Radio and Sounds delivers a Christmas cracker of a schedule …

Published: 27 November 2023

Updated: 27 November 2023

Introduction

Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer, says "Listeners will be spoilt for choice this holiday season with a stocking full of festive delights from BBC Radio and Sounds. Our stations will be soundtracking your Christmas with special guest takeovers, music mixes to get you in the party mood, and a whole host of brilliant storytelling, from the nostalgic to the supernatural, there's something for everyone. BBC Radio and Sounds is the perfect companion, keeping listeners entertained right through to Christmas Day and into the New Year."

BBC Sounds

• Christmas podcast specials of Yeti, 6 Degrees with Jamie and Spencer, Your Place Or Mine with Shaun Keaveny and Inside... Ghosts
• Soundtrack the season with hours of uninterrupted curated mixes and festive specials from Charlotte Ritchie, Romesh Ranganathan, Sophie Ellis Bextor and more with our Christmas Music and New Year Sounds collections
• Listeners can immerse themselves in Doctor Who The Missing Episodes over the festive period, with 26 episodes that were previously thought lost
• Bingeable boxsets from some of the top podcasts of the year will be available in the Best of 2023 collection on BBC Sounds, including The Gift, The Banksy Story, History's Secret Heroes, People Who Knew Me, Believe In Magic and A Very British Cult
• Escape with audiobooks and adaptations such as The Years by Annie Ernaux, The Future by Naomi Alderman, The Blue Book of Nebo and Ian Fleming by Nicholas Shakespeare

Pop Music Radio

• On Radio 2, Jane McDonald makes her presenting debut on the station playing seasonal classics, old and new, with Steve Wright presenting a festive Pick of the Pops and Beverley Knight bringing gospel magic to the evening
• There will be a Sounds of the 60, 70s, 80 and 90s build up to the New Year's Eve party with Michelle Visage live from LA as the clock strikes midnight
• On Radio 1, Clara Amfo announces the winner of Radio 1's Hottest Record of the Year, while Jack Saunders reveals who has been crowned The Official Christmas Number 1
• The 1Xtra family will be joined by some of the listeners' favourite comedians from across the UK trying to find the best joke of 2023, including 1Xtra's own Eddie Kadi as well as Munya Chawawa, Slim, Darren Harriott, Kyrah Gray and more.
• Legendary actor Bill Nighy sits in for Iggy Pop on 6 Music, bringing his own dapper rock and roll style to your Christmas listening
• 6 Music's Festive Takeovers return, hosted by Wayne Coyne, Alison Goldfrapp, Samantha Morton and Chaka Khan and Queermas is back, with mixes from ABSOLUTE., HAAi, Dorian Electra and TYGAPAW
• BBC Asian Network are starting their Christmas celebrations early on the 8 December with an All Star DJ Takeover that sees 14 DJ's going back-to-back every hour to soundtrack your Christmas playlist. Smash Bengali will take over BBC Asian Network's Breakfast Show from 25 December for a fortnight of festive music, fun and games

Radio 3, Orchestras and Choirs

• BBC Radio 3 presents an array of special guests such as Lise Davidsen, Gareth Malone, John Rutter and Anna Lapwood, as well as top performances from the BBC Singers, London Philharmonic Orchestra's Brass Ensemble and many more
• On Sunday lunchtimes throughout December, broadcaster Clive Myrie returns to BBC Radio 3 to bring together a feast of Advent and Christmas classical music alongside some of his personal discoveries
• The winner for this year's BBC Radio 3 Carol Competition is to be announced after music lovers were invited to write a tune or melody to a new lyric by Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage.

  Titled Polaris, it is inspired by a transformative visit to Antarctica

• Over the month of December the BBC Singers are involved in a range of Christmas activity. As well as performances, their Christmas album Carols Revisited has been released by Warner music, and their Christmas single for CBeebies show Hey Duggee

Radio 4, 4 Extra and 5 Live

• Marking 50 years since The Wombles first appeared on the BBC, Richard E Grant narrates a charming adventure from Wimbledon common for BBC Radio 4, directed by Johnny Vegas
• Bill Nighy stars in A. L.

  Kennedy's drama A Single Act, while Brian Cox bids farewell in comedy Bob Servant Says Cheerio

• Uncanny's Danny Robins joins Daisy May Cooper at her Cotswolds home for a spooky Uncanny Christmas Special
• Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas, Barbie director Greta Gerwig and queen of the kitchen Delia Smith are this year's festive castaways on Desert Island Discs
• Ruth Jones will look back at her early comic inspirations for With Great Pleasure at Christmas
• On 4 Extra, Christmas Eve marks a whole day of celebrations of the late great Nicholas Parsons, including his reading of A Christmas Carol, interspersed with original songs and carols
• On BBC Radio 5 Live Colin Murray, Mark Chapman, Gordon Smart and Patrick Kielty will all present shows over the Christmas period

BBC World Service

• BBC World Service English brings listeners a two-part documentary told from inside the Arctic Circle in northern Norway and Iceland, exploring the 'Polar Silk Road'
• In The Studio invites us behind the scenes with renowned 'A Little Life' theatre director Ivo van Hove
• Listeners can enjoy testing their knowledge on the big events of the year with The Newshour Christmas Quiz

BBC Sounds

Listeners can enjoy bonus festive episodes of some of their favourite podcasts on BBC Sounds this Christmas, including Your Place Or Mine with Shaun Keaveny, Yeti, Inside... Ghosts and 6 Degrees with Jamie and Spencer, all available over this holiday period. There's also music for every seasonal occasion with expertly curated music mixes and festive specials from Charlotte Ritchie reading A Christmas Carol for the Sleeping Forecast and Romesh Ranganathan's For The Love Of Hip Hop, to Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco and Fearne Cotton's Sounds of the 90s, with our Christmas Music and New Year Sounds collections.

Back To Back Christmas and Back To Back New Year long listens return with hours of uninterrupted festive shows and mixes, making it even easier for listeners to find the best on-demand Christmas Music from the BBC. Bingeable boxsets from some of the most popular podcasts of the year will be available in the Best of 2023 collection on BBC Sounds, including The Gift, The Banksy Story, History's Secret Heroes, People Who Knew Me, Believe In Magic and A Very British Cult. Listeners can also escape with a range of audiobooks and adaptations such as The Wombles, The Years by Annie Ernaux, The Future by Naomi Alderman, The Blue Book of Nebo and Ian Fleming by Nicholas Shakespeare in the Books and Stories collection, all on BBC Sounds this Christmas.

