Sunrise Radio begins broadcasting
Launched as Bradford City Radio, Sunrise becomes the only independent commercial Asian radio station on FM in the world.
About Sunrise Radio
Broadcasting since 1989
Our story is still being written.
From pioneering Asian commercial radio in Bradford to broadcasting across Yorkshire, Manchester, East Lancashire, Milton Keynes and West London.
1989Established in Bradford
24/7Asian hit music
FM · DAB+Online · Mobile · TV
36+ yearsOne remarkable story
About Sunrise Radio
A voice for our community.
A soundtrack for generations.
Bradford City Radio launched as Sunrise Radio in December 1989. From studios in Bradford city centre, it has grown into the North of England’s largest Asian radio station.
Today, Sunrise broadcasts 24 hours a day on 103.2 and 100.6 FM across West Yorkshire, on DAB+ across a growing network of areas, and worldwide online.
See all the ways to listen →Our story
Nearly four decades of landmark moments
Every date is part of the Sunrise story. Open each era to explore the complete timeline.
1989–1999Where it all beganA pioneering voice for Asian communities, broadcasting from Bradford.+
2000–2009Recognition & growthMajor awards, growing influence and service to the community.+
Ethnic Media of the Year
Winner at the Asian Business Exhibition in Manchester.
Business Woman of the Year
The Asian Business Convention honours Chief Executive Usha Parmar.
Ethnic Media of the Year
Sunrise Radio wins at the Asian Business Awards.
Media & Arts Excellence Award
Awarded at the Asian Jewel Awards.
Media Campaign of the Year
Winner at the ABDN Annual Business Awards Dinner.
Best Vaisakhi Programme
Sunrise Radio is recognised for its Vaisakhi programming.
Service to the Community
ABDN honours Chief Executive Usha Parmar.
2010–2019Expanding our reachLandmark events, digital expansion and national recognition.+
Ten10 Cricket champions
The Sunrise Radio cricket team wins the Business Link Ten10 Cricket Tournament.
Lifetime Association Award
The Hindu Cultural Society honours Chief Executive Usha Parmar.
Business Woman of the Year
Usha Parmar is honoured at the Asian Lite Business Awards.
Donor recruitment events
Raj Parmar organises events with Delete Blood Cancer across Bradford and Keighley.
An Evening with Bipasha Basu
Sunrise hosts the event at St George’s Hall, Bradford.
Manchester Mega Mela
Sunrise Radio hosts the major community celebration.
Asian Wedding Awards
Director Raj Parmar hosts the awards in Manchester.
National Asian Wedding Show
Official media partner for the Yorkshire event.
International Women’s Day
Celebrated with an all-female line-up of presenters.
Asian Media Awards finalist
Finalist for Regional Radio Station of the Year.
World Bridal Event Yorkshire
Official media partner in Ilkley.
26 years of broadcasting
Sunrise Radio celebrates its anniversary.
National Asian Wedding Show
Official media partner for the Yorkshire show.
A new Sunrise website
News, showbiz, blogs, weather and the Listener VIP Club launch.
Sunrise launches on Apple TV
Listeners worldwide gain another way to tune in.
New smartphone app
The Sunrise Radio app launches with extra features.
Asian Wedding Awards
Raj Parmar hosts the awards in Manchester.
DAB+ launches across Manchester
Sunrise expands onto digital radio across Manchester.
Digital radio in Glasgow
Sunrise Radio launches on DAB across Glasgow.
Pakistan Fashion Week London
Sunrise Radio is official media partner.
Chand Raat in Manchester
Sunrise hosts a special Chand Raat event.
Sultan Wrestling Tournament
Hosted at Cineworld Bradford with Yash Raj Films.
Manchester Mega Mela
Hosted at Platt Fields Park, attracting tens of thousands.
Manchester digital launch party
The official celebration takes place at Lighthouse Manchester.
Pakistani Music Media Awards
Presenter Parvez Khan is named a finalist.
Lancashire Cricket sponsorship
Sunrise sponsors the Female Player of the Year award.
World Bridal Event
Official media partner for the Bolton event.
Asian Media Awards finalist
Shortlisted for Regional Radio Station of the Year.
LCCC Player of the Year Awards
Raj Parmar presents the Female Player of the Year award at Old Trafford.
Higher-quality stereo DAB+
Sunrise becomes the first commercial Asian radio station to broadcast in stereo across Manchester on digital radio.
Regional Radio Station of the Year
Sunrise wins at the Asian Media Awards.
Bollywood Seduction Diwali Event
Sunrise and ApnaBeat partner at Satans Hollow, Manchester.
National Asian Wedding Show
Official media partner for the Yorkshire event.
Listener Choice Awards
Sunrise launches its Radio Presenter of the Year award.
27 years of broadcasting
Sunrise Radio celebrates its anniversary.
