Radio 1 Roadshow Memories

Do you remember the summer Radio 1 Roadshows in Devon?!

Those of you of a certain age will surely remember the Roadshow as it made its way around the seaside resorts of Britain.  It ran through the 70’s 80’s and 90’s and really was a part of the summer.  The start of the Roadshow really meant summer had arrived and in it’s heyday attracted crowds of 250,00 to Torre Abbey Meadows in Torquay.  All the Radio One DJs of the time did a spot , remember Dave Lee Travis, Mike Reid and Smiley Miley?! Remember Bits and Pieces and Smiley Miley’s Mileage Game?!

Here in Torquay we have fond memories of the Roadshow hitting the Bay as there was a show at Torquay, Paignton, Exmouth and Plymouth before they moved on to Cornwall. There was always great excitement when the Roadshow hit town!

Tony Blackburn

The reason I am recalling these memories is because Tony Blackburn, the first DJ to appear on Radio 1, has just done a 2 week slot on BBC Radio Devon, covering for Judi Spiers’ and was recounting the happy days he spent on the Roadshow.  Tony particularly had fond memories of the Devon leg of the tour and said it really was the best bit for him.

Working at TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay, I remember well the excitement of when the Radio 1 Roadshow hit town. Many of our guests used to plan their summer holiday around the Roadshow, which was usually held on Torre Abbey Meadows, right opposite the Toorak Hotel.   

I know we have all got a lot older but…. well we can still enjoy all those places the Roadshow used to visit because Torquay is still a great place to spend a family holiday.  Here at the Toorak Hotel, part of TLH Leisure Resort, we have a range of family accommodation and loads of facilities to appeal to all ages. Great food, smiling staff and sunny Torquay (!) is still a memorable holiday for your children – come and find out!  And on a good day we can still boogey too!

Take a trip down memory lane with this clip of Philip Schofield at the Radio 1 Roadshow