Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast

This episode explores the use of drama within Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, examining how sound design, performance and narrative structure were used to create immersive “theatre of the mind” experiences for listeners. It considers how radio drama techniques shaped storytelling and influenced later audio formats including podcasts.The programme includes archive material from Manchester Central Library and uses licensed sound effects and music to support the narrative.You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.Archive creditsArchive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library. Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:Hunter’s Moon by Stephen Gallagher, 1978 (PICC/770)Last Rose of Summer by Stephen Gallagher, 1978 (PICC/762)The Babylon Run by Stephen Gallagher, 1979 (PICC2/274)Licensed audioAuto Engine Prem11-0514 – Envato ElementsBaby Elephant Ody-0231-042 – Envato ElementsCar Boot Open – Envato ElementsDramatic Shift – Envato ElementsElephant Trumpeting Pe024801 – Envato ElementsFight Kit Punches Odc-0019-323 – Envato ElementsGun Cocking – Envato ElementsLdj Audio City Ambience Envato ElementsRunning Steps Envato ElementsRights statementAll licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.NarrationPodcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).Our next bonus episode on Piccadilly Radio's horror and suspense programming is out on 15 August!

July's issue of Full Volume features an exclusive interview with author David Nolan in honour of 'Punk Day' at Central Library (the 50th Anniversary of Sex Pistols' iconic gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall), World Cup predictions from the Manchester Libraries team, the low-down on this year's 'Read To The Beat' themed Summer Reading challenge, archive clips from the Piccadilly Radio Archive, and more... Tune in and turn it up, now!

This episode explores the historical development of commercial radio in the United Kingdom, focusing on the emergence of Piccadilly Radio within the wider context of broadcasting policy, pirate radio, and youth culture. It examines how technological, political and cultural changes shaped the radio landscape from the 1920s through to the 1980s.You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.Archive creditsArchive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library. Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:News File, 29 Jul 1983 12:45pm (PICCNEWS/124)News File, 20 Apr 1984 5:45pm (PICC/111)Arena: The 50s with Mick Sawyer, 10 Nov 1978 (PICC/622)Top Twenty - Across the Universe by Peter Whalley, 25 Jan 1982 (PICC/221)Top Twenty - Another Brick In The Wall by Dave Simpson, c.1982 (PICC/237)If The Bombs Dropped Now documentary, c. 1974-1980 (PICC/775)Mike Sweeney interview with NUM Lancashire president Sid Vincent, Mar 1984 (PICC2/412)Ads and promos by the Piccadilly Commercial Production Department, 1970s (PICC/801)Licensed audioBabylon5DoorButto – HollywoodEdge – Envato ElementsButton Press – ldj_audio – Envato ElementsCartoon Fog Horn – Top-Up-Sounds – Envato ElementsComputer Or Electronic Beeps – Sound-Ideas – Envato ElementsElectronic Turn On – Cinematic-Sound-Design – Envato ElementsIncidental Encounter – Arthur Benson – Epidemic Sound In-Surf – ArtHaiz – Envato ElementsMaple Leaf Rag – gballx – Envato ElementsNews – Boomopera – Envato ElementsOrchestral Shocking Moment – applehillstudios – Envato ElementsPress Button Device – Top-Up-Sounds – Envato ElementsRadio Tuning – applehillstudios – Envato ElementsRain Storm Thunder – az_studio – Envato ElementsRecord-Scratch – SoundJay – Envato ElementsSeagulls Near Seashore – FxProSound – Envato ElementsSeashore Waves – lokohighman – Envato ElementsThunder Storm – Cinematic-Sound-Design – Envato ElementTime Travel Machine – LoopsLab – Envato ElementsTime Warp Vanish 46560 – prosoundfx – Envato ElementsUi Old Button Harsh Push Hard 01 – SmartSoundFX – Envato ElementsWarp Drive 05 – sonic-boom – Envato ElementsZoom – TibaSFX – Envato ElementsRights statementAll licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.NarrationPodcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).Our next bonus episode on the Piccadilly Radio's drama and sound design is out on 15 July!