Amazon Appstore launch
The app becomes available on Kindle Fire and Fire tablets.
Asian Wedding Experience
Official media partner and host in Manchester.
Pakistan Super League
Sunrise is officially licensed to broadcast PSL 2017.
World Bridal Event
Official media partner at Bolton Whites Hotel.
FnB Awards Manchester
Sunrise Radio is announced as a sponsor.
Lancashire’s Got Talent
Media partner for Lancashire Cricket Board’s talent search.
FnB Awards
Usha Parmar and Raj Parmar present Videographer of the Year.
British Indian Awards finalist
Shortlisted in the Best Creative Industries category.
Best in Creative Industries
Winner at the British Indian Awards in Leicester.
Best Asian Music Radio Station — Northern UK
Winner at the LUX Entertainment Awards.
Bradford Ambassador
Raj Parmar is selected as an official ambassador for the City of Bradford.
Honorary Fellowship
Bradford College honours Usha Parmar for service to the city locally, regionally and nationally.
2020–TodayA new era for SunriseNew stations, platforms and rapid expansion across the UK.+
Sunrise Radio Gold launches
A new home for classic Asian hits launches online, on Android and Alexa-enabled devices.
Best Asian Hit Music Station 2020 — England
Awarded in the Corporate Vision Media Innovator Awards.
Sunrise launches on Roku
The Sunrise Radio channel becomes available on Roku streaming devices.
DAB+ launches across Bradford
Sunrise Radio and Sunrise Radio Gold launch in stereo.
DAB+ launches across East Lancashire
Sunrise Radio and Sunrise Radio Gold expand their digital coverage.
Sunrise launches across Milton Keynes
Another major expansion of the network.
100.6 FM launches in Calderdale
Sunrise Radio expands its FM coverage.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Chief Executive Usha Parmar is honoured at the Yorkshire Business Power Awards.
Sunrise launches across West London
A new chapter in the Sunrise Radio story begins on DAB+.
02September
2026
2026
Hello,
West London.
From Bradford in 1989 to broadcasting across West London on DAB+ — the Sunrise Radio family keeps growing.
Listen live ▶
Timeline / Awards / Nominations
1989 - Sunrise Radio commences Broadcasting and becomes the only independent commercial Asian radio station on FM in the world.
2001 - Sunrise Radio wins the 'Ethnic Media of the Year' Award at the Asian Business Exhibition in Manchester
2001 - Asian Business Convention awards Chief Executive of Sunrise Radio, Usha Parmar, Business Woman of the Year Award.
16th June 2002 - Sunrise Radio wins the 'Ethnic Media of The Year' award at the Asian Business Awards
2004 - Sunrise Radio wins the Media and Arts Excellence Award at the Asian Jewel Awards.
2004 - Sunrise Radio wins the 'Media Campaign of the Year' award at the ABDN Annual Business Awards Dinner
2006 - Sunrise Radio wins the award for 'Best Vaisakhi Programme'
2009 - ABDN honours Chief Executive, Usha Parmar, with the 'Service to the Community' Award.
15th July 2010 - Sunrise Radio Cricket team win the Business Link Ten10 Cricket Tournament
2010 - Hindu Cultural Society honours Cheif Executive of Sunrise Radio, Usha Parmar, with a Lifetime Association Award.
2013 - Chief Executive of Sunrise Radio, Usha Parmar, awarded 'Business Woman of the Year' Award at The Asian Lite Business Awards
January / February 2013 - Raj Parmar (Sunrise Radio) organises a series of Donor Recruitment Events in association with Delete Blood Cancer across Bradford and Keighley
9th May 2014 - Sunrise Radio hosts 'An Evening with Bipasha Basu' at St. George's Hall Bradford
21st June 2014 - Sunrise Radio hosts Manchester Mega Mela
8th December 2014 - Sunrise Radio Director, Raj Parmar, hosts the Asian Wedding Awards in Manchester
15th February 2015 - Sunrise Radio official media partner of The National Asian Wedding Show Yorkshire
8th March 2015 - Sunrise Radio celebrates International Women's Day with once again bringing an all female lineup of presenters.
