Lockdown radio show still going strong

An award-winning radio programme that began as an emergency lockdown broadcast during the Covid-19 pandemic is celebrating its fifth anniversary on 25th March 2025.

Back in March 2020, as the world came to a standstill and BCfm Radio’s studios were forced to close due to the first national lockdown, Tristan stepped in. Originally intended as a temporary measure, the show has remained on-air ever since and has grown into one of the station’s flagship programmes.

The concept was simple: to offer something light-hearted, fast-paced and fun—an antidote to the uncertain and often sombre times. The show features a vibrant mix of classic and contemporary music, reflecting the rich diversity of both genres and audiences that Bristol Community FM proudly serves. Over time, it has also evolved into a hub for Bristol-based events and community news.

Tristan’s broadcasting journey began in 1976 as a schoolboy, using a homemade sound and lighting system to run under-18s discos. By 1979, at the age of 16, he was already a resident nightclub DJ. He launched his radio career in 1986 on BBC Radio Bristol, where he presented pioneering dance music shows, and later contributed to BBC Points West as a TV presenter. In 1991, he moved into commercial radio, joining Galaxy 97.2 (later relaunched as Galaxy 101), where he produced and hosted a range of specialist dance music shows, eventually becoming Programme Director in 2000.

By 2002, disillusioned with the increasingly corporate nature of commercial radio, Tristan stepped away from broadcasting. A decade later, he rediscovered his passion through BCfm, joining as a volunteer in 2012. Since then, he has produced and presented a variety of specialist and mainstream shows for the Bristol-based community station.

In 2024, Lunchtime with Tristan B was awarded Bronze for Entertainment Show of the Year at the Community Radio Awards. It has also been nominated for Best Community Radio Show at this year’s ShoutOut Listeners Awards, with winners to be announced on 27th March.

Reflecting on the fifth anniversary, Tristan said:
“It was always my dream to be a radio presenter, and I was fortunate to enjoy a successful career in the industry. When that came to an end, BCfm gave me the opportunity to keep doing what I love. Hosting a daily live lunchtime show for the past five years has been a true privilege and honour.”

Pat Hart, BCfm’s Charity CEO, added:
“Tristan has always inspired me – he was actually the reason I got into radio all those years ago. His lunchtime show is, and continues to be, a vital part of Bristol’s radio landscape, giving listeners a joyful escape into his world of music, fun and friendly company. Our city has an incredible volunteering spirit, and Tristan embodies that perfectly. We’re lucky to have him, and Bristol is all the better for it.”

Lunchtime with Tristan B broadcasts live every weekday from 12pm to 2pm on BCfm 93.2FM and DAB in Bristol, and is available everywhere else via smart speaker or online at bcfmradio.com.

For further information, please contact:
📧 tristan@bcfm.org.uk