In a radio first, Somer Valley FM is set to broadcast Narrowboat Live – Eclectic Selection on Thursday, 14th September, from 10 a.m. to midday.

Somer Valley FM’s weekly show, Eclectic Selection, will come live from a narrowboat travelling on the Kennet and Avon canal, as it passes through historic Bradford-on-Avon. The programme will feature live music from Frome-based musician, Sara Vian, as well as contributions from the Kennet and Avon Trust, the Coal Canal Restoration Society, and the Canal and River Trust.

Along with the history and heritage of canals, the show will explore how water travel works today, and life on the modern canal – a story that reveals their changing use from cargo commerce to today’s leisure cruising, and what the future holds for the network.

The host of the show, Rob Bayly, will select an unpredictable music mix of canal-inspired jazz, folk, rock, and classical tracks, woven around a special, live narrowboat music session.

Rob said: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to get out of the studio, appreciate the beauty and history of our local canals, and meet the people who live and work on them.”

The special broadcast will come from The Lutine Belle, a 45-year-old narrowboat rescued from a sunken condition by owner, Patrick Moss. Patrick, who is the Chairman of the Somerset Coal Canal Society, will be on the last leg of a two-year journey from Manchester.

Patrick said: “It’s been a mammoth journey down the country with her fickle vintage engine. When she gets home to Limpley Stoke, it will take eighteen months to refurbish her before we adventure forth again.”

During the show, the Lutine Belle will travel west from Bradford-on-Avon Marina, through the town and busy canal lock, and out to Avoncliff Aqueduct. The trip will include the 17th Century Town Bridge with ‘prison’ Chapel, Lock Inn Café, and historic Tithe Barn.

Patrick is a broadcaster himself, and hosts Magpie’s Folk Club on Frome FM, who will also broadcast the narrowboat special.

Somer Valley FM’s station manager, Dom Chambers – who once chaired the association looking after the interests of houseboats on the River Thames – is passionate about Britain’s waterways. Joining the show, Dom will talk to people from the canal’s community who are responsible for its upkeep, restoration and future.

Dom said: “At Somer Valley FM, we want to spend more time broadcasting from the heart of the communities we serve. This will be one of our most ambitious live outside broadcasts, and a fantastic way for us to bring this attractive part of our region to a wider audience through radio.”

The show, which has some technical challenges to overcome, will be produced by Somer Valley FM’s Production Manager, Luke Barnes.

Luke said: “This will be a radio first, and will use the local 4G phone network to relay the live show. Rob and I cycled the route to test the signal, and have already met some wonderful characters along the way.”