Radio broadcast on Eanam Wharf canal barge a hit with visitors

Drift, a programme devised by the Super Slow Way initiative, broadcast from aboard the Bill Hunt barge on the waterway over the weekend.

The full day of events around the historic Eanam Wharf area and the Calypso Restaurant began at 10am and ran late into the evening.

The project was hosted in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen's young people’s services department, and aired on Mixcloud online and 106.7 Ribble FM. The aim was to invoke the spirit of the pirate radio stations many people remember.

Artist Lucia Scazzocchio, of Social Broadcasts, and Estudio Esse have been working with young people from Blackburn with Darwen to transform the Bill Hunt barge into a floating studio for the experience and customise their own 'jingle shed' on the banks.

Coverage included interviews and group discussions, live music and pre-recorded radio features, field recordings and sound artworks.

Speaking on the day director of Super Slow Way, Laurie Peake said: “This is the first time we have done this project.

“We work with communities along the canal from Blackburn through Hyndburn, Burnley and Pendle.

“This summer we put a call out to artists, writers and poets to make audio content to be collected.

“We would then produce this radio station on the barge and broadcast it all live today.”

Pat (left) is pictured with Laurie Peake next to the Bill Hunt barge

Pat Fazackerley, the daughter of Bill Hunt who the barge was named after, attended the event on the day.

Ajaz Qureshi was one of those invited to share his poetry to the audience. His poems celebrate the canal and the surrounding areas.

He said: “I was delivering some of my poetry.

“I have been working with the Super Slow Way for about a year but I have known about them for a lot longer.

“I was really intrigued about what they are doing so I started writing poems about the canals and the Super Slow Way.”

Alongside the broadcast there was a pop up Street Market and Caribbean food.