大象传媒 Radio and 大象传媒 Sounds this Christmas
Charlotte Moore, 大象传媒 Chief Content Officer, says: 鈥湸笙蟠� Radio and 大象传媒 Sounds is the perfect companion this Christmas with a whole host of exciting programmes ready to get you into the festive spirit and entertain you through to the New Year. With special guest appearances from iconic musicians, popular podcast specials, hilarious comedy and theatrical audio drama delights, there truly is something for everyone. Our stations will be the perfect soundtrack to your Christmas with music mixes to get you into a party mood or offer some calming reflection and respite from the busy season, and there is always a chance to delve into the archives for some absolute gems.鈥�
This Christmas, the 大象传媒 presents festive offerings with three music icons: Christmas Queen Mariah Carey makes her world exclusive radio presenting debut with an hour-long festive show to mark the 30th anniversary of the most-streamed Christmas song of all-time, All I Want For Christmas Is You (大象传媒 Radio 2, 25 December). Legendary singer and actress Cher shares the soundtrack of her life as she is cast away on Desert Island Discs (大象传媒 Radio 4, 15 December). In celebration of her 70th birthday, Annie Lennox talks about her key songs and hugely successful music career through her many 大象传媒 interviews and appearances (大象传媒 Radio 2, 22 December).
大象传媒 Radio celebrates some of the best 大象传媒 Christmas comedy highlights. In anticipation of the Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special on 大象传媒 One, podcasters Natalie Cassidy and 鈥楽tacey鈥� herself, actress Joanna Page, host two Off The Telly: Gavin and Stacey Specials (大象传媒 Sounds, 18 December, 5 Live 25 December and second ep early January). With the upcoming Christmas TV special of much-loved 大象传媒 One comedy Outnumbered, Romesh Ranganathan interviews the actors of the Brockman family (大象传媒 Radio 2, 21 December). Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Jane Horrocks, Julia Sawalha and producer Jon Plowman chat about their groundbreaking 1990s sitcom in The Reunion: Absolutely Fabulous, with Kirsty Wark (大象传媒 Radio 4, 25 December).
In news and current affairs, the Today programme will continue the tradition of Christmas Guest Editors, this year with Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Dwayne Fields, Sir Sajid Javid, Professor Irene Tracey, Baroness Floella Benjamin and Dame Laura Kenny (大象传媒 Radio 4, from 24 December).
In music, Jack Saunders announces The Official Christmas Number 1 (大象传媒 Radio 1, 20 December). Presenters Greg James, Jamie Laing, Dean McCullough, Vick Hope, Katie Thistleton, Sam and Danni, and Nat and Vicky host special festive shows. Musician and actor Self Esteem and comedian and writer Jack Rooke come together to present a Loud and Proud New Year鈥檚 Eve party (6 Music, 31 December). Actor Bill Nighy sits in for Iggy Pop twice this December to serve up his own cocktail of music (6Music, 15 and 22 December). Delving into the music of the season, Zoe Ball presents a documentary on the story of Band Aid鈥檚 Do They Know It鈥檚 Christmas?, the world鈥檚 most successful charity record (大象传媒 Radio 2, 23 December). After New Year鈥檚 Day, to mark what would have been Elvis Presley鈥檚 90th birthday on 8 January 2025, Your Ultimate Elvis Song - hosted by superfan Vernon Kay - features the Top 40 countdown as voted for by Radio 2 listeners, plus there are more Elvis delights from Cerys Matthews and Owain Wyn Evans to honour his incredible career.
On 大象传媒 Sounds, there will be hours of uninterrupted curated mixes and festive specials from Fearne Cotton, Charlotte Ritchie, Greg James, Sophie Ellis Bextor and more with Christmas Music and New Year Sounds collections. There will be Christmas podcast specials from Off The Telly, Sidetracked with Annie and Nick, Uncanny, Pop Top 10, Make Me A Mixtape, Miss Me? and Young Again. Highlights from Radio 2鈥檚 Piano Rooms, Radio 2 in the Park, and the 大象传媒 Proms will be broadcast over the festive period and there will be plenty of bingeable boxsets from some of the top podcasts of the year in the Best of 2024 collection on 大象传媒 Sounds, including World of Secrets, Gangster, Intrigue, Elis James and John Robins, Joanne McNally Investigates, Brown Girls Do It Too and Miss Me?