Podcasts

Your Place or Mine with Shaun Keaveny (Available now)

In a festive episode of the comedy travel podcast, comedian Maisie Adam tries to tempt Shaun off his sofa to visit the snowy wonderland of Santa's hometown, Rovaniemi in Finland. Maisie is sure that Shaun, a Santa-like figure himself, will be drawn to the heavy metal bands, black drinks and reindeer. Yeti - Omnibus (22 December)

In this special omnibus episode of Yeti, adventurers Andrew Benfield and Richard Horsey recount their long search for the mythical creature. The pair travel across the Himalayas from India, to Myanmar, to Nepal and finally Bhutan, looking for proof that it exists.

Along the way they hear stories of footprints, sightings and encounters. They even come across some tangible evidence. Can they prove that the Yeti is actually real?

And why do we need to believe in this enduring legend? Inside... Ghosts Christmas Special

From festive specials for some of our most popular music shows to bespoke mixes curated by our experts, music fans can soundtrack their Christmas for any occasion on BBC Sounds this year. listeners can search Christmas Music or head to the music tab in Sounds to enjoy: Christmas Chill: enjoy a calming Christmas escape with laid-back festive gems

• Drift into a generous slumber with a very special edition of The Sleeping Forecast featuring Ghosts star Charlotte Ritchie reading excerpts from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, alongside seasonal music from BBC Introducing.
• New this year, Essential Classic Mix: Christmas Carols hosted by Georgia Mann is full of the biggest and best-known classic Christmas carols to get listeners into the Christmas spirit.
• A Winter Walk features festive jazz and wintry soundscapes, and there's two hours of choral music to set the mood with A Choral Christmas from the Mindful Mix.

Christmas Hits: Christmas is covered with a collection of classic Christmas favourites

• Festive editions of popular mixes including Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco: Massive Christmas Hits Sleighlist!, Sounds Of The 90s with Fearne Cotton: Festive Mixtape and Radio 1 Happy: Christmas Party.
• The Ultimate Christmas Movie Mixtape sees Radio 1's film expert Ali Plumb pick out some of the most loved songs from holiday movie favourites.
• Zoe Ball presents Christmas Crooners celebrating the Classic Christmas hits and Crooners everyone loves to hear.

Throwback Christmas: Timeless, nostalgic and soulful with the very best in festive hip-hop, R&B and Gospel

• Joelah and Keke host two festive editions of 1Xtra Throwbacks where they'll be joined by very special co-hosts including the Pressed podcast girls Adeola Patronne and Mariam Musa, plus radio royalty Trevor Nelson and Clara Amfo for an unforgettable Throwback Party.
• Romesh Ranganathan gets into the festive feeling for this special episode of For the Love of Hip Hop, taking a deep dive into his favourite Christmas Hip Hop bangers from the past and present, plus a special appearance from his mum too.
• 1Xtra's R&B Chill: Christmas with Chuckie & Tazer features the pair's favourite festive R&B slow jamz of all time.

Alternative Christmas: Christmas with a twist, soothing seasonal tunes and alternative indie hits

• Alternative Sounds of the 90s: Dermot's Festive Crackers sees Dermot pick his alternative 90s festive playlist featuring the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, St Etienne, Teenage Fanclub and The Muppets.

  Plus film buff Edith Bowman picks a Double A side from Eels.

• Enjoy two hours of unique winter vibes and gentle early morning energy from The Morning After Mix: Christmas Special to get you through the festive period.
• 6Music's Indie Forever: A Wonderful Indie Christmastime provides your festive indie soundtrack, with music from the likes of Julian Casablancas, Blossoms, The Big Moon, Jet and more.

New Year Sounds

• Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco: Ultimate Disco Party Playlist features two hours of massive disco tunes from Dua Lipa to Donna Summer.
• Radio 1 Happy: New Year's Eve Party! will bring in 2024 with all the positive and uplifting tunes.
• Sounds of the 90s with Fearne Cotton features a house party mixtape to celebrate the New Year and Alternative 90s with Dermot O'Leary sees Blur's Alex James sharing two tracks from his favourite 90s artist.
• 1Xtra R&B Chill: New Year Special is a party special hosted by Chuckie and Tazer featuring big guests to bring in the New Year.

New Year Relax: Blissful New Year vibes to fuel 2024 renewal

• Mindful Mix: Fireplace Soundscape will have soothing sounds to help escape and relax.
• A special Morning After Mix to start the year off right, curated by Slowdive
• Enjoy a blissful Sleeping Forecast special for New Year with a unique journey to dreamland, mixing instrumental music and Radio 4's Shipping Forecast.

Music Year In Review: Celebrating the best music moments of 2023

• Joelah and Keke look back at the big Throwback comebacks of the year in Throwback Party: 2023 Throwback Moments, from Rihanna headlining the Superbowl to 50 Cent at Wireless, what will make the cut?
• Maia Beth looks back at the biggest and best pop releases of 2023 and picks her favourite new releases of the year in Best New Pop Extra - 2023 Lookback
• A selection of mixes celebrating an amazing year in live music will be available including The Best of the Proms, Radio 1 Best of Big Weekend and Best of Radio 2 in the Park, looking back at iconic festival performances.
• Best of Live Lounge relives the iconic performances from stars in 2023's Live Lounge month with performances from Olivia Rodrigo, Usher and Leigh-Anne and Best of Radio 2 Piano Room is a compilation mix featuring highlights from 2023's Piano Room

BBC Radio 1

This Christmas, BBC Radio 1 will be bringing the best of festive cheer to listeners with lots of special content, from announcing the Hottest Record Of The Year 2023 to exclusively revealing this year's Christmas Number 1.

Radio 1's Hottest Record Of The Year

Thursday 14 December, 6pm-8pm Every day at 6pm, Radio 1 names a brand-new Hottest Record.

It's a slot known for launching and breaking some of the most exciting new music on the planet. This December, Clara Amfo will be counting down through the Top 20 Hottest Records from the past 12 months, as voted for by Radio 1's listeners, before revealing which track has earned the coveted title of Hottest Record Of The Year 2023. Paramore's 'This Is Why' was crowned Hottest Record Of The Year in 2022.

Voting will open on 28 November and close on 6 December with the winner announced on 14 December.

• o Presenter: Clara Amfo
• o Production: BBC Audio Radio 1

FM

Jack Saunders reveals The Official Christmas Number 1

Friday 22 December, 4pm-5.45pm

Jack Saunders will count down the Christmas Top 40 and reveal the Christmas Number 1 on The Official Chart on Radio 1.

