Backtrack

Radio anniversaries in the coming weeks

5 August 1986

Self-styled `Prince' Roy Bates announces plans for three radio stations to broadcast from Sealand, an ex-wartime sea fort he has claimed as a new principality. Since then plans have been announced for new TV stations and a single radio station, but as yet nothing has been heard.

9 August 1983

Radio Caroline is back after a three year absence, broadcasting from a new ship, the MV Ross Revenge, on 963KHz. Five years on, the station continues broadcasting, despite the collapse of the ship's 300 foot aerial mast.

14 August 1967

The final day before the Marine Offences Act comes into operation. Radio London closes at 3pm, Radio 270 at 11.59pm and Radio Scotland at midnight. Only Caroline continues, with Johnnie Walker and Spangles Muldoon (Chris Carey) taking the station into a new phase of offshore broadcasting.

14 August 1968

To mark the first anniversary of the Marine Offences Act, Radio Free London begins broadcasting.

14 August 1985

The start of `Eurosiege'. The DTI anchor a spy boat, the Dioptric Surveyor near the radio ships housing Caroline and Laser to report on their activities and try and scare off suppliers.

29 August 1970

An attempt is made to hijack Radio Northsea International by nightclub owner Kees Manders. The dramatic events are heard live on air, along with appeals for help, which eventually arrives.

31 August 1974

Radio Atlantis, Radio Veronica and Radio Northsea International close down, with the Dutch Marine Offences Act due to become law the following day.

7 September 1986

The final regular broadcast from Alice's Restaurant goes out, after being on the air for 4 years (bar a gap in '85) with rock music for London.

15 September 1984

LWR returns to the air, having closed down when the Telecommunications Act came into operation. The station returns with a new black music format and changes to management.

15 September 1985

Horizon Radio makes its last broadcast before closing down to apply for a community radio licence. The final show is hosted by founder Chris Stewart, followed by a live relay of the closedown party.

24 September 1970

Offshore station Radio Northsea International closes down after being paid to stay off the air by Dutch station Radio Veronica, who fear action by the authorities.

25 September 1965

Radio 390 is launched from Red Sands fort in the Thames Estuary, playing sweet music 'aimed at housewives whilst their husbands are out at work'.

27 September 1985

Final broadcast from Solar Radio before they close down to apply for a community radio licence. However, they soon return once the plans are scrapped.