Pirate BBC Essex

The exhibition, some of which has only ever been seen by the public once before, will be on display for five days from 9, August as part of Pirate BBC Essex.

It includes rare photographs of many of the pirate radio dj’s of 60s stations Radio Caroline and Radio London as well as some of the other stations which broadcast from ships around Britain.

There are also letters, annuals and books, newspaper cuttings and some of the records charting the pirate radio years. 

The exhibition is owned by Lincolnshire businessman and pirate radio enthusiast Chris Dannatt. Chris said: "I’ve been collecting pieces about pirate radio for the best part of forty years and am still constantly scouting around for pieces I haven’t got."

Earlier this year Chris managed to a prize exhibit to his collection – a Radio Caroline bag in mint condition. 

Some of the exhibition was shown 30-years-ago at Flashback ’77, one of the first pirate radio conventions, held at a hotel at Heathrow Airport.

The exhibition will be free to the public while Pirate BBC Essex is on air on 729,765 and 1530 AM and at bbc.co.uk/essex. The station will be broadcasting from the LV18 former lightship in the North Sea just off Harwich.

Listeners will be able to hear their favourite presenters from the 60s as they view the exhibition. There are also plans for some presenter appearances at the exhibition.

Thousands of people to are expected to come to Harwich for a rare opportunity to see some British broadcasting history.