• Presenter: Jack Saunders
• Production: BBC Audio Radio 1

FM

Radio 1 Relax @ Christmas

Thursday 1 December - Sunday 25 December, 6am-10pm From 1 December, Radio 1 Relax will be providing a Christmas pick-me-up whenever you need it with a variety of Christmas tracks playing from 6am-10pm daily. Radio 1 Happy will also have a special uplifting show playing all of the Christmas hits and party bangers.

FM

Radio 1 Happy

Saturday 9 December, 5am Radio 1 Happy will also have a special uplifting show playing all of the Christmas hits and party bangers, available now in BBC Sounds. FM

BBC 1Xtra

This Christmas BBC 1Xtra is turning up the festive fun and decking the halls with bells of laughter!

The 1Xtra family will be joined by some of the listeners' favourite comedians from across the UK, trying to find the best joke of 2023. Included in the stellar line up of comedic maestros, will be 1Xtra's own and recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Eddie Kadi, as well as Munya Chawawa, Slim, Darren Harriott, Kyrah Gray and more. They will be spreading their waves of Christmas joy across the nation on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

1Xtra will also see the triumphant return of a listener favourite - Jeremiah Asiamah's Gospel Christmas show. From the jubilant rhythms to the soul-stirring harmonies, Jeremiah will deliver the best in gospel music to wake up the nation on Christmas morning.

BBC Asian Network

BBC Asian Network are starting their Christmas celebrations early on the 8 December with an All Star DJ Takeover that sees 14 DJ's going back to back every hour to soundtrack your Christmas playlist. Smash Bengali will take over BBC Asian Network's Breakfast Show from 25 December to 5 January for a fortnight of festive music, fun and games.

Across the Christmas and New Year period, Asian Network will be expanding their successful Asian Network Certified series to include Asian Network Christmas Mash Ups taking the best Asian sounds and fusing them with well-known Christmas Hits from years gone by, for everyone to enjoy something unique over the festive period. As a Christmas Day and New Year's Day special, the network will relive the BBC's Bollywood Prom which paid tribute to Bollywood's late, great 'Queen of Melody' Lata Mangeshkar.

All Star DJ Takeover

8 December, 8am-12am Soundtrack the start of your Christmas with BBC Asian Network's All Star DJ Takeover.

14 of the best British Asian DJs will go back-to-back showcasing the wide variety of genres and scenes within South Asian culture throughout the whole day. All mixes will be available on BBC Sounds to listen back to across the Christmas and New Year period. Presenters: Nikita Kanda (8-11am), Kan D Man (11-3pm), Nayha (3-6pm), Panjabi Hit Squad (6-8pm), AJD (8-9pm), DJ Limelight (9-11pm), Pritt (11pm-12am).

MW

BBC Radio 2

Radio 2 is celebrating Christmas 2023 with a host of magical festive delights. On Christmas Day, Jane McDonald makes her presenting debut on the station playing seasonal classics, old and new, whilst sharing funny Christmas stories and advice on preparing sprouts! There will be specials dedicated to broadcasting greats - Cilla Black presented by Sir Cliff Richard, Barry Humphries, Michael Parkinson presented by Jamie Cullum, and Paul O'Grady presented with archive audio from the man himself.

Anneka Rice, Revd. Kate Bottley and Gary Davies are live on Christmas Day, with Steve Wright presenting a festive Pick of the Pops and Beverley Knight bringing gospel magic to the evening. Sounds of the 60, 70s, 80 and 90s build up to the New Year's Eve party with Michelle Visage live from LA as the clock strikes midnight!

To kick off 2024, New Year's Day brings Your Ultimate Madonna Song with the Top 40 countdown as voted for by Radio 2 listeners and more Madonna delights to mark her incredible career. Many of the shows will be available before broadcast on the Radio 2 Christmas Collection on BBC Sounds.

Trevor Nelson's Soul Christmas

Thursday 21 December, 10pm - 12am

Trevor Nelson returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London to host his annual festive show. This year sees Chic's Kimberly Davis and The Kingdom Choir return to the stage to belt out some Christmas classics as well as the brilliant Lemar, Shola Ama and Zak Abel, and more.

This will be a Soul Christmas show to remember! Dance along to Soul and R'n'B with a classic Christmas twist this December at Trevor Nelson's Soul Christmas. Trevor Nelson says: "Last year's Soul Christmas concert was phenomenal so we are going to bring that feel good factor back again!

The Royal Albert Hall is an incredible venue and I can't wait to return with our unique orchestral soul celebration for 2023." Presenter: Trevor Nelson Producer: Joe Haddow

A Spiritland production KA

Driving Home For Christmas with Richie Anderson

Saturday 23 December, 3pm-6pm

Richie Anderson keeps you company live on the day before the day before Christmas! Whether you're Driving Home... already at your destination or elsewhere, he'll be delivering the perfect soundtrack for this afternoon with some of his favourite festive classics!

Richie will be chatting to listeners across the UK about what they're getting up to, who they're spending the big day with and maybe even taking a request or two. Plus, he'll be hearing from some of his celebrity friends who've been sending through their own Christmas greetings. So whether you're top to toe in tailbacks, roasting chestnuts on an open fire, or frantically picking up some last-minute presents, Richie's got your Christmas Eve Eve playlist sorted!

Presenter: Richie Anderson Producer: Patrick Thomas A BBC Audio production

KA

Zoe Ball's Christmas Crooners

Monday 25 December, 6-8am

Zoe provides the perfect soundtrack to the start of your Christmas Day as she shares a festive selection of her favourite crooners. You'll hear the best in the business including Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Gregory Porter, Elvis Presley and Ella Fitzgerald plus festive gems from The Carpenters, Barbra Streisand and Mr Christmas himself, Michael Buble. Presenter: Zoe Ball

Producer: Julie Newman KA

Good Morning Christmas

Monday 25 December, 8-10am

Live on Christmas Day, the Reverend Kate Bottley celebrates with carols, festive greetings and a special message. The programme will feature a specially curated mix of listeners' favourite seasonal songs and sing-a-long carols.

Presenter: Revd. Kate Bottley Producer: Mark Plant

A BBC Audio production KA

Junior Choice with Anneka Rice

Monday 25 December, 10am-12pm

Anneka is live on Radio 2 this Christmas Day with Junior Choice.

She'll be playing children's favourites tunes from across the decades. There will be sing-along favourites for kids of all ages and listeners are encouraged to message the show with their top picks. Please join Anneka as she provides the perfect accompaniment to family Christmas morning, live from Wogan House.

