Zeb Soanes

Zeb Soanes, who was appointed as the University’s second Chancellor in autumn 2025, is a broadcaster, actor and author.

Born in Lowestoft, Mr Soanes hosts the Relaxing Evenings with Zeb Soanes show on Classic FM. Over a 25-year career at the BBC, he was an authoritative newsreader and the reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4 and presented the BBC Proms. Mr Soanes performs live concerts with the UK’s leading orchestras, ensembles and choirs. As an author, he created the best-selling children’s book series Gaspard the Fox.

Mr Soanes co-led the community project to create and install a statue of Benjamin Britten as a boy on the seafront opposite the composer’s birthplace in Lowestoft. He received the 2024 Betjeman Society Award for his contribution to the understanding and enjoyment of the work of Sir John Betjeman. He is an active patron of Young Sounds UK and English Symphony Orchestra Youth, encouraging and enabling talented young musicians to pursue their music. He was awarded an Honorary degree by the University in 2023. 

Follow Zeb on social media: @zebsoanes