked…
Learn MoreThe Restaurant Bar & Grill
Come for brunch, lunch, dinner, events or private parties. The stunning Old Post Office building in City Square is the place to be for perfected…
Learn MoreElectric Shuffle Leeds
Electric Shuffle has reimagined the traditional game of shuffleboard with four delightfully immersive games designed to have you outrageously thrilled as you battle against the…
Learn MoreThe Bootlegger Leeds
The Bootlegger Leeds is a hidden speakeasy bar in the heart of the city, offering a unique throwback to the glamour and secrecy of the…
Learn MoreThe Loft (Re:establish)
The Loft is Re:establish’s dedicated creative, social and community space in the heart of Holbeck. Based within The Warehouse on Crosby Street, The Loft offers…
Learn MoreCanal Connections
Canal Connections is a social enterprise company working along the waterways of Leeds and Bradford, connecting individuals, communities and organisations to the canal environment. Boats…
Learn MoreCarnegie School of Sport
One of the largest providers of sports courses in UK higher education.
Learn MoreGranary Wharf
Granary Wharf, just a five minute walk from Leeds city centre, is the ideal beauty spot to spend a few hours outside and enjoy the…
Learn MoreThe Warehouse In Holbeck
It is a large warehouse space with two rehearsal rooms/performance spaces.
Learn MoreNorthlight 31
Gallery, cafe and community space in the old Inkwell building on Potternewton Lane https://northlight31.com/
Learn MoreAspire Leeds
Built in 1894 and located in an imposing and opulent styled building rich with historic interest in the heart of Leeds City Centre, Aspire is…
Learn MoreReginald Centre Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreTCV Hollybush
Hollybush in Kirkstall is an environmental volunteering centre that has been running for over 45 years. Our volunteers help to manage green spaces across Leeds…
Learn MoreThe Den Family Club
Located in the vibrant community of Headingley, the Den is a sought-after family club offering a range of fun-filled activities, with a drop-off playroom, offering…
Learn MoreOtley Social Club
Otley Social Club is an accessible venue north of the River Wharfe, in a residential area of town. Our event will be in the function…
Learn More