In classical, choral music is presented in abundance: 大象传媒 Radio 3 broadcasts live from locations across the UK for a day of programming highlighting local choirs (大象传媒 Radio 3, 1 December). Every day in the run-up to Christmas Day, Essential Carols will feature a range of musicians, actors and writers including Bryn Terfel, Errollyn Wallen, Charlotte Ritchie, Reverend Richard Coles, Elim Chan, and Dr Sian Williams, who will introduce their favourite carol and share personal anecdotes. On 大象传媒 Radio 2, Aled Jones and Reverend Kate Bottley host the 大象传媒 Young Chorister of the Year 2024 final (25 December). Radio 3 broadcasts some of the best classical music from across Europe throughout December, including an exciting recording of Christmas music live from Ronnie Scott鈥檚 (大象传媒 Radio 3, 23 December). And from the Royal Opera House in London, Georgia Mann presents the annual 大象传媒 World Service New Year鈥檚 Concert featuring members of the 大象传媒 New Generation Artists scheme (World Service, 28 December). The 大象传媒鈥檚 Orchestras and Choirs will fill concert halls across the UK with the glorious sounds of the season with traditional carol concerts and fun festive events to bring people together in person and on the airwaves.
In comedy and entertainment, on 大象传媒 Radio 4 Nicola Coughlan will shine a light on extraordinary young people from across history throughout December in History鈥檚 Youngest Heroes and on Christmas Day Jo Brand will share her favourite poems, stories and jokes, joined by special guest readers in With Great Pleasure at Christmas whilst Kirsty Young will ask Nigel Slater and Pete Doherty what advice they鈥檇 give their younger selves in Young Again. Listeners can test their knowledge on the big events of the year with the Newshour Christmas Quiz on World Service (World Service, 25 December), and for those in need of comic relief to ring in the new year, The Arts Hour鈥檚 Comedy Special 2024 is turning up the festive fun, featuring a selection of the finest comedians from around the globe (World Service, 28 December).
In the Studio invites us behind the scenes at Selfridges as the teams prepare to reveal their Christmas windows to the public for the first time (World Service, 24 December). World Service鈥檚 Witness History celebrates Christmas week with a range of foody treats 鈥� when did pot noodles come to India? How did MasterChef come to being? And how did the black-and-white British comedy sketch Dinner for One become a German Christmas tradition? (World Service, 24 December).
Radio 4 will ring in the new year with a full day dedicated to The Shipping Forecast, with special programming to mark the centenary year of its first broadcast on the 大象传媒 (1 January).
In audio drama, on 大象传媒 Radio 4 audiences can look forward to tales from Nancy Mitford and Shirley Jackson family favourites such as The Wombles to the Rescue (大象传媒 Radio 4, 23 December), and a six-part time-travelling drama written by Oscar-nominated Iris Yamashita and narrated by BAFTA-winning actor Will Sharpe (大象传媒 World Service English, from 9 December). There will be a celebration of No毛l Coward鈥檚 125th birthday with a series of ten of his plays featuring a star studded line-up of actors including Miriam Margolyes (大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra). Additionally, there will be adaptations of Alexey Navalny鈥檚 biography Patriot narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, South Sea Tales by Somerset Maugham and Dead of Winter by Sarah Clegg.
大象传媒 Sounds
Listeners can enjoy bonus festive episodes of some of their favourite podcasts this Christmas, including Miss Me?, Sidetracked with Annie and Nick, Make Me A Mixtape, Murder They Wrote, and Off The Telly; all available to enjoy on 大象传媒 Sounds over the Yuletide period. There will also be a range of audiobooks and adaptations to enjoy, such as The Wombles, Alexey Navalny鈥檚 biography Patriot (narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch), South Sea Tales by Somerset Maugham, and Dead of Winter by Sarah Clegg.
Bingeable boxsets from some of the most popular podcasts of the year will be available, including Young Again and Uncanny. The Best of 2024 collection on 大象传媒 Sounds will showcase the hugely popular boxsets from World of Secrets, Gangster, Intrigue, Elis James and John Robins, Joanne McNally Investigates, Brown Girls Do It Too, and Miss Me?
