Mark Forrest
Biography
Originally from Yorkshire, Mark studied Maths at Newcastle University, unwittingly following in the footsteps of his musical hero JS Bach who was also fascinated by numbers and music.
He began his radio career while still at university, spending eight years at Metro FM in Newcastle where his programmes included a highly successful stint as the main morning show presenter.
After working on various national and London radio stations, including Heart 106.2 and Virgin Radio, Mark was the presenter of the late night phone-in programme on the Century FM network of stations in the Midlands, the Northwest, the North East and on the South Coast.
He joined Classic FM in September 2002 and now starts your weekdays with the Brighter Breakfast from 6am to 9am and counts down the UK’s favourite classical music on the Classic FM Chart Show from 9am every Saturday morning.
Away from the studio, Mark is a keen cyclist and runner and has managed to combine work and play by taking broadcasting equipment with him on long distance cycle trips and runs around the world.
Meet Mark
What is your favourite piece of music in the Classic FM Hall of Fame?
Allegri’s Miserere . Sublime and inspirational every time I hear it.
What is your most memorable on-air moment?
Probably the first time I presented a programme. Back then radio stations closed down overnight and you had to switch it on before you could start. I had no idea whether or not I had done it properly and as there was no one else to ask sat there happily chatting away blissfully unaware whether or not I was entertaining anyone but myself. It’s been the same ever since.
Which composer or artist would you most like to have to dinner?
Bernstein. The after dinner chat would be scurrilous.
Email Mark Forrest
Mark Forrest interview
Tim Lihoreau talks with the Classic FM presenter tasked with hosting Classic FM Live.
