Frome Legend Derek James – Glastonbury Festival Pioneer & Radio One DJ

DJ stands for Derek James – and not just because those are his initials, but because Derek James was a DJ in every sense of the word! From working alongside BBC Radio 1 icons like Alan Freeman to booking rock legends such as David Bowie, Suzi Quatro, and Thin Lizzy, Derek’s influence on the UK music scene is undeniable. His mobile disco, “The Derek James Show,” made him a fixture in Southwest nightlife, paving the way for collaborations with BBC Radio 1 and, in a landmark moment, landing his name on the very first Glastonbury Festival poster in 1970! Now at Catherine House Care Home in Frome Somerset, Derek’s remarkable legacy, which also includes managing for Noel Edmonds and working with chefs like Mary Berry and James Martin, is celebrated by all who know him.

Early Days and Big Decisions

Derek Wilbourne, known to many as Derek James, was born on 3rd March 1946 in the farming town of Frome. Though he had a love for music from a young age, after leaving Oakfield Secondary Modern School, he took a stable job as a printer, earning about £16 a week. However, by age 22, Derek decided to pursue his true passion. He left his secure job to start “The Derek James Show,” a mobile disco that took him all over the Southwest, covering around 800 miles a week. His one-man show became a local sensation, regularly playing at ‘The Grand’ (now Frome Memorial Theatre) and securing a lasting place in the local music scene.

  

Rise in the Local Music Scene:

“The Derek James Show” became popular locally and led him to work with the BBC Radio 1 Club in 1969, establishing him as a key figure in Frome’s nightlife scene. Derek soon began hosting music events at Frome’s Hexagon Suite and later opened Oscars Nightclub on the Longleat Estate, drawing music lovers from across the region. Derek would appear on BBC Radio One with disc jockeys and radio personalities such as Alan Freeman MBE, best known for presenting ‘Pick of the Pops’ from 1961 to 2000.

Historic Role at Glastonbury Festival and Booking Rock Legends

In the early 1970s, Derek became a key figure in live music promotion, booking renowned acts and rock legends like Suzi Quatro, David Bowie, and Thin Lizzy for audiences across the UK. A defining moment in his career came in 1970 when his name appeared on the very first Glastonbury Festival poster, connecting him to one of the world’s most iconic music festivals. This historic poster, featuring Derek alongside acts like The Kinks, symbolises his pioneering role in the early UK music scene.

Derek’s talents extended beyond music. In the 1980s, he served as the Business Manager for celebrated broadcaster Noel Edmonds, which led him to establish The Corporate Group, a company that connected media professionals to facilitate creative collaborations across the industry.

 

 

 

 

 

Business Ventures and Management Roles

Soon after, he launched Satellite Television Services in the mid-1980s, providing satellite TV equipment to homes in the UK, revolutionizing home entertainment. At the launch event at Longleat House, Derek was joined by BBC Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates to demonstrate the service, which was lauded as “entertainment of the future” and transformed TV viewing across the country.

Media and Event Production in the 1990s

Derek’s innovative spirit continued into the 1990s, where he provided Outside Broadcast Units for both HTV and the BBC. He organised high-profile events, such as the British Garden Roadshow, unique gatherings at Longleat House, and even met astronaut Buzz Aldrin and flew on Concorde.

Chefs on Stage: Until two years ago, Derek co-ran Chefs on Stage, a company providing live cookery theatres at leading food events nationwide. Working with celebrated chefs like Mary Berry, James Martin, John Torode, and Paul Hollywood, Derek and his team delivered memorable culinary experiences across the UK.
Derek’s lifelong commitment to his community earned him an award from the High Sheriff of Somerset for his dedicated service, a recognition of his impact on Frome and the surrounding areas. Since his diagnosis with vascular Dementia two years ago, Derek has found a new home at Catherine House Care Home. Here, he is surrounded by a caring team and fellow residents, fondly referred to as family members, who celebrate his life story.

Catherine House is proud to support Derek as he enjoys this new chapter in Frome, with his remarkable achievements.

For further information, visit www.catherinehousecarehome.com or contact support@catherinehousecarehome.com.