Reflecting back on Alltrax’s launch as a radio station in Wigan eight months ago provides a simultaneous sense of pride and responsibility. The station opened its doors in May, and since then, consistent programming has meant that each Wednesday, we broadcast from 8pm – 10pm, with two DJ shows offering unique, localised expressions of music for listeners.
Local-first, we’ve spotlighted Wigan’s sonic talent, whilst extending our residencies and guest slots to DJ’s from wider Greater Manchester and beyond. Alltrax does this because geographic connectivity is crucial. Counties and metropolitan areas thrive because each one of their individual boroughs is rich, diverse, and offers something unique. Greater Manchester, and its wider territorial footprint, is a serious global player in music, culture, and art. Alltrax’s mission is to ensure that Wigan is not left behind as suburban and inner-city enclaves grow and thrive exponentially each year.
On a more optimistic note, what an inaugural launch period it’s been. From press coverage in global electronic music publications Mixmag and Resident Advisor, to our first broadcast. From free DJ workshops for beginners, to regrettably turning down 70% of applications for DJ residencies due to capacity and demand overload. From rigging up hardware equipment in-studio for specialist live performances, to the music and stories we’ve all shared with each other when crossing paths in the studio on Wednesday broadcast nights. It’s been a ride.
Wigan residents hopefully are starting to feel as if they need not travel too far to create, broadcast, and perform. DJ’s from further afield may start to get the impression that Wigan is a place to make a pilgrimage to, as they join our grassroots music community and network.
Alltrax in numbers: making community waves in Wigan
Pre-launch, we surveyed Wigan DJ’s and audiences:
- 100% of DJ’s said there were a lack of radio opportunities in Wigan for DJ’s.
- 70% of DJ’s weren’t aware of local performance/broadcast opportunities.
- 80% of audiences listen to electronic music daily.
- 80% of audiences weren’t satisfied with music events & radio broadcasts in Wigan
Alltrax hasn’t just created community, brought people together, and offered new opportunities for paid creative work and performance over the last 8 months, it’s delivered real-world impact. Including:
- 48 broadcasts
- 1,791 listener sessions
- 30 countries tuning in
- Created 12 paid DJ residencies (x6 shows) & 12 paid guest slots
- 1,628 hours total live listening time
- Delivered 2 free DJ drop-in sessions with Wigan Libraries for all ages
- Created live performance opportunities for DJs
- Delivered skills workshop in partnership with Reform Radio (ACE NPO)
Our studio at The Granary connects Wigan to Greater Manchester
Our studio location, conveniently located a stone’s throw from both Wigan Northwestern & Wigan Wallgate train station, is no coincidence. Our aim was to make Alltrax’s studio accessible for local Wigan Borough DJ’s, Greater Manchester residents, and those travelling from even further afield. A true connected hub of community.
Our launch: Wigan on the map in global DJ press!
From teaming up with local filmmaker Robbie Kirk to shoot our launch film showing Wigan after-hours, to coverage in Mixmag & Resident Advisor – we put Alltrax on the map for our launch.
Workshops, partnerships, and community skill-building
Partnering with Reform Radio, Wigan Council, and Wigan Libraries has meant that expanding influence through community connections was a core focus for our activity.
From May – December 2025, we delivered:
- 2 free DJ drop in sessions at Wigan Libraries
- Live gig at Eastern Bloc Records, bringing Wigan to Manchester city centre
- Skills workshop in partnership with Reform Radio (ACE NPO)
Stacked line ups, week-in, week out
Every Wednesday, we’ve hosted two DJ’s, live from our studio at The Granary. From seasoned vinyl selectors such as Sticky Black Tarmac’s Brandan Nolan, Prof, and Kickin’ Pigeon, through to cutting-edge party starters G Spot, Kikitza & Moll (Not Bad For a Girl).
Inclusivity has been at the heart of our programming, and we’ve delivered on that promise with 50% of our resident DJ’s being female or mixed-gender collectives.
From live electronics sets, to DJ sets from young people (Wigan Youth Zone takeover), to collaborative back-to-back sets, we’ve platformed it all for Wigan so far, and we only want to see this grow.
A particular highlight was when we took some of our resident DJ’s to Reform Radio’s studios, where they hosted a radio skills workshop for us:
What’s next for 2026 & beyond?
As we move into the new year now, Alltrax will continue to pick up steam after the end of year break. We have regular Wednesday night programming scheduled in, and have just launched an event at Atherton’s grassroots music venue, The Snug.
Watch out for more updates as we plan the rest of 2026 behind the scenes. To all the DJ’s, listeners, musicians, ravers, and creatives behind us in our journey so far – thank you for being a part of Alltrax, you fuel us.