Get in touch by emailing [email protected][1], texting 88291 or sending a WhatsApp to 08000 288 291. Presenter: Anneka Rice Producer: James Santer

A BBC Audio production KA

Gary Davies

Monday 25 December, 2-5pm

Join Gary Davies live from BBC Radio 2 HQ as he sprinkles festive joy and gifts great music to keep up the seasonal spirit. In this fully interactive show, Gary will be celebrating the festive day with your shoutouts and providing an uplifting seasonal soundtrack for listeners across the nation - whether cooking Christmas lunch or chilling out after too much food, travelling to loved ones, still opening presents, and also for the heroes around the UK who are working on Christmas Day to cover all our needs, from the emergency services to carers to shops, suppliers and service stations.

Get ready to get in touch with your messages and Gary's cracker of a playlist. Presenter: Gary Davies Executive Producer: Kellie Redmond

A Listen production KA

Christmas with Jane McDonald

Monday 25 December, 12-2pm

Making her Radio 2 presenting debut, this is two hours of festive fun with one of the nation's favourite ladies, Jane McDonald.

She'll be playing classic seasonal tracks for all the family to enjoy, sharing funny memories and heart-warming stories of Christmases gone by and giving the odd bit of advice on preparing sprouts and such like! Jane McDonald says: "I'm so excited to be spreading the Christmas cheer, making my presenting debut to millions of listeners on Radio 2! Do join me as we have so much to look forward to - sharing feel good tunes, seasonal stories to make us laugh out loud, plus sharing some top tips to make Christmas dinner a winner!

I can't wait to spend some time with you all on this special day." Expect to hear Christmas favourites old and new from the likes of Mariah Carey, Wham!, Shakin' Stevens, Elton John, Nat "King" Cole and many more as you munch on another mince pie before the big dinner. Presenter: Jane McDonald

Producer: Ste Softly A Mostest production. KA

Beverley's Great British Gospel Christmas

Monday 25 December, 8-10pm

Beverley Knight, West End star and Britain's soulful sweetheart, hosts an upbeat celebration of gospel music from the UK and Ireland, festive songs and traditional carols to round off your Christmas evening. Beverley Knight says: "I'm looking forward to getting into the spirit of Christmas, so to be hosting my Great British Gospel Christmas this evening on Radio 2, with incredible music from both heritage and upcoming gospel artists, is a joy!" Presenter: Beverley Knight

Producer: Chris Mitchell & Bernard Achampong A We Are Unedited production. KA

Cilla Black At The BBC

Monday 25 December, 10-11pm

In the 1960s Cilla Black was a major music star with many hit records and performing to sell-out audiences. Then in August 1967 - only days before his premature death - Cilla's (and Beatles') manager, Brian Epstein, engineered her switch to television with her own eponymous variety show. Here, Sir Cliff Richard celebrates the star as she made this move into presenting with the innovative and hugely successful BBC One series, Cilla.

It was a ground-breaking live TV series for Saturday nights. Light entertainment and reality elements were hosted with Cilla's sense of humour, infectious personality and warm connection with big name guests and the public. With big opening and closing numbers and duets with music guests, it featured interviews, link-ups with the public in their own home using new technology, Vox Pops on the streets, comedy sketches plus, at one point, a fully scripted mini-play with Cilla taking a main role.

Sir Paul McCartney even contacted Cilla to record a song, Step Inside Love, he composed specially for her to welcome audiences to each broadcast. Guests included Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Charles Aznavour, Tom Jones, Ringo Starr, Lulu, Sandie Shaw, Twiggy, Matt Monro, Sacha Distel, Dusty Springfield, Ethel Merman, The Shadows, The Wombles, Phil Everly, Marc Bolan and Ronnie Corbett. The show's immediate success marked the beginning of a new phase of her professional life, making her one of Britain's top-rated television entertainers.

Regularly commanding audiences between 18 - 22 million, it ran for 66 shows across eight series until it ended in 1976. Decades later, ITV made Cilla the Queen of Saturday Night TV once again with Surprise Surprise and Blind Date. Contributors include Jimmy Tarbuck, her son Robert Willis, Gillian Reynolds, Joe Brown, Sir Tim Rice, George Layton, Bob Harris, Tony Blackburn, Hank Marvin, Mike Batt, and arranger and musician Mike Vickers, bringing their memories and appreciation of Cilla's talent, alongside archive clips and musical numbers from the series- many unseen or heard since original transmission and believed lost.

Sir Cliff was a close friend and appeared on her show many times, singing together and helping the country choose the Song For Europe. Sir Cliff Richard says: "Too many people that we love pass on, but fortunately, people like Cilla leave behind something that will remain in our memories forever. For me, it was a joy and a pleasure and an honour to have known Cilla personally and be in close touch with her constantly.

So Cilla, God bless you, rest in peace, and just remember we are going to be screaming about you forever." Robert Willis, Cilla's son, says: "60 years ago, my mother - Cilla Black - began her illustrious career in show business. She was a trailblazer for women in pop music and television.

I am thrilled we are celebrating her milestone anniversary with Cilla at the BBC, narrated by my mother's dear friend Sir Cliff Richard. Many of you will fondly recall my mother's Saturday night variety show 'Cilla'. The new documentary reflects on this incredibly special time in her life when she made the transition from chart-topping pop singer to much-loved star of TV.

These ground-breaking shows were top telly viewing watched by over 18 million viewers each week. I hope everyone enjoys this heart-warming trip down memory lane which will be broadcast this Christmas on BBC Radio 2. My sincere thanks to Sir Cliff and my mother's friends who contributed to this very special tribute."

Presenter: Sir Cliff Richard Producer: Mark Simpson A BBC Audio production.

KA

Tony Blackburn's Sounds of Soul

Tuesday 26 December, 12-2pm

If you're looking for a well needed antidote to all that Christmas Music then look no further. For the next two hours Tony will provide the perfect soundtrack to your Boxing Day. As well as the odd cheesy joke and all your text messages, he will be playing his personal choices of the "Sounds of Soul" throughout the decades guaranteed to have you dancing and singing along all afternoon.

Presenter: Tony Blackburn Producer: Julie Newman A BBC Audio production

KA

The Best of Radio 2's Piano Room

Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 December, 7-9pm

Across three nights from Boxing Day, Vernon Kay looks back at this year's Radio 2 Piano Room sessions. From February's Piano Room Month and beyond, Piano Room has once again given listeners a whole host of music experiences to remember on Radio 2's mid-morning show and on BBC Sounds. A stellar list of artists have performed live at Maida Vale studios with the BBC Concert Orchestra, who bring their own special sound and colours to these unique performances.

