Radio 4's 'Any Questions' comes to town...

The world's first Garden City will be broadcast live to the homes of 1.5 million people throughout the country later this year, when the BBC's premier radio show comes to town.

As part of Letchworth Garden City's Centenary celebrations, the Heritage Foundation has secured the visit of Radio 4's 'Any Questions,' which will be broadcast live at Plinston Hall, on Friday night, May 30, 2003.

'Any Questions' is broadcast live on most Friday evenings of the year, following the 8pm news. The programme is repeated on Saturday lunchtimes at 1.15pm and is followed at 2pm by the 'Any Answers' phone-in, which gives listeners a chance to join in the debate of the previous night.

Jonathan Dimbleby has been Chairman of 'Any Questions' since 1987 and is one of the country's top journalists and broadcasters. He also presents 'Jonathan Dimbleby' - the ITV's weekend political programme.

Previous Chairmen of 'Any Questions' - first broadcast in October 1948 - have been Freddy Grisewood, David Jacobs and John Timpson.

The programme has only rarely had to come 'off air' - once through audience disruption, once as a result of sabotage by disaffected schoolboys and then once during the Suez crisis, when a Parliamentary ruling was breached.

The audience at Plinston Hall will be made-up of guests of the Heritage Foundation, who have Letchworth connections. They will be able to submit written questions on the night to the four strong nationally known panel - to be announced. Usually around a dozen chosen questions are raised 'on air' by members of the audience and the panel is not informed of the questions beforehand.

Stuart Kenny, Director General of the Heritage Foundation said: "We are delighted to host 'Any Questions' live at Plinston Hall in May. The BBC's agreement to broadcast this prestigious programme during the town's Centenary, is further good news for the Garden City."

For further information contact:
Terry Gray
PR & Media Manager
01462 476055