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns in June with a packed Pride Month special.   With so many events taking place across our libraries in June, this month presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson take you through their pick of the litter with a cavalcade of cracking interviews. There’s an interview with Greek mythology goddess Natalie Haynes as she tells us about her favourite myths and her new book ‘No Friend To This House’ ahead of her appearance at the Manchester Literature Festival in Central Library. Elsewhere, author and Louder Than War journalist Iain Key drops in to give Alan the scoop on his brand new book ‘It’s Time The Tale Were Told: A People’s History of The Smiths’, with plenty of chat about Manchester’s favourite indie icons. Plus, Gary Parkinson sits down with author, poet, playwright, actor and director: Gerry Potter. Renowned as both creator and destroyer of Chloe Poems, the infamous gay, Scouse, Socialist, gingham-clad, drag queen diva tells Gary about his incredible work and life.  Alongside this, there’s reflections on Pride and highlights from the Manchester Libraries’ staff on their LGBTQI+ icons, and a themed From The Archives Clip from the Piccadilly Archives.   And there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month, including a chat with Ollie from Greater Manchester Choirs, and all the usual fun and games.   Tune in now! 

This second episode of six explores the role of radio presenters at Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, examining how personality, voice and audience connection shaped early broadcasting and continue to influence modern podcasting and streaming culture.You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.Archive creditsArchive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library:Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:Steve Penk Best Of The Jobs, Calls and Wind-ups (PICC/1418)HOLY ROADSHOW (PICC/154)James Stannage from SWEENEY/ANDERTON (PICC2/403)Copyright The Chris Sievey Estate - all rights reserved:Frank Sidebottom: Mr Gallaghers Zoo 2 with apology at start (PICC/1621)Frank Sidbottom: One Year Anniversary Of Radio Timperley (PICC/1639)Chris Sievey's Piccadilly Radio show as DJ 'Andy Wright' (PICC/1435)Copyright Manchester Libraries:Oral history with Mark Radcliffe (PICCOH/8)Oral history with Brian Beech (PICCOH/5) Oral history with Liz Bracken (PICCOH/6)Oral history with Henry Matthews (PICCOH/3) Licensed audioPeer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46, No. 4 – In the Hall of the Mountain King – Odyssey Orchestra – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)Keeping My Head in the Sand – Speedy The Spider – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)The Broadway Strut – Speedy The Spider – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)Disco Craze – Rymdklang Soundtracks – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)Rights statementAll licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.NarrationPodcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).Our next bonus episode on the development of commercial radio is out on 15 June!

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast is back for May with another fun-packed episode.  Presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries. This May, Alan sits down with rising Cumbrian author Shaun Wilson, who tells all on his acclaimed debut novel ‘Malc’s Boy’. Shaun will be coming to Central Library later this month in person for a special author Q&A, hosted by Tony Walsh  Plus, coin collectors will love our special feature with Steve Ingham who tells us all about the Numismatics Society who meet once a month at Central Library. Alan once thought he’d found a rare Rupert the Bear 50 pence, until the penny dropped… hear more about it in this episode. Elsewhere, Elle takes us to reviewers corner once again as she sinks her teeth into the new novel by poet Neil Rollinson called “The Dead Don’t Bleed”. Hear her two cents on it here. Plus, Alan heads to Chorlton and Didsbury Libraries to get the scoop on their latest happenings, plus news of their involvement in the Chorlton Arts Festival and Didsbury Arts Festival respectfully.   And there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month, a choice archive clip from the Piccadilly Radio archive of when the Pope came to Heaton Mark, and all the usual fun and games.   Tune in now! 