The guest list has featured great names from a wide range of music genres, including Stormzy, P!nk, Belinda Carlisle, Simply Red, Ellie Goulding, Sugababes, RAYE, Suzanne Vega, Haircut 100, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, U2's Bono and The Edge, Jessie Ware, Def Leppard, Depeche Mode, Gregory Porter and many more. Presenter: Vernon Kay Producer: Bob McDowall

A BBC Audio production KA

Radio 2 Remembers Sir Michael Parkinson

Tuesday 26 December, 9-10pm

Jamie Cullum pays tribute to Michael Parkinson, celebrating their unique relationship and shared love of jazz, whilst giving an insight into Michael's passion for music and how that has contributed to the nation's appreciation of culture. Jamie says: "Given how important the encouragement of Sir Michael Parkinson was in my early career, it was an honour to put together this special remembering the great man - reminiscing about our shared love for jazz, times we spent together and pulling out amazing interview clips with giants from the world of jazz and beyond."

The show features highlights from Michael's famous interviews with Oscar Peterson, Muhammad Ali, Paul McCartney, Buddy Rich and more. Plus Jamie recalls how it was Michael who changed his whole career in music by giving him the opportunity to perform on his television chat show in 2003. Presenter: Jamie Cullum

Producer: Karl Bos A Folded Wing production KA

Radio 2 Remembers Paul O'Grady

Wednesday 27 December, 9-10pm

In this special following the sad passing of Paul earlier this year, Radio 2 remembers and celebrates Paul O'Grady through his own words from the BBC Archive, looking back on his life and career.

From his early years growing up in Birkenhead to his breakthrough as his alter ego Lily Savage, Paul was always a compelling storyteller. Here he recounts the strong female characters in his early life, working at the DHSS in Liverpool, the AIDS epidemic of the 1980's and the impact that had on his life, particularly at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern where he would spend eight years perfecting the character of Lily Savage. These memories are recounted through Paul's BBC interviews with Sue Lawley on Desert Island Discs, Steve Wright, Jools Holland, Gay Britannia and Inheritance Tracks.

Producer: Ben McDowall for BBC Audio KA

Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries

Thursday 28 December, 9-10pm

This special delves into the wonderful world of Barry Humphries celebrating his career with the multi-talented man behind-the-mask himself revealing the inspiration for his larger-than-life comedy characters, with Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson among those paying tribute. Born in Australia in 1934, Barry's highly provocative comedy characters were grounded in the tradition of the music hall and also honoured the rebellious spirit of the Weimar Cabaret of Berlin.

There really was no-one quite like him! With lifelong success, even at the age of 89 he had no plans to retire, with another radio series in the pipeline and having won renewed acclaim on stage for his one-man show, The Man Behind the Mask, which was due for a West End run prior to his death in April 2023. A consummate performer to the end and looking back on an incredible career spanning many decades, expect to be treated to rarely-heard recordings from Barry's extensive back catalogue, including extracts from Dame Edna's first and critically acclaimed 1976 commercial recording of Housewife Superstar!, Barry's lesser-known character, Sandy Stone, and his musical classical extravaganzas with world-class orchestras such as The Song of Australia.

Contributors include Meow Meow who appeared with him in the acclaimed stage show Weimar Cabaret, Ben Dawson - the pianist who accompanied Barry's last stage tour in 2022, author Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and radio critic Gillian Reynolds. Producer: Clair Wordsworth A Strass House production

KA

New Year's Eve Party Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn

Sunday 31 December, 1-3pm

Tony Blackburn is getting the NYE party started with two hours of 60s party anthems. Tony says: "On New Year's Eve, I'll be getting the party started with the very best of the 60s tunes we all love - the tracks that will always stand the test of time from the best decade of music." Join Tony to kick start the New Year's Eve celebrations with hits from The Ronettes, The Beach Boys and Petula Clark.

Plus he'll be sharing listeners' jokes and Colin the Cockerel will be making a special appearance. Presenter: Tony Blackburn Producer: Emelye Moulton

A 7digital production KA

New Year's Eve Party Sounds of the 70s with Johnnie Walker

Sunday 31 December, 3-5pm

It's time to power up the decade's party classics and get ready for New Year's Eve, 70's style!

Johnnie Walker says: "I look forward to doing a very energised show live from Radio 2 to get everyone's New Year's Eve celebrations started. I'll be taking requests, but focussing on tracks that rock. Stevie Wonder, Marc Bolan, Bowie, Sweet, The Jackson 5, Bruce Springsteen....

It's a great excuse to play some of my favourite party tracks." Join Johnnie for his last show of the year and celebrate New Year's Eve with a glorious soundtrack from the 1970s. Dig out your party platforms, rock out in your best bell-bottoms and feel the groove with definitive tunes from the likes of David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Marc Bolan and T.Rex, Sweet, The Jackson 5 and the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen.

Presenter: Johnnie Walker Producer: Liz Barnes A Listen Entertainment production

KA

New Year's Eve Party Sounds of the 80s with Gary Davies

Sunday 31 December, 5-8pm

The 'Sounds Of' New Year's Eve celebrations continue with Gary Davies and a bumper three-hour edition of Sounds Of The 80s, live from the BBC's Mailbox studios in Birmingham. Gary says: "As we all know there's no better music to party to than 80s music - so as we get ready to welcome in 2024 join me for 3 hours of banging tunes to get the celebrations underway!" Expect wall-to-wall 80s classics to take you back as we look forward to 2024!

Presenter: Gary Davies Producer: Johnny Kalifornia A Listen Entertainment production

KA

New Year's Eve Party Sounds of the 90s with Owain Wyn Evans

Sunday 31 December, 8-10pm

Owain Wyn Evans plugs in his vast collection of disco lights and provides a cocktail of hits for an effervescent 90's New Year's Eve Party. Owain says: "Give the disco ball a spin and fire up the smoke machine! I can't wait to soundtrack your NYE with my CD collection of 90's club-thumpers and anthemic hits from a decade packed full of great tunes.

We'll see out 2023 in style!" Featuring a 90's mixtape to celebrate all things 'new', the music invokes sensational memories of the decade! Owain also takes a trip down memory lane to discover the perfect 90's party essentials.

