Gary’s first radio job was at Radio Wave in Blackpool. From there he moved to Guernsey to take up a presenting role on Island FM, which he later ran as Station Director.
He also worked for BBC Guernsey and Channel 103 in Jersey, as well as other UK stations, before taking up a television role with ITV Channel.
Fancy some archive of me from 1997, trying to get a job on a radio station in Blackpool?
Just discovered this and feared it would be a total cringe to hear but reckon I just about got away with it!
(Fuller version here: https://t.co/pc6prnHG4W) pic.twitter.com/07ZeIwyws2
— Gary Burgess (@GaryBurgessCI) November 19, 2021
Gary’s best friend Alistair Clarke, who he worked with at Radio Wave, was initially involved with the application for the DAB multiplex.
He asked Gary to help fine-tune the application, which was completed over the months before his death from cancer on New Year’s Day 2022.
The small-scale DAB radio multiplex for Blackpool has now launched, three months after being awarded a licence by Ofcom.
Announcing the news on social media, Alistair thanked those people involved with the application and planning processes, adding: “I must mention Gary Burgess who helped to write the application to Ofcom and would’ve been thrilled to see it taking shape.”
Good morning you.
Homeward-bound after a very special week in Blackpool seeing family and some close friends.
Laughter, tears and surprises along the way.
Not least this… I got to turn on the actual Blackpool Illuminations.
Just incredible! pic.twitter.com/cehl5hRvz4
— Gary Burgess (@GaryBurgessCI) September 12, 2021
Having lived in Lancashire with his family, after moving back to the UK from South Africa as a child, Gary was a frequent visitor to Blackpool throughout his life, including to visit friends and former colleagues as a guest of honour during the last year of his life.
Pictured top: Gary and husband Alan Burgess at Blackpool.