This first episode of six explores the role of comedy in Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, focusing on Caroline Aherne, Chris Sievey and Buzz Hawkins to examine how radio functioned as a creative training ground for British comedy.You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.Archive creditsArchive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library:Copyright Bauer Media - all rights reserved:L.B.C. AM SPOOF, 1977 (DAVIES/43)Cromwell Mansions episode 5, 1980 (PICC2/70)Copyright The Chris Sievey Estate - all rights reserved:Frank Sidebottom: Mrs Merton's Choice (PICC/1612)Frank Sidebottom: Babysitting Reggie Merton (PICC/1593)Frank Sidebottom: Cup of Tea (PICC/1592)Frank Sidebottom: Blackpool - Train Journey (PICC/1582) Frank Sidebottom: ‘Saturday Express’ Interview Chris Evans & Frank, 1987 (PICC/1591)Frank Sidebottom: Removal Company (PICC-1626) Copyright Buzz Hawkins - all rights reserved:The Bradshaws Volume 10 - in Their Own Firelight: Itchy Bum (PICC/1570)Licensed audioCommunications, Radio, Tuning Between Stations, Static 02 – Epidemic Sound (licensed via epidemicsound.com)Drink & Drive – Raz Burg – Artlist (licensed via artlist.io)Third-party material (UK fair dealing: criticism, review, education)Radio Tuning Sound Effect [HD] – YouTube.comCar skid sound effect – YouTube.comThird-party material above is used for the purposes of criticism, review, and education in accordance with UK fair dealing provisions.Rights statementAll licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.NarrationPodcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).Our next bonus episode on Piccadilly Radio DJs is out on 15 May!

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast returns for a bumper Easter extravaganza.  Presenters Alan Lynch and his co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries.   This April, Alan heads over to Wythenshawe Forum where he sits in on a feast of audio treats from Manchester music scene powerhouse Rowetta, plus BBC Radio 1 + 2 award-winning folk musician Ríoghnach Connolly; both of whom tell us about their love of Manchester Libraries.  Plus, ahead of his Q&A event at Central Library at the end of the month, author Richard Houghton talks to the podcast about his incredible new book ‘Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin’, a book that delivers a “people’s history” of one of the biggest rock bands of all time.   Elsewhere, our youngest reviewer Oliver returns to review his favourite new book on survival, whereas Danny Middleton pops in to tell us more about the exciting late night plans for ‘World Book Night’ at Central Library.   Elsewhere there’s a roundup of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries throughout the month, a choice archive clip from the Piccadilly Radio archive, and all the usual fun and games.   Tune in now! 

Full Volume: The Manchester Libraries Podcast bounces back with a Spring in its step this March.  Continuing to dazzle with its fresh new look, lineup, features, and more - presenter Alan Lynch and co-host Gary Parkinson – bring you all the latest and greatest from across Manchester Libraries. This month, author Chris Connelly chats to the chaps about his beautiful new book ‘Cargo Recording Studios: 1977 – 85’. Speaking ahead of his Q&A event in the Henry Watson Music Library on 12 March, Chris’ new book documents the amazing work that went on at this Greater Manchester Studio, where artists such as Joy Division, Fall, OMD, and more all recorded. Gary is on hand for a testing ‘Either/Or’ of his favourite Cargo artists too. Elsewhere, Margaret Duff and Helen Beesley from the Manchester Libraries Children’s team talk about the National Year of Reading and the fantastic See Myself In Books campaign.   There’s a showcase of the spectacular new monthly club; ‘International Film Club’ at Central Library, with a discussion of its happening with its founder Oliver Elliot Rye. There’s a double helping of reviews too, with our regular Full Volume reviewer Elena giving her two cents on ‘Green Dot’ by Australian author Madeleine Gray. Whereas fans of the podcast will be pleased to hear the return of Oliver, our youngest reviewer, who gets his claws into ‘Varjak Paw’ by children’s author S.F. Said. Elsewhere there’s plugs for some special St Patrick’s Day festivities at Central Library taking place on Saturday 14 March, plus a round up of what’s going on around the local Manchester Libraries including Music Evermore and Afro Tots in Wythenshawe Forum. And with Mother’s Day just around the corner, Thom presents a killer vintage clip from the Piccadilly Radio Archive from one of the best known songwriters Manchester has ever produced – it’s a winner.   Tune in now!