️✨ Schools from Greece and abroad ‘made history’ at the 9th Student Radio Festival!

The 9th Student Radio Festival – European School Radio, held from April 9 to April 12, 2025, in Sithonia, Halkidiki, was completed with exceptional success. The festival was co-organized by the Municipality of Sithonia and Porto Carras, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, as well as the Ministry of Culture.

More than a thousand students, educators, and school representatives from Greece, Cyprus, France, and Germany participated in the largest annual educational event that brings together young voices, sound technology, and free expression through school radio. Once again, the festival became a vibrant meeting point for creativity, collaboration, and authentic communication.

The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 9, featuring a traditional dance welcome at the Olympic Hall. The evening continued with the DJ party “Youth in the Mix,” where students from different schools took over the decks, sharing their music selections and creating a shared rhythm in a celebratory atmosphere.

Thursday began with team-building activities and group formations on the football field, followed by specialized radio workshops designed to introduce students to journalism, sound engineering, and radio production. The day also included cultural and nature activities, such as scenic hikes, football matches, and visits to historical landmarks in Sithonia, providing students with a well-rounded experience. The evening peaked with an energetic live music event featuring school bands and the dynamic The Tsepe Brothers and Friends, igniting the crowd and fostering true moments of connection.

Friday was dedicated entirely to podcast creation. Teams worked intensely under the guidance of their mentors to record, edit, and present their radio productions. They designed banners with their team names and presented their ideas through live radio broadcasts, receiving feedback, encouragement, and evaluation from experts and the audience. That evening, the “Radio and Podcast Awards 2025 – Make It Heard” ceremony took place, celebrating the originality and creativity of student productions. The event was attended by local officials, media professionals, and cultural figures, recognizing the inspiring work of young radio creators.

On Saturday, April 12, the final day of the festival focused on music and song. The Olympic Hall hosted the “Make It Heard – Song 2025” awards ceremony, where winning schools performed their songs live on stage. The event was enriched by the presence of well-known songwriter Manolis Famellos and last year’s winners, offering touching moments for the audience. The festival concluded with an emotional farewell ceremony at the football field of Neos Marmaras, where participants renewed their commitment to meet again next year.

The 9th Student Radio Festival was a vibrant celebration of expression, creativity, and participation. Through speech, sound, imagery, and teamwork, students proved that school radio is more than just a medium—it’s a voice that deserves to be heard loud and clear.

A heartfelt thank you to all schools, educators, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who contributed to making this festival an unforgettable experience!