Big H’s film

Some people are born to entertain, and Bolton FM’s DJ ‘Big H’ is one of them.

Heywood-born Andy Hargreaves has been making people laugh since childhood, proudly earning the title of “class clown” in school. “There’s enough pain in the world; why not spread joy instead?” he says. “Making someone laugh, intentionally or unintentionally, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

Andy’s passion for arts and culture sparked early, inspired by his music-loving parents and the golden era of local radio. His 30-year radio career began in his teens when an Amstrad HiFi at home opened up a world of creativity, allowing him to mix his own "Radio Bedroom" shows and discover his love for creating and entertaining.

Mentored by his mates' neighbours, Radio 2 DJ Duncan and his mobile DJ wife, Marie, took Andy under their wings, where he learned the craft of radio and mobile DJing. He’s since worked across hospital, community, commercial, and BBC radio, spending the past 13 years at Bolton FM.

They also nurtured his ‘happy-go-lucky’ mindset and taught him the importance of not worrying about others' opinions. “It’s your life, not theirs—just get on with it. They’re probably just jealous,” they used to tell him.

“My motto in life is ‘We’re here for a good time, not a long time,’” says Andy, and for him, it’s all about spreading joy and showing his personality. “I’m just being me,” he says. “I’m lucky to do what I love - entertaining and making people laugh.”