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Tonight, Annie Nightingale will celebrate four decades at ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1 with a night of programming dedicated to her outstanding broadcasting career.

As Annie prepares for a very special evening, including a session at Maida Vale, her fellow presenters at Radio 1 and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1Xtra step forward to pay tribute to a radio legend.

Chris Moyles said in a message to Annie: "You have remained a solid, sturdy, fascinating broadcaster. You are such a lovely woman, you have always been very nice to me in the building and in the corridors of Radio 1 and we've even had a nice little afternoon in a pub together which, hopefully, you remember – we did have a few drinks. I think you're amazing, I think you’re a sweetheart and I wish you all the best."

Trevor Nelson added: "Annie Nightingale – complete and utter ledge. To think when I joined this radio station she'd already been here for 25 years. I've never seen Annie, I don’t think, without her shades on, she's so rock and roll. And, to prove my love for Annie Nightingale, I have her as my screen saver and have had for the last year."

Edith Bowman commented: "Annie Nightingale, where to start talking about this woman? She's an absolute legend and, apart from the incredible influence that she is on air, I just enjoy and thrive on those moments behind the scenes when I bump into her in the office or in the corridor and kind of just hold on her every word.

"I love nothing more than her recommending tracks or bands or festivals or places or things or books – just her recommendations in life have been a massive influence on me."

Tim Westwood said: "Oh man, I've known Annie Nightingale for many years I've got so much love for her. I used to listen to her on a Sunday afternoon, I used to struggle through my homework at school and it was her reassuring voice on the radio – was just like yo I grew up listening to her.

"And then, years later, to walk into this building and she'd be the show on after mine or after Chris Goldfinger was just, like, oh man, it was like a dream came true. Here's the woman I have fancied for all my childhood, I am meeting her in the flesh. We are sharing headphones, we are talking music and I am keeping the seat warm for her. The pleasure was all mine Annie."

Annie Mac adds: "She is definitely one of those DJs that is on a level with her listeners and I love that about her. The fact that she's been around for so long, four decades, so many generations of new music and she's still at the top of her game, in terms of choosing new bands and producers to support.

"She breaks people's careers every week, that is her job, and it's amazing to think that she still takes such pride in it today."

A Night With Annie Nightingale begins at 7pm tonight with The Story Of Annie Nightingale – a two-hour documentary presented by Zane Lowe, providing an intimate portrait of Radio 1's first lady.

The celebration continues at 9pm with a three-hour tribute concert from Maida Vale studios, featuring an eclectic line-up of artists including Fatboy Slim, Tinchy Stryder, Professor Green, Sub Focus, I Blame Coco, Bookashade, DC Breaks, Freestylers and very special guests Primal Scream – all personally selected by Annie.

From midnight until 2am, The Decade Mixes will be a soundtrack of the best music Annie has played over the last 40 years and the night finally ends on a high with the best of the guest mixes from 2-4am.

Radio 1 is available on FM, DAB, Digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/radio1.

Notes to Editors

Annie Nightingale – four decades in music:

1965: Journalist and TV presenter
1970: Joins Radio 1 with a Sunday evening show
1978: Becomes presenter of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two's music show The Old Grey Whistle Test
1980: Tours the world with The Police for a special music report
1981: First autobiography, Chase The Fade, published
1989: First DJ to play in Baghdad during Iran-Iraq war cease fire
1982: Begins hugely popular Radio 1 Sunday request show, which lasts for 12 years
1994: Begins Radio 1 Saturday night dance show
1996: Receives serious injuries from street attack in Cuba
1999: Second autobiography, Wicked Speed, published, with foreword from Trainspotting's Irvine Welsh
2002: Receives MBE from HM The Queen for services to broadcasting
2004: Inducted into Radio Academy Hall of Fame
2005: Begins annual opening show at Glastonbury
2009: Releases acclaimed Electronica remixes of Lily Allen songs, including Not Fair
2010: Receives Best Radio Show Award for fifth year running at International Breakspoll Awards.

TM