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Local radio legends Joel Ross and Brad Helme are set to host the Saturday of Preston Live 2025.
The family-friendly music festival will take place at The Show Field, Wharles, on Friday 25, Saturday 26, and Sunday 27 July with Lightning Seeds, Ella Henderson and Heather Small headlining each night respectively.
Joel and Ross co-hosted the popular Rock FM Breakfast Show until January 2024, when the station underwent a rebranding to become Hits Radio Lancashire. As part of this change, the breakfast show was merged with Radio City in Liverpool, with Joel staying on to host with Leanne Campbell.
Read more: Rock FM changes to become Hits Radio Lancashire
Fans were devastated at the time, with one listener saying the new show missed “the chemistry and laughs” between Joel and Brad – so it’s no surprise the news of this one-off gig has been received positively.
Comments on the Preston Live Instagram post included: “This reunion will be mega”, “Who needs acts when we have these two keeping us entertained”, and “The dream team is back”.
Speaking to Blog Preston, Joel and Brad couldn’t hide their excitement.
Joel said: “I honestly can’t wait for Preston Live this year for two reasons – first, the line up is incredible and, second, I get to work with Brad one last time together. We were the last DJs on the old Rock FM and never got to have a party so we are gonna smash it on Saturday night.
“I’ve done so many gigs with Ella Henderson over the years and she is amazing live and has so many tunes you had forgotten she was a vocalist on. Aston from JLS is pure class and Tinchy is a proper throwback to the 2010s. I will definitely be there on Friday too, as the Lightning Seeds were one of my favourite bands in the 90s, and their songs still sound fresh today.”
Read more: Lightning Seeds, Ella Henderson and Heather Small to headline Preston Live 2025
Brad, who previously hosted Preston Live in 2023, said: “I’m buzzing to be back and this time I’m reuniting with my old partner-in-crime Joel for one day only.
“Us Prestonians love a party, and this one’s shaping up to be a class weekend – grab your tickets now, and we’ll see you there!”
Preston Live Director Scott McCarthy added: “Preston Live is excited to have Joel and Brad back together to host the city’s biggest family music festival.
“We’re looking forward to them bringing great energy and getting the crowd going on Saturday.”
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