My experience at the Student Radio Awards 2009
Please note: This article was requested to be written for the Swansea University newspaper The Waterfront, I’ve just reposted it here, as my blog hasn’t been getting much loving recently 
On Tuesday the 24th November 2009, I was lucky enough to have one of the best, even if a bit surreal, days of my life. I was nominated for Best Technical Achievement at the Student Radio Awards 2009, so I got invites for tours around BBC Radio 1 and Global Radio, as well as an invite to the Student Radio Awards in the indigO2 in the O2 Arena (Millennium Dome).
When I arrived in London, I went straight to Radio 1! So I get my guest pass, and wait outside, then I hear someone say “Excuse me” to us students, so we move out the way, and Fearne Cotton walks past, everyday stuff! Then I walked up the stairs, and look up and get passed on the stairs by Al Murray, very surreal! Anyway when we were in Radio 1 we had talks about Radio 1, how to get a job there, and stuff like that and a tour around the studios; it was awesome and we got to watch Greg James do some of his show, and were shown around by his producer, Neil Sloan! We got a tour around Chris Moyles’ studio, and basically had a lot of fun, we even got mentioned on Radio 1 by Greg James, while we were in the studio next door listening in, can’t get much cooler than that!
Then it was off to Global, for more of the same – and seeing their studios was also fantastic and met some really nice people, and saw the studios of all of their radio stations, including Galaxy and XFM.
Then it was time for the main event, the Awards, hosted by Scott Mills, Fearne Cotton and Greg James. Loads of famous faces were giving out awards, including Zoe Ball, Westwood, and Richard Park. Then my award came up… and I won Silver! Was very happy to win Silver, very chuffed!
Then was time for the mash up! Global Radio vs BBC Radio 1, this was awesome! Basically DJs representing both sides, with a bit of friendly banter thrown in! The likes of Scott Mills, Sacha Brooks, Greg James, Dave Pearce, Huw Stephens and Steve Lamacq, all had a go, and by the end of the night, we were all, slightly tired and emotional, really loving the music, and having fun with all the other radio folk.
All in all a great night, hopefully we can go again next year!
Big thanks to BBC Radio 1, Global Radio, the Student Radio Association and all the folks that I met on Tuesday!