A beloved Bristol radio station needs saving – and soon

A beloved Bristol radio station needs saving – and soon

Posted on: 20 May 2024

Independent radio station Noods are launching a crowdfunding campaign to buy their home, Mickey Zoggs, after the end of their initial lease has led to an ultimatum from their landlord.

 

Noods Radio is one of the gem-studded pillars of the Bristol music community – operating since 2015, Noods is at once both local and global, investing in and celebrating Bristol’s music scene, and reaching out to like-minded record collectors and music lovers across the globe.

 

In 2021, Noods opened Mickey Zoggs Cafe/Bar, now home to their main radio studio – but also a popular, independently-minded hangout with pints and coffee both on offer, and host of plenty of fun and inventive events to bring the community together. Now, as the Mickey Zoggs lease comes to its end, Noods have been given an ultimatum by their landlord – as they (likely) paraphrase it: “Buy the building, or get out.”

 

 

In response, Noods and the Mickey Zoggs team have launched a new crowdfunder – starting just a few days ago, the ‘funder is running for just 27 more days, until the 16th of June; their goal is £70,000, to pay a deposit on the mortgage for the building. As of the time of writing, MZ have raised £15,850 – just 22% of their goal. There are plenty of incentives on offer for those who can contribute, from enamel pins and raffle tickets, all the way up to DJ workshops and tickets to all 7 days of Love International.

 

Noods really is a vital resource for the community – beyond broadcasting, the team also runs various programmes and initiatives aimed at paving the way for new and inclusive talent within the creative industries. From workshops helping women and non-binary people break into broadcasting, to educational initiatives helping young people gain the skills and experience necessary for a career in the creative sectors, the radio station is constantly giving back to the community that keeps it alive.

 

 

Without their home at Mickey Zoggs, Noods Radio may cease to exist – and with it, we’ll lose not only vibrant, quality music broadcasting, but also all of the initiatives helping to enrich and empower the community. In return, what will we gain? Unaffordable flats that contribute to the gentrifying of St Paul’s, most likely.

 

To donate to the Mickey Zoggs fundraisier, or just find out more about it, head to their Crowdfunder. To find out more about Noods, head to their website.

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Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.