For music fans there will be an extensive mix of seasonal music for all festive occasions with expertly curated music mixes and celebratory specials from Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco: Ultimate Christmas Hits, Greg James鈥檚 Christmas Anthems, and Fearne Cotton鈥檚 Sounds of the 90s: Festive Mixtape.
For those looking for something a bit more laidback, Mindful Mix will be releasing three Christmas focused music mixes: Mindful Mix: A Winter Walk, Mindful Mix: A Choral Christmas and Mindful Mix: Christmas Carols, plus The Morning After Mix: Christmas.
Festive Podcasts
Off The Telly Christmas Telly Special
11 December
As well as being available on 大象传媒 Sounds, podcast Off The Telly gets its first ever broadcast on the radio at 2pm on Christmas Day on 5 Live.
Available on 大象传媒 Sounds from 11 December, Nat and Jo catch up about their favourite time of year in this festive Off The Telly special. They chat about the Christmas telly they always watch plus their festive habits and favourite memories over a Baileys (or three!).
CI2
Off The Telly: What Shall We Watch? Christmas Telly
13 December
Join Nat and Jo for a festive tipple as they hear from listeners about their favourite Christmas telly. From childhood memories to comforting Christmas classics and of course looking ahead to this year鈥檚 festive TV, including the highly anticipated Gavin and Stacey and EastEnders Christmas specials.
CI2
Off The Telly: Gavin and Stacey Specials
The first of these specials will be available on 18 December with the second following in early January.
In these special episodes of Off The Telly, Nat and Jo chat all things Gavin and Stacey ahead of the Christmas special. Jo can鈥檛 believe it鈥檚 the last ever episode and Nat is desperate to find out what happens 鈥� does Smithy say yes to Nessa?
Nat and Jo celebrate the story so far then react to the final ever episode (we鈥檙e not crying, you are) with voicenotes from listeners on why they love it, plus backstage goss with some special guests from the world of Gavin and Stacey.
CI2
Sidetracked with Annie and Nick Christmas Special
12 December
In this festive special, Annie and Nick host a Sidetracked Christmas party at a pub in Soho. Expect special guests, live music and all the usual Christmas party gossip.
CI2
Make Me A Mixtape: Christmas Special
3 December
Clara Amfo and Jordan Stephens battle it out to build special guest Perrie the perfect festive mixtape, featuring iconic seasonal hits from Mariah Carey to Michael Bubl茅. In the quest to give Perrie's Christmas some extra musical sparkle they chat about the formation of Little Mix, getting into the Christmas spirit and whistle notes!
CI2
Young Again: Nigel Slater at Christmas
25 December
The new series resumes on Christmas day with a special festive episode, and listeners can look back on episodes past, with previous boxsets available to catch up on.
Nigel Slater began his career working in kitchens across the UK before becoming a food writer, initially for Marie Claire magazine. He has written a regular food column for The Observer newspaper for over three decades in which time he has also written numerous cookbooks. His 2003 autobiography, Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger, detailed a difficult childhood in the West Midlands during the 1960s and was later adapted into a film. He shares memories of Christmases past and tips on the making perfect Christmas dinner in a special festive edition of Young Again.
AT2
Pop Top 10: Top 10 Christmas Party Hits with Richard Osman
13 November
Richard Osman joins Scott & Rylan to debate and rank their Top 10 of the ultimate Christmas Party Hits. Prepare for a sack-load of festive trivia, and tales of the unexpected...
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Miss Me? Listen Bitch: Christmas Special
23 December
Settle in for a special yuletide edition of Listen Bitch, as Lily and Miquita take festive questions from their friends and family.
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Miss Me? Meaty Drop: New Year鈥檚 Special
2 January
As the holiday season draws to a close, Lily and Miquita sit down to share their hopes and ambitions for the new year ahead. With live shows on the horizon for 2025, the duo pull back the curtain on the inner workings of live events鈥nd what can go wrong!
