Let’s Sit Around the Wireless in the 1920s

Long before televisions glowed in living rooms and long before Christmas specials became a festive ritual, families gathered around one magical device — the wireless. In the 1920s, radio was new, exciting, and utterly transformative. It brought music, news, stories, and Christmas cheer directly into homes for the very first time.

Step back into a decade where the BBC was just beginning, radio licences were the talk of the town, and festive broadcasts crackled through the speaker with a charm that still feels nostalgic today.

The Rise of the BBC Wireless

The BBC officially began broadcasting in 1922, and by the mid‑1920s, radio had become one of the most exciting inventions of the age. Early stations included:

2LO London
5IT Birmingham
2ZY Manchester
5NO Newcastle
5WA Cardiff
5SC Glasgow

Families would gather around the wireless to hear the latest news, music from dance orchestras, and the much‑loved Children’s Hour.

Recreate the sound at home: A retro‑style radio or gramophone‑inspired Bluetooth speaker brings that 1920s charm into a modern living room.

Christmas on the Wireless

Christmas radio was a revelation. For the first time, festive entertainment could be enjoyed without leaving the house.

One of the earliest Christmas broadcasts was “The Truth About Father Christmas”, a charming story that captivated children across the UK. Families huddled close to the wireless, listening to the warm crackle of the broadcast as the story unfolded.

Other festive favourites included:

Carols sung by church choirs
Messages from BBC presenters
Seasonal readings
Dance‑band performances

Pair this with the 1920s Top 10 Music Chart to recreate the full soundscape of the decade.

Arthur Burrows & Early News Broadcasting

In the early 1920s, Arthur Burrows became one of the first voices of BBC news. He read bulletins slowly and clearly, as many listeners were still learning how to tune their sets.

News was delivered once a day, and listeners were encouraged to sit quietly — newspapers even complained that radio was “stealing their readers.”

Radio Licences & The Growing Craze

To listen legally, households needed a 10‑shilling radio licence. Despite the cost, demand soared. By the late 1920s, millions of people owned a wireless set, and Christmas broadcasts became a treasured part of the season.

Bring the look home: Add a 1920s‑style desk lamp or Art Deco ornament to complete the vintage wireless corner.

The First Radio Times Christmas Issues

The Radio Times launched in 1923, quickly becoming the essential guide to what was on the wireless. Its early Christmas covers were beautifully illustrated, featuring: