It has been several months since Bermuda Spirit radio switched over from an AM to an FM band broadcast, but next weekend, it will be celebrating as they make the launch of Bermuda Spirit 105.1 FM official.

Special broadcasts will begin as early as 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, with the festivities continuing until late in the evening.

"The studio will be buzzing with many of our presenters and volunteers," said station manager, Gina Spence-Farmer, who expects the day to be a day of celebration and reflection of how Bermuda Spirit has grown over the last few years.

The day will be complete with Christian and community segments, visits by Bermuda Broadcasting management, call-ins from overseas guests and visits by presenters like Kelly Zuill, who is celebrating 45 years on the air this year, and Ellington Weldon.

"It will be a snapshot of some of the new programme formats," Sen. Spence-Farmer added.

"We are really celebrating the journey of Bermuda Spirit and its transition to a station that is family-friendly, community-oriented and Christ-centred," Bermuda Spirit president, Evelyn James-Barnett, explained.

Bermuda Spirit is the first radio station of its kind in Bermuda, focusing on local community and Christian programming. The station is also a registered charity.

The focus on family friendly programming is vital for the station.

"On lots of stations, there is no link between what they say and what they play," said Anthony Richardson, an executive team member. "We want you to be able to turn on the radio anytime and not be afraid of what you'll hear."

New programming is also set, including highlights by charitable and educational groups, as well as a new overnight schedule, running from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., that caters to those working the 'graveyard shift.'

Another new programme set to begin is, "At Your Service", which will feature different local church services on Sunday mornings.

The benefits are that it will provide a vehicle for churches to reach all of Bermuda, it will help promote unity in the community, and it will allow listeners the anonymity of attending a church service without actually having to go to a church.

"Bermuda is yearning for better values," Sen. Spence-Farmer said. "That's part of the ministry of Bermuda Spirit. It's something we believe is long overdue in Bermuda."