Oakham & Rutland News: Five Years on the Airwaves, a Rolling Birthday Celebration for Rutland and Stamford Sound, Photo Gallery and Video

06 March 2026

Five Years on the Airwaves, a Rolling Birthday Celebration for Rutland and Stamford Sound, Photo Gallery and Video

Five Years on the Airwaves, a Rolling Birthday Celebration for Rutland and Stamford Sound

www.rutlandandstamfordsound.co.uk

Yesterday marked a historic milestone for our local airwaves as Rutland and Stamford Sound celebrated its 5th Birthday with a vibrant, traveling party that spanned the county. From Morris dancing in the morning mist to a glowing tribute at Rutland Water by night, the day was a testament to the station’s deep roots in the community.

The festivities kicked off at 9:30 am in Oakham Market Place. Under the watchful eyes of the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland and the High Sheriff, the Rutland Morris Dancers provided a performance that drew loyal listeners and station staff.

The centerpiece of the day soon arrived: a Blands "Rutlander" bus, specially decorated for the occasion. Members of the station team and including Oakham and Rutland News, climbed aboard as the bus prepared to depart for the next leg of the journey.

Upon arriving in Uppingham Market Place, the celebration moved to St Peter and St Paul’s Church. Inside, an assembled choir greeted the team with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday," followed by the aptly chosen anthem, "Celebration." The journey then continued toward the village of Easton on the Hill. During the transit, presenter Rob Persani broadcast live from the moving bus a technical feat he jokingly compared to the legendary offshore broadcasts of Radio Caroline aboard the MV Fredericia.

A significant stop was made at the Birch Tree Café in Easton on the Hill. This unique venue serves as a social enterprise where young people with Down’s Syndrome gain workplace skills, confidence, and independence.

"The café helps enthusiastic young staff members develop workplace skills, so they can realise their own ambitions."

The station team spoke with the café staff and shared birthday cupcakes in the café’s spacious surroundings. The Birch Tree Café is a hub for everyone from cyclists and walkers to "laptop drivers" and families and the station was proud to highlight their vital work in the community.

The "Rutlander" bus then made a grand entrance into the Burghley House estate. In the visitor car park, everyone was treated to a performance by award-winning Ukrainian pianist and composer Yaroslav Oliinyk, who played his portable keyboard as the station mascot made an appearance.

In a display of expert driving, the Blands bus usually seen on the Rutland Flyer route between Melton and Corby navigated the narrow, historic gates of the estate for a photo opportunity in front of the Cecil family home.

As the sun set on a day of community spirit, the celebrations concluded with a spectacular visual tribute. Normanton Church at Rutland Water was illuminated in the signature colors of Rutland and Stamford Sound, providing a shining end to celebrating five years of local broadcasting.