Presenter: Owain Wyn Evans Executive Producer: Vicki Blight-Pitt A Bengo Media Production

KA

Michelle Visage's Fabulous New Year Party

Sunday 31 December, 10pm-1am

There's only one way to see out the old and bring in the new this New Year's Eve and that is with Michelle Visage live from LA. Michelle will be playing the most fabulous party anthems that no year should start - or close - without. Three hours packed with floor fillers old and new, hand-picked by the hostest with the mostest.

You'll hear Madonna, Mariah Carey, ABBA, S Club 7, Queen and more - all guaranteed to fill you with optimism for the year ahead. Presenter: Michelle Visage Producer: Ste Softly

A Mostest production KA

Your Ultimate Madonna Song

Monday 1 January, 2-5pm

In November, Radio 2 listeners were asked to vote for their favourite all-time Madonna song. The results are in... and today Scott Mills hosts the Top 40 countdown.

The show will also feature extraordinary facts, stats and behind the scenes insights from archive interview clips with Madonna herself alongside collaborators including Nile Rodgers and William Orbit. Plus famous fans such as Alesha Dixon, Gabrielle, Louise, Vicky McClure, Mark Owen, Faye Tozer and more describe their love for her. Scott says: "Madonna has been an incomparable trailblazer since she first donned her lace fingerless gloves in 1983 and burst into the pop world with Holiday.

What a dream for me to be able to spend three hours counting down Radio 2 listeners' favourite tracks!" Your Ultimate Madonna Song will also be exclusively available on BBC Sounds from Boxing Day along with Michelle Visage: My Queen - Madonna and Madonna at the BBC - which are both broadcast on Radio 2 tonight. Presenter: Scott Mills

Producer: Mark Simpson A BBC Audio production KA

Michelle Visage: My Queen - Madonna

Monday 1 January, 5-6pm

Michelle Visage presents a show devoted to her queen, Madonna. Michelle will detail when her love for Madonna started, going back to the early days of Madonna in the New York clubs, before taking us on a journey over the decades celebrating the music, the videos, the tours, the films, the style, the costumes, the interviews, the statements and the defiance. All of these have made Madonna one of the most celebrated and talked about women of the modern age, the biggest-selling female artist in history and - above all - Michelle's idol!

Michelle says: "This is a show I've wanted to make my entire life, and is a personal and heartfelt love letter to the woman who changed my life... and the world. Her support of the lgbtqia+ community is legendary, and I can't wait to celebrate her EVERYTHING!" Packed with classic hits, live performances, archive interviews and news reports, this show will remind us all just why Madonna is, and always will be, The Queen of Pop.

As a belated Christmas present to Madonna fans, this programme is available exclusively on BBC Sounds on Boxing Day. Presenter: Michelle Visage Producer: Ste Softly

A Mostest production KA

Madonna at the BBC

Monday 1 January, 6-7pm

This programme features BBC radio and television archive interviews with Madonna, the star of stage, screen and sound, discussing her rise to fame and fortune, her ambition, reinvention and controversies, all alongside key songs from across her incredible career. Madonna remembers her years in the worlds of dance, electronic music and disco, her acting in A League Of Their Own and Dick Tracy, and the furore over her book, Sex.

Admitting she has an outrageous personality and a bold and confrontational style, listeners will discover how she prepares for tours and recording in the studio. She discusses her feelings for albums including Erotica, Bedtime Stories, Ray Of Light and Rebel Heart, and there are in-depth interviews from her first appearance on Radio 1 when Holiday had just reached No.

40 in the charts, through to later conversations with Jackie Brambles, Terry Wogan, Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley amongst others. This show is available exclusively on BBC Sounds from Boxing Day.

Producer: Mark Simpson A BBC Audio production KA

BBC Radio 3

This year, BBC Radio 3 presents the best in classical music and spoken word with an eclectic programme that celebrates the sounds and stories that make Christmas such a special time of the year.

From Elizabeth Alker exploring Yorkshire carols, through to Professor Fiona Stafford investigating the surprising secrets behind the Christmas pudding, there is much to look forward to this Christmas season. There is also an array of special guests such as Lise Davidsen, Gareth Malone, John Rutter and Anna Lapwood, as well as top performances from the BBC Singers, London Philharmonic Orchestra's Brass Ensemble and many more. Alongside special Christmas programming, there will also be festive editions of BBC Radio 3 favourites, including Composer of the Week, In Tune, The Verb, Late Junction, J to Z, Record Review, Freeness and Night Tracks.

Clive Myrie at Christmas

Sunday 3 December - Sunday 24 December, 1pm - 2pm

On Sunday lunchtimes throughout December, broadcaster Clive Myrie returns to BBC Radio 3 to bring together a feast of Advent and Christmas classical music alongside some of his personal discoveries. Sunday 3 December Clive recalls the excitement of Advent as a child and reveals the Christmas jazz track which conjures up a particularly cosy Christmas feeling for him.

He also explains how he tries to keep the festive spirit alive when working away at Christmas in difficult times, and reveals his family's tradition of watching a Christmas film on Boxing Day when he is at home. Sunday 10 December Clive reveals the yuletide television event which made him so excited when he was younger, and recalls skating with his wife at Christmas in Washington DC.

He also looks back to his schooldays playing in the school orchestra at this time of year, and imagines what Christmas would have been like at the Bach's house. Sunday 17 December Clive discusses how extensive Christmas decorations can get, and reveals his favourite Christmas book.

He also explains why presents can't go under the tree too early in the Myrie house. Sunday 24 December Clive recalls the highs and lows of his Christmases spent in Asia, and remembers the Christmas Eves of his childhood.

He also explains what Christmas has in store for him this year. EC

Breakfast - BBC Radio 3 Carol Competition Special

Thursday 14 December, 6.30am - 9am For this year's BBC Radio 3 Carol Competition, music lovers were invited to write a tune or melody to a new lyric by Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage.

Titled Polaris, it is inspired by a transformative visit to Antarctica. Another special aspect of this year's competition is the addition of the 11-to-15-year-old category, which will see young people allowed to enter the carol contest for the first time. Four entries from each category, 11-15-year-olds, and 16+, have been shortlisted to go through to the second phase of the competition, with the successful entrants working with arranger, Iain Farrington (one of the twelve Coronation composers) to transform their melodies into finely crafted and fully harmonised Christmas carols.

Performed live to the public for the first time by the BBC Singers on this special Breakfast programme, the eight arranged carols will be presented across BBC Radio 3 programmes until Wednesday 20 December, when voting closes. The winning carol will be announced on Radio 3's Breakfast show on Thursday 21 December, and played throughout the festive season. A panel of judges have shortlisted this year's finalists, including broadcaster Clive Myrie, Blue Peter's Mwaksy Mudenda, Dan Hyde, Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge, and Beverley McGeown who operates Open Arts Community Choir in Northern Ireland.

