HARWICH’S Radio Mi Amigo will be live from the LV18 lightship this weekend, six months after it was hit by an arson attack, to celebrate the radio 'pirates' of the Sixties and raise money for restoration.

In February, the LV18 was devastated by an arson attack and this weekend’s live broadcasts will help raise money for the restoration fund to restore the unique ship.

Joining the weekend of pirate radio is 1960s original DJ Keith ‘Cardboard Shoes’ Skues, known for BFBS, Radio Caroline, Radio London, Radio Hallam and the BBC.

Stephen ‘Foz’ Foster, known across the area for Radio Orwell, DRadio Suffolk, and Radio Caroline, will be hosting shows as well as Chris Cooper, of Voice of Peace, Radio Caroline and Radio Seagull.

Other experienced DJs will also be broadcasting with Radio Mi Amigo programme director Garry Lee.

Restoration - The LV18 incurred damages of £250,000 due to the arson attack, shown in 2018Restoration - The LV18 incurred damages of £250,000 due to the arson attack, shown in 2018 (Image: LV18)

Tony O’Neil, chairman of the Pharos Trust which owns the lightship, said: “I am delighted that the ship’s studio will be available for the weekend and this is a testament to the efforts the volunteers have put in since the fire.

He added: "Thanks to the generous support of the general public and, in particular, the good people of the Harwich area we are now proud to be open again for the summer months.

The LV18 has been open free of charge since Whitsun and will remain free for the duration so visitors can view the restoration so far, although donations are welcome.

Radio Mi Amigo will be playing hits from the pirate ships of the 1960s and 1970s, which helped change pop culture in the UK.

The station streams 24hrs a day but will be live from the studio from midday on August 9 to midnight on August 11 for the Pirate Radio Weekend which people can listen online to at lv18radio.uk.

The LV18 is also broadcasting a new radio station, Haven Community Radio, serving the Stour and Orwell estuaries.

The LV18 and Radio Mi Amigo are owned and operated by the Pharos Trust.

To donate to the restoration of the historic vessel visit gofundme.com/f/lv18-restoration-fund or LV18.org.