OBVIOUSLY not readers of The National, the owners of Union JACK radio have taken the brave decision to broadcast a nightly show live from Edinburgh during next month’s Fringe festival.

Our readers will know this paper has supported the campaign to have Scottish goods branded without Union flags, but we won’t be protesting at Union JACK radio because they will be bringing something that we could all do with in these trying times – comedy.

The Oxford-based digital station broadcasts via the internet and an app across the UK, and for the Fringe they will be setting up shop in Edinburgh to carry the best comedic talents they can find.

On The Mic will broadcast every single night of the Fringe (August 2-26) between 9pm and 10pm, and also be available post-broadcast as a podcast.

The station explained: “Each show will feature four comedians who are performing at the Fringe, interviewed alongside highlights from their shows. Hosted by Fringe veteran and comedy connoisseur Martin Walker, the show will act as a guide to the festival for the uninitiated, allowing listeners to experience the comedy and atmosphere, without having to leave their homes.

“With over 100 comedians featured, listeners can expect chats with the biggest names in comedy, such as Basil Brush, Steve N Allen, Nick Helm and Simon Munnery, as well as up-and-comers including Rosie Jones, John Hastings, Alun Cochrane and Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year winner, Jack Gleadow.”

Giles Gear, programme manager at Union JACK, says: “Very few people would be able to take a month out to pop to the Fringe and soak up the incredible comedy. So, through Union JACK radio, we’re bottling the atmosphere of the world’s largest arts festival and bringing some of the very best names in British comedy to our audience, every night from 9pm.

“With a nightly show, a podcast, and over 100 comedians featuring in the show, no other radio station is as dedicated to bringing the Edinburgh Fringe to their listeners as Union JACK.”

On The Mic is the latest comedy-related show announced by Union JACK. The station is rapidly expanding its original content output. Geoff Rowe, founder of Leicester Comedy Festival, was recently appointed as the station’s director of comedy.

According to the latest official Rajar figures, Union Jack reaches 150,000 listeners a week via digital radio, online or via its app.

Details on how to listen to Union JACK shows – which also include interview format Geoff Lloyd’s Hometown Glory and sketch show Josh Berry’s Fake News – can be found at unionjack.co.uk