Chairing this year's judges is Abimbola Amoako-Gyampah from the Coronation Gospel Choir, who performed at the Coronation of King Charles III. EC

Inside Music

Saturday 16 December - Saturday 23 December, 1pm - 3pm Inside Music in late December will feature two stars of the choral music world, Anna Lapwood and Eric Whitacre.

They'll be taking listeners deep into the heart of their personal Christmas classical selections, with insights and stories to conjure up a distinctive festive flavour.

Eric Whitacre

Saturday 16 December Composer Eric Whitacre chooses music from Renaissance master Palestrina and Florence Price's Song for Snow, as well as upbeat pieces by Tchaikovsky, John Adams and Leonard Bernstein. Eric also selects a handful of stunning Christmas choral pieces from Sarah Quartell, Benjamin Britten, Cecilia McDowall, Philip Stopford and Francis Poulenc as well as one of his own most celebrated works, Lux Aurumque.

Anna Lapwood Saturday 23 December Organist and conductor Anna Lapwood hosts a festive edition of Inside Music bursting with seasonal treats, including a favourite moment from Bach's Christmas Oratorio and A Christmas Fantasy from the Ayoub Sisters.

Plus, some of the UK's best-loved carols are reimagined by the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band and then by pianist Alexis Ffrench. EC

EBU Christmas Around Europe

Sunday 17 December, 9am - 11.30pm BBC Radio 3's annual day of live and recorded Christmas concerts gathered together by the European Broadcasting Union.

Presented in intervals throughout the day, this year's offering includes concerts from Amsterdam (featuring the Choir of St John's College, Cambridge), Stockholm, Helsinki, Reykjavik (featuring experimental ensemble Nordic Affect), Copenhagen, Hanover, Paris (the complete Nutcracker ballet) and London, with the BBC Singers.

• 9am - 1pm EBU Christmas Around Europe: Part 1
• 2pm - 3pm EBU Christmas Around Europe: Part 2
• 4pm - 11.30pm EBU Christmas Around Europe: Part 3

EC

Composer of the Week: A Vaughan Williams Christmas

Monday 18 December - Friday 21 December, 12noon-1pm In this special week of programmes, Kate Molleson explores Vaughan Williams' experiences of Christmas across his life, and the music he wrote to celebrate the festive period. Kate explores the composer's early experiences of Christmas at his home at Leith Hill Place, through to festivities back in London during his later years where he would host an annual carol party at his home at Hanover Terrace.

The series also discusses the composer's last trip to the USA and we hear music from his Christmas pieces Hodie and The First Nowell. EC

The Essay: The Story of Puddings

Monday 18 December - Friday 21 December, 11.45pm - 12.00am

In a new series of essays Fiona Stafford, Professor of Literature at Somerville College, Oxford, explores some of the world's favourite puddings, all of which have surprising stories and have become symbols far beyond the pudding bowl. Monday: Tapioca

Tapioca is equally loved and loathed - this hot and cold 'frog spawn' pudding's story is reverse imperialism; an east Asian dessert with many guises, seen as old-fashioned in Britain, now hyper-trendy, conquering new global markets as 'pearls' in bubble tea. Tapioca symbolises one of many puddings that came to Europe from 'the colonies' and was embraced and customised in the UK. Tuesday: Summer Pudding

Summer Pudding, the supposedly quintessentially English dessert (mixed berries encased in juice-soaked stale bread), began life as a symbol of health food for weight-conscious American women over a century ago. It's an invention from Victorian times, originally called 'hydropathic pudding'. Key ingredients: berries, sugar and stale bread.

The changing variety of berries charts the growth of global trading and capitalism. Wednesday: Creme Brulee Creme Brulee (meaning burnt cream) is a pudding thought of as a French creation (1697), but its surprising back story saw British food historians claim it was a creation by the chefs at Trinity College, Cambridge (founded in 1546), prompting French academics to then cite their version from the early 1500s.

French aristocracy's fervent embracing of Creme Brulee as a wealth and status symbol put this pudding on the international map, but it was soon abandoned by the French post-Revolution. Thursday: Pavlova Pavlova is a much-disputed national symbol claimed by rival neighbours.

A crisp meringue with whipped cream and fruit, it has become a source of pride and national identity for New Zealand and Australia, with both claiming its creation with disputed historical citations. For both, it is their Christmas dessert. But the pavlova actually symbolises the re-writing of history...

Friday: Christmas Pudding Christmas pudding, a British icon. Initially seen as a medieval religious symbol, it now owes much of its modern prominence to Charles Dickens.

Exported as Empire Pudding, it is loved by many around the Commonwealth. There are surprising local adaptations in Asia (especially India) and the Caribbean, with people adding spices and exotic elements to the dessert, renaming it as their own Christmas tradition. EC

In Tune Christmas Special

Wednesday 20 December, 5pm - 7pm

Live from the Radio Theatre at BBC Broadcasting House in London, presenters Katie Derham and Sean Rafferty host a Christmas party celebration like no other. With special live contributions from some of the show's greatest performer friends, including cellist Natalie Clein, folk singer Cara Dillon, pianist Iain Farrington, Alex Mendham and His Orchestra, and the BBC Singers, the programme features some favourite Christmas classics alongside seasonal readings from poet Joseph Coelho. EC

Breakfast: Radio 3 Carol Competition winner announced

Thursday 21 December, 6.30am - 9am

In this special edition of the Breakfast programme, the winners of the BBC Radio 3 Carol Competition are announced. Following the first public broadcast of the eight shortlisted carols on the 14 December, the public have been voting for this year's winners from the 11-15-year-old, and 16+ categories. EC

Gareth Malone at Christmas

Thursday 21 December, 5pm - 7pm

As we approach Christmas, Gareth Malone chooses an eclectic mix of seasonal music to bring festive cheer as listeners wind down at the end of the day. Expect sleigh bells, wassailing, yuletide brass, and of course, some finely sung carols along the way, in the first of two special programmes for Christmas. Friday 22 December, 5pm - 7pm

Put down that Christmas shopping, pour yourself something delicious, and join Gareth Malone for two hours of relaxing Christmas classical music to warm the heart and lift the spirits on a cold, dark night. EC

The Verb Christmas Special

Friday 22 December, 10pm - 10.45pm Ian McMillan hosts a special Christmas edition of The Verb from the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, recorded in front of a live audience.