AT2
Uncanny: Return to Luibeilt and Uncanny Live with Reece Shearsmith
13 December and 20 December
The Uncanny boxset will be available for listeners to enjoy in full, plus two new festive episodes: Return to Luibeilt and Uncanny Live with Reece Shearsmith.
RB2
Christmas Music
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 大象传媒 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
Mindful Mix
For those looking for more chilled Christmas music on-demand, Mindful Mix will be releasing three Christmas focused music mixes: Mindful Mix: A Winter Walk, featuring a selection of warming jazz tunes and wintry sounds to soothe your soul this festive season. With music by Vince Guaraldi Trio, Gri Allen and Katy Healy. Plus Mindful Mix: A Choral Christmas featuring serene and uplifting seasonal favourites: music to rejuvenate the body and soul with a selection of warm and reflective choral music to bring in light and cast out the stresses of the everyday. And for the biggest and best-known classic Christmas Carols, Mindful Mix: Christmas Carols, will get listeners into the Christmas spirit.
Morning After Mix
For an easy listen during Twixmas It's a Merry Morning After Mix Christmas, Baby!, and the Morning After NYE Mix, offer listeners an uninterrupted, mood-led mix, for those who love hearing thoughtfully curated playlists 鈥� especially when feeling fragile or delicate!
Christmas Hits: Christmas is covered with a collection of classic Christmas favourites
- Festive editions of popular mixes including Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Disco: Ultimate Christmas Hits! And Sounds of the 90s: Festive Mixtape, Radio 1鈥檚 Happy Christmas Anthems with Maia Beth and Zoe Ball's Christmas Crooners.
- Ultimate Christmas Movie Mixtape sees Radio 1's film expert Ali Plumb pick out some of the most-loved songs from festive film faves.
- Greg James presents Radio 1's Christmas Anthems. It鈥檚 his absolute favourite time of the year. Radio 1鈥檚 Mr Christmas, Greg James, brings 2 hours of the best Christmas Anthems wrapped up with festive cheer. He reveals his Top 3 Christmas songs of all time, but will you agree? Merry Christmas!
Listen to Christmas Music on 大象传媒 Sounds
New Year Sounds
With seasonal music to take listeners right through from Christmas to New Year, Sophie Ellis-Bextor's second festive offering is out on 26 December. The pop queen serves up her favourite feel good songs and personal popstar tales from her kitchen to see in the New Year in Sophie Ellie Bextor鈥檚 Kitchen Disco: Ultimate Disco Party Playlist New Year鈥檚 Eve special.
大象传媒 Radio 1
This Christmas, 大象传媒 Radio 1 is bringing the best of festive cheer to listeners with lots of special content, from exclusively revealing The Official Christmas Number 1 2024, to the return of Radio 1鈥檚 Festive Feeling.
Radio 1 Anthems
Tuesday 3 December 鈥� Wednesday 25 December
From 3 December Radio 1 Anthems will be providing a Christmas pick-me-up whenever you need it with Christmas tracks all day. There will also be special festive shows hosted by Greg James, Jamie Laing, Dean McCullough, Vick Hope, Katie Thistleton, Sam and Danni, and Nat and Vicky.
FM
Radio 1鈥檚 Happy Anthems
Listen to Radio 1's Happy Anthems on 大象传媒 Sounds
Radio 1 Happy will have a special uplifting show playing all of the Christmas hits and party bangers, available now on 大象传媒 Sounds.
FM
Radio 1鈥檚 Festive Feeling
Radio 1鈥檚 Festive Feeling returns this Christmas on Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James. This festive season Greg James will surprise deserving Radio 1 listeners who鈥檝e gone above and beyond for their loved ones and communities. From Monday 9 鈥� Friday 13 December, Radio 1 Breakfast will create special moments for five listeners who deserve the spotlight on them this Christmas!
Presenter: Greg James
Production: 大象传媒 Audio Radio 1
FM
Jack Saunders reveals The Official Christmas Number 1
Friday 20 December, 4pm鈥�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: 大象传媒 Audio Radio 1
FM
大象传媒 1Xtra
大象传媒 1Xtra is bringing festive joy to Christmas morning with 1Xtra Gospel Christmas, airing on Christmas Day from 7-10am. Hosted by Swarzy McCaly and Jeremiah Asiamah, the programme will deliver a vibrant mix of jubilant rhythms and soul-stirring harmonies, showcasing the very best in gospel music to wake up the nation in celebration of the holiday season. This special Christmas edition promises to set the tone for a joyful and uplifting start to Christmas Day.
