Radcliffe & Maconie to host Radio Festival

6 Music duo Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie are to be the main hosts for this year’s Radio Festival, which is back at Salford Quays at the end of October.

The first big name to be announced for the Radio Academy’s showpiece event is Dragon’s Den star Duncan Bannatyne who’ll appear as part of a session on Talent Management.

We’re told more major radio names are already booked to appear at the festival – which runs 31 October to 2 November at The Lowry, just opposite MediaCityUK – with further announcements to come over the next few weeks and months.

John Myers chief executive of the Radio Academy, said: “The Radio Festival this year I believe will be the best yet. We have a brilliant line up that will be revealed over the coming weeks. Speakers this year are coming from all over the world and with the programme of sessions in the pipeline I expect this to be the best yet.

“In addition, I am thrilled the Festival will be hosted by two award winning presenters with a unique style all of their own and will ensure the festival is both informative and entertaining.”

Mark Radcliffe said: “We are delighted to be involved, especially as its in Manchester and, as widely acknowledged radio beefcakes, we look forward to delivering some much needed glamour to proceedings”

The Festival also includes the Hall of Fame Dinner, which takes place at The Monastery again this year and will see radio legends inducted into the Radio Academy’s Hall of Fame. The PPL Party on the Monday night of the festival again takes place at Lancashire County Cricket Club. During the daytime, Monday kicks off with Techcon and Foot In The Door, with the main radio sessions of the Festival lasting all day Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

Tickets have gone on sale this morning, with an early bird discount for the first 100 delegates to sign up before 15th June. Find out more on the Radio Academy website.