EC

Late Junction: WaqWaq Kingdom and NYX in session

Friday 22 December, 11pm - 1am Late Junction's end-of-year Christmas party features three magical musicians: the Japanese tribal bass duo WaqWaq Kingdom, vocalist Kiki Hitomi & producer Shigeru Ishihara (aka DJ Scotch Egg), and New Zealand's Sian O'Gorman of the NYX drone choir. Recorded in Maida Vale studios in London and for their first collaboration together, they weave Japanese min'yo, choral sounds, mind-expanding noise and bass-heavy electronics, with a healthy dose of Gameboy music and some wonky 3D printed pipes.

EC

Record Review Christmas Edition with John Rutter

Saturday 23 December, 9am - 11.45am Andrew McGregor presents the best new recordings of Christmas music in a special festive edition. Conductor and composer of so many Christmas favourites including All Bells in Paradise and Angels' Carol, John Rutter unwraps the most exciting releases and shares his 'On Repeat' track - a recording which he is currently listening to again and again.

EC

This Classical Life - Jess Gillam with Lise Davidsen

Saturday 23 December, 12.30pm - 1pm Jess Gillam is joined by the world-renowned Norwegian soprano and this year's Last Night of the Proms star Lise Davidsen for a Christmas edition of This Classical Life. They share their favourite Christmas music, including old favourites and new discoveries, and chat about what gives them that festive feeling.

EC

Sound of Cinema - Christmas Special

Saturday 23 December, 3pm - 4.15pm Sound of Cinema is in concert this Christmas with the BBC Philharmonic and conductor Ben Palmer, offering a festive mix of film music from across the decades. Matthew Sweet introduces scores from timeless classics such A Christmas Carol, It's a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34

th Street. Also included in the mix is music from Gremlins and The Chronicles of Narnia, plus an exuberant orchestral journey aboard The Polar Express.

Matthew, Ben and the orchestra are also joined by the singer Nina Bennett for a Christmas moment marking the 60th anniversary of Dr Who. EC

Music Planet: A Folk Christmas

Saturday 23 December, 4.15pm - 5pm Kathryn Tickell explores Christmas folk music from the British Isles.

Yorkshire and Derbyshire have their own rich folk carol repertoire that's still widely sung in pubs today, and Cornwall has also kept a distinctive tradition, which includes the celebrated Sans Day Carol. We'll also hear a carol in the Manx language, the song Leanabh an Aigh in Scots Gaelic, and there's a track from Ireland's The Chieftains, plus songs from a Welsh Christmas morning 'Plygain' service. EC

J to Z Christmas special

Saturday 23 December, 5pm - 6.30pm

Join the J to Z presenters for a Christmas special full of winter warmth including music from Cassie Kinoshi's jazz reimagining of The Nutcracker.

Opera on 3: Rimsky Korsakov's Christmas Eve

Saturday 23 December, 6.30pm - 10pm A snowstorm has hit the village where the blacksmith Wakula (Mikhail Vekua) is unhappily in love with Oksana (Sofia Fomina). She'll only marry him if gives her the Tsarina's golden shoes.

The villagers are singing Kolyadkas (Ukrainian Christmas carols) but Wakula is not in the mood for singing. In desperation, he turns to the devil to fly him to the capital to get the shoes for Oksana. Will this be enough to win her hand?

Andrew McGregor, in conversation with Rosamund Bartlett, presents this concert performance recorded last year at the Berliner Philharmonie. The Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and George Enescu Philharmonic Chorus are conducted by Vladimir Jurowski. EC

Freeness: Peace Pieces

Sunday 24 December, 12.00am - 1am

On Christmas Eve, Corey Mwamba presents a selection of new free jazz and improvised music to usher in peace and welcome the sacred, taking inspiration from Peace Piece by Bill Evans. Musicians and listeners share their ideas for 'peace pieces', focusing on musical works imbued with a sense of tranquillity, as well as performances that express the search and struggle for serenity, calm and peace. EC

Sunday Morning with Sarah Walker

Sunday 24 December, 9am - 1pm

Sarah Walker dons her finest festive jumper for a special Christmas Eve edition of Sunday Morning, featuring a feast of seasonal classical music. Sarah will be joined live in the studio by special guests from the London Philharmonic Orchestra's Brass Ensemble who will be playing a selection of favourite Christmas tunes, as well as mixing in a few surprises. Alongside the live music, Sarah will be unveiling a playlist featuring composers and performers for whom Christmas is a particularly special time of the year.

EC

Sunday Feature: While Shepherds Watched

Sunday 24 December, 6.15pm - 7pm Elizabeth Alker explores the tradition of South Yorkshire carolling in this special Sunday Feature. Originally sung in churches by musicians and choirs, the carol tradition in the Victorian era suffered a huge reverse in popularity.

Carols, it seemed, had failed the Victorian humour test and all but a few were driven out of churches. However, these carols have found a new home in pubs around Sheffield and South Yorkshire where the tradition has survived intact. According to international carol singing expert, the musicologist Dr Ian Russell, Professor Emeritus of the University of Aberdeen, the movement is proving increasingly popular, spreading across county lines to other parts of the UK and abroad.

The tradition of carol composing is flourishing there too, with over thirty charted versions of While Shepherds Watched, as well as revivals of once lost examples. Elizabeth Alker sets out in search of lost carols, a thriving and binding social phenomenon, speaking with Dr. Russell, local punters and folk musicians like Kate Rusby, one of a number of musicians who are enabling this hidden tradition to flourish.

EC

Sara Mohr-Pietsch's Hygge Christmas

Sunday 24 December, 7pm - 9pm Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents two hours of intimate, eclectic and beautiful festive music with a Scandinavian twist, evoking the famous Danish feeling of 'hygge.' Her playlist includes tracks by Norwegian jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, folk group Lodestar Trio, Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, Concerto Copenhagen and the Danish String Quartet.

EC

Radio 3 at Ronnie's

Sunday 24 December, 9pm - 10.30pm Georgia Mann visits Ronnie Scott's in London for an evening of the best Christmas jazz. Emma Smith and band perform new arrangements of well-loved festive tunes, from Ella Fitzgerald's I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm to Barbra Streisand's Snowbound, and Director of Music James Pearson takes listeners on a whistle-stop tour through the venue's Christmas gigs of the past from famous jazz legends including George Melly and Buddy Rich.

EC

Ultimate Calm with Olafur Arnalds and Loreen

Sunday 24 December, 10.30pm - 12.30am