大象传媒 Asian Network
大象传媒 Asian Network are starting their Christmas celebrations on the 6 December with an All Star DJ Takeover that sees DJs going back to back every hour until midnight to soundtrack your Christmas playlists.
Haroon Rashid will take over 大象传媒 Asian Network鈥檚 Breakfast Show from 23 December to 3 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鈥檚 Day special, the network will relive the successful 90s and 00s Bollywood Countdown tracks as chosen by listeners earlier this year.
All Star DJ Takeover
Friday 6 December, 8-12am
Soundtrack the start of your Christmas with 大象传媒 Asian Network鈥檚 All Star DJ Takeover. Some 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 大象传媒 Sounds to listen back to across the Christmas and New Year period.
DJs: DJ Timmy, MR. O, DJ Kizzi, DJ Kye, DJ Henna, DJ AMXN, RX, Panjabi Hit Squad, AJD, DJ Shraii, DJ Manara and DJ Harpz.
GD2
大象传媒 Radio 2
大象传媒 Radio 2 is bringing listeners plenty of Christmas sparkle to celebrate the festive season.
On Christmas Day, superstar Mariah Carey makes her radio presenting debut with a world exclusive for Radio 2 - an hour-long festive show to mark the 30th anniversary of the most-streamed Christmas song of all-time, All I Want For Christmas Is You; and Si King of The Hairy Bikers fame hosts a Christmas Rock special, bringing air guitar and motorcycle revving vibes to the airwaves.
Reverend Kate Bottley, Anneka Rice, Jane McDonald and Gary Davies are all live on Christmas Day, as is Mark Goodier who presents a festive Pick of the Pops. In the evening, Beverley Knight is sharing her gospel magic and Trevor Nelson is bringing soul from the Royal Albert Hall. Special editions of Sounds of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s provide the perfect build-up for New Year鈥檚 Eve, with Michelle Visage live from LA as the clock strikes midnight.
On New Year鈥檚 Day, to mark what would have been Elvis Presley鈥檚 90th birthday on 8 January 2025, Your Ultimate Elvis Song - hosted by superfan Vernon Kay - features the Top 40 countdown as voted for by Radio 2 listeners, plus there are more Elvis delights from Cerys Matthews and Owain Wyn Evans to honour his incredible career.
Many of the shows will be available from November as part of the 大象传媒 Radio 2 Christmas Collection on 大象传媒 Sounds.
The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show
Friday 20 December, 6.30-9.30am
Wake up and embrace the day one final time with Zoe Ball as today she steps down from six years at the helm of the nation鈥檚 most listened to Breakfast show. As it鈥檚 Zoe鈥檚 last ever Breakfast show there鈥檚 sure to be a few surprises in store for her as the team celebrate six years of fun and games with the Radio 2 listeners and some familiar faces.
- Read more: Zoe Ball to step down as presenter of the 大象传媒 Radio 2 Breakfast Show
- Read more: 大象传媒 Radio 2 presents new schedule
As she told listeners in November: 鈥淎fter six incredible years on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, it鈥檚 time for me to step away from the very early mornings and focus on family. It鈥檚 been a privilege. I think the world of you listeners and I鈥檓 grateful to my bosses here for their support, especially this year. Huge thanks go to my awesome team on the show, Tina, Mike and Richie, and of course our listeners, with whom I鈥檝e shared some of life鈥檚 highs and lows, the good, the bad and the daft times. While I鈥檓 stepping away from the Breakfast Show, I鈥檓 not disappearing entirely 鈥� I鈥檒l still be a part of the Radio 2 family, with more news in the New Year. I鈥檓 excited to embrace my next chapter, including being a mum in the mornings, and I can鈥檛 wait to tune in on the school run!鈥�
Zoe will be sharing calls, voicenotes and messages from listeners as she soundtracks your morning with the very best tunes, alongside Tina Daheley on news, Richie Anderson on travel, the latest sