Christmas Radio starts broadcasting in Portsmouth - already
You may want to cover your ears - a Christmas radio station has already started broadcasting in Portsmouth this year
It may not even be Halloween yet but Christmas music is ringing out across the airwaves in Portsmouth already.
Christmas Radio has started broadcasting in the city and in south Hampshire on digital radio, as well as online. The seasonal pop-up station promises “non-stop holiday classics and community spirit” to listeners along the Solent 24 hours a day until New Year's Eve.
“We’re excited to be back for 2026. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year and we enjoy sharing the festive hits with listeners across Portsmouth and beyond. Whether you're decorating the tree, doing your Christmas shopping, or driving home from work, Christmas Radio is here to provide the soundtrack to your celebrations,” said Gary Milchard, the station owner who styles himself as “Santa’s Executive Helper”.
It promises “timeless golden-era favourites” by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, and Brenda Lee as well as more modern party anthems from Mariah Carey, Wham!, and Michael Bublé - a test on Saturday afternoon saw Walking in the Air by Aled Jones, from The Snowman, being played - and will be broadcasting across Portsmouth, Southsea, Fareham, Gosport, Havant and surrounding areas.
Portsmouth listeners can tune in immediately on their digital DAB radios by performing an autotune, and the station also broadcasts at www.christmasradio.uk