29th October 2015 - Sunrise Radio finalist in the 'Regional Radio Station of the Year' category at Asian Media Awards
8th November 2015 - Sunrise Radio, media partner for the World Bridal Event Yorkshire in Ilkley
9th December 2015 - Sunrise Radio celebrates 26 years of Broadcasting
10th January 2016 - Sunrise Radio becomes official media partner for The National Asian Wedding Show Yorkshire
January 2016 - Sunrise Radio launches brand new website With news, showbiz, blogs, weather and more including the Sunrise Radio Listener VIP Club
20th January 2016 - Sunrise Radio launches worldwide on Apple TV
22nd February 2016 - Sunrise Radio launches brand new smartphone app with extra features
14th March 2016 - Events & Marketing Director, Raj Parmar, hosts the Asian Wedding Awards in Manchester
28th May 2016 - Sunrise Radio launches on DAB+ Digital Radio across Manchester
2nd June 2016 - Sunrise Radio launches on DAB Digital Radio across Glasgow
4th - 7th June 2016 - Sunrise Radio official media partner for Pakistan Fashion Week London
5th July 2016 - Sunrise Radio hosts Chand Raat event in Manchester
9th July 2016 - Sunrise Radio hosts the Sultan Wrestling Tournament at Cineworld Bradford in conjunction with Yash Raj Films
31st July 2016 - Sunrise Radio hosts Manchester Mega Mela at Platt Fields Park attracting tens of thousands of visitors
6th August 2016 - Sunrise Radio Manchester Digital official launch Party at Lighthouse Manchester
8th September 2016 - Sunrise Radio presenter, Parvez Khan, finalist at the Pakistani Music Media Awards
10th September 2016 - Sunrise Radio confirmed as sponsors of the 'female player of the year' award at the Lancashire County Cricket Club "Player of the Year Awards" at Old Trafford
11th September - Sunrise Radio official media partner for the World Bridal Event in Bolton
19th September 2016 - Sunrise Radio announced as finalist in 'Regional Radio Station of the Year' Category' for the Asian Media Awards 2016
29th September 2016 - Director, Raj Parmar presents the 'Female Player of the Year' Award at the LCCC Player of the Year Awards at Old Trafford
14th October 2016 - Due to the tremendous success broadcasting across Manchester on DAB+, Sunrise Radio develops its broadcast feed to a higher quality and in Stereo, thus, becoming the first Commercial Asian Radio Station to broadcast in Stereo across Manchester on Digital Radio
27th October 2016 - Sunrise Radio wins the 'Regional Radio Station of the Year Award' at the Asian Media Awards
2nd November 2016 - Sunrise Radio and ApnaBeat partner to present the Bollywood Seduction Diwali Event at Satans Hollow, Manchester.
6th November 2016 - Sunrise Radio - official media partner for The National Asian Wedding Show (Yorkshire)
1st December - Sunrise Radio launches Listener Choice Awards "Radio Presenter of the Year" Award
9th December 2016 - Sunrise Radio celebrates 27 years of Broadcasting
20th December 2016 - Sunrise Radio App launches on Amazon App Store (Kindle Fire / Fire Tablets)
29th January 2017 - Sunrise Radio official media partner and hosts for the Asian Wedding Experience Manchester
8th February 2017 - Sunrise Radio is officially licenced to broadcast the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2017)
12th March 2017 - Official Media Partner for World Bridal Event at Bolton Whites Hotel.
15th March 2017 - Sunrise Radio announced as sponsor of the FnB Awards Manchester
22nd March 2017 - Sunrise Radio becomes media partner for "Lancashire's got talent" (Lancashire Cricket Boards Talent Search)
25th March 2017 - Chief Executive Usha Parmar and Director, Raj Parmar present the 'Videographer of the Year" Award at FnB Awards at Lighthouse Manchester
9th May 2017 - Sunrise Radio announced as finalist in the "Best Creative Industries" category for the British Indian Awards.
14th June 2017 - Sunrise Radio announced as WINNER of the "Best In Creative Industries" Award at the British Indian Awards 2017 (Leicester, UK)
16th October 2018 - Sunrise Radio announced as WINNER of the "Best Asian Music Radio Station - Northern UK" by LUX entertainment awards.
18th September 2019 - Sunrise Radio Events & Marketing Director, Raj Parmar, selected as an official ambassador for the City of Bradford.
26th November 2019 - Sunrise Radio Chief Executive, Usha Parmar, awarded an honory fellowship from Bradford College for service to the city on a local, regional and national level.
20th May 2020 - A new station broadcasting the classic hits of yesteryear "Sunrise Radio Gold" launched and available via online, Android App and Alexa enabled devices. Link to enable skill for Alexa: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B088ZSZMVD/ref=sr_1_1
25th June 2020 - Sunrise Radio awarded - Best Asian Hit Music Station 2020 – England – Corporate Vision Media Innovator Awards
15th October 2021 - Sunrise Radio launches channel on Roku Streaming Devices
13th July 2022 - Sunrise Radio and Sunrise Radio Gold launch on DAB+ in stereo across Bradford
26th October 2023 - Sunrise Radio and Sunrise Radio Gold launch on DAB+ across East Lancashire
1st May 2024 - Sunrise Radio launches across Milton Keynes
13th May 2024 - Sunrise Radio launches in Calderdale on 100.6FM
13th July 2025 - Chief Executive, Usha Parmar, awarded Lifetime Achievement Award at the Yorkshire Business Power Awards
2nd September 2026 - Sunrise Radio launches across West London
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Bhangra Nights
Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
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Remix Saturdays
Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
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Alim OnAir
Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
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Legal Show
Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.