MARLOVIANS celebrated the town getting its own dedicated radio station with a music festival thrown by presenters.

The enjoyed two stages of music at the first Marlow FM Riley Park Music Festival 2009.

On Wednesday it was announced the station – which has so far only broadcast for a month at a time – has won a five year FM licence from regulators.

Presenters hope to get the station on the air by next summer. As long as regulations are met and funding is found, they expect the licence to be made permanent.

Speaking as the first of 20 acts took to the stage, marketing director Paul Mansell said: “We have had hundreds of emails congratulating us, people want to get involved.

“Marlow FM will be based in Marlow, about Marlow and for the people of Marlow.”

He said he wanted to extend the festival to week of concerts, similar to Henley Festival, to compliment Marlow Carnival, which takes next weekend.

Yesterday’s performances ran from 11.15am to 7pm and included Moody Blues covers band Blue Onyx and headliners The Quotes and Arfur’s Bicycle.

BBC Radio 2 young folk singer of the year Megan Henwood also performed.# Proceeds went to the Riley Park Trust.

Children enjoyed rides and there was a barbecue and bar for revellers at the Riley Road attraction.

Mr Mansell said the station would feature residents, schools and groups alongside music from local, national and world famous artists.

The station will have an 8km radius meaning it will reach as far as Cookham, Bourne End and Beaconsfield.

Under the terms of the Ofcom licence it has to be not-for-profit and will be supported by up to 50 per cent advertising and donations from residents.

And organisers hope the licence will make it easier to apply for grants towards the £15-20,000 a year running costs. This includes a transmitter on All Saints Church.

Mr Mansell said: “More people are listening to radio more than ever. It is probably one of the few growth areas in the media.”