As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to an even busier 2026 it is an ideal moment to express our gratitude for your continued support.
The Dove's owner John Haynes along with the entire team, wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you.
Your loyalty has been invaluable whether you have tuned in to 'the music you love', visited our website at Doveradio.co.uk, participated in one of our local events, or followed us on social media. Each action demonstrates your commitment to the things that matter most within our community.
2025 has been challenging especially for businesses and local traders with the works to transform the town centre, but now complete should hopefully mean a brighter 2026.
That didn't stop the town from hosting some of the year's biggest and best events helping to bring everyone together,
Here are our highlights!
March saw our comprehensive two-day live coverage of the legendary Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football match with over 7,000 listeners tuning in live, and a staggering 170,000 visiting our website for updates and highlights, proving just how much this unique local tradition means to us all.
Pictured: David Bott
One of the Shrovetide Heroes!
The spirit of community continued in May, when the DOVE’s own John Haynes had the honour of hosting Ashbourne’s VE Day Celebration on the Recreation Ground Place. This free event, organised by Ashbourne Town Council, was a fantastic showcase of local talent and community pride, culminating in a spectacular firework display that lit up the town.
Pictured: Breaking Poynt live on stage.
Image: Great turnout for the VE event
As the year turned towards winter, the DOVE was right at the heart of the festive cheer.
In November, we helped launch Ashbourne’s Festive Season from the newly refurbished Market Place for the Christmas Lights Switch-On. With a bigger stage from LG Stage Hire, the afternoon was filled with entertainment that delighted our younger listeners, alongside street performers and big-screen characters, all soundtracked by DOVE’s classic Christmas playlist.
Just one week later, we took that festive mood to Matlock for their own Lights Switch-On. It was joyous to see the return of the town’s parade and to hear local talent entertaining the crowds from the bandstand, bringing a real sparkle to the start of December.
On 5th December, it was our pleasure to help bring Ashbourne together for the magical Lantern Spectacular. The wonderful SPARK led a glowing procession of hundreds of handmade lanterns, while the formidable QEGS Choir filled the air with beautiful carols – a truly special local moment.
Pictured: This years highlight for Us Spark!
None of this would have been possible without you, and is the sole reason why we do what we do.
With 2025 coming to a close
our attention now turns to next year where preparations are already underway for Shrovetide
2026, and we can’t wait to share what we have planned for this year’s event.
Remember just say 'alexa open dove radio', click www.doveradio.co.uk, and follow us via our social media channels to keep up-to-date with all the latest local news, sport, information, and of course hear all 'the music you love' too.
Have a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.
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