BBC Sussex celebrates 30th birthday today

A small event was held in Brighton this morning to mark the occassion, hosted by Sara David, managing editor at the station. Sara was joined by Piers Bishop, BBC Sussex’s first ever breakfast presenter and Neil Pringle, who presents the station’s Breakfast Show today. The two presenters cut the birthday cake live on the radio.

BBC Sussex presenter Danny Pike kicked off his Mid-Morning show this morning by broadcasting live as he walked from the site of the original radio station in Marlborough place across to the Brighton Pavilion where the event was being held.

His show also included a live performance by local jive band, Jive Aces, and Toploader’s frontman Joe Washbourn.

The station is out and about in Brighton for the rest of the day meeting and celebrating with listeners and tonight at 7pm a special documentary on BBC Sussex will look back at the last 30 years on air.

Mark Carter, assistant editor at BBC Sussex said: “Today has been a wonderful celebration for everyone involved in BBC Sussex. “It’s been great to share this special day with so many friends of the station, including presenters past and present and also to share this on air with our loyal listeners.

“There is a real sense of pride at the achievements of the last thirty years, but also anticipation and excitement about what we will bring to our audiences in the years ahead.”

Guests at today’s event also included the Mayor of Brighton and Hove councillors Denise Cobb and Jason Kitbat - Leader of Brighton and Hove Council.