BBC Radio Merseyside's ‘Popular Music Show’ will celebrate 40 years in operation this month making it the longest-running alternative music show on UK radio.

First broadcast on June 10, 1977 the show has developed a national and international following and is renowned for the depth and diversity of its music programming.

Listeners are used to hearing a huge diversity of alternative music, from folk through to post-rock, reggae, electronica.

Alongside being an advocate for local music the show’s long-serving presenter and producer Roger Hill will be reflecting on ‘Resilience and Revolution’ at The Bluecoat and is hosting the annual Getintothis Award on Saturday May 13.

Roger said: “We have kept our ears alive to the best sounds, wherever they came from, especially local music, and diversity is an attractive prospect in fast-moving times.

“And we have maintained a good relationship with our radio station which is rightly proud of our achievements over the years.”

To celebrate its birthday ‘PMS’ will broadcast 40 specially commissioned pieces of music from a range of local musicians and throughout May it will have a presence at a wide range of high-profile Merseyside music events.

Curator of the British Music Experience Kevin McManus said: “The ‘PMS’ show is an essential and much loved long standing feature of the Liverpool music landscape.

“Almost 30 years ago I interviewed Roger for an NME piece on long running radio shows that championed independent music.

“The show has thankfully just kept on keeping on and Liverpool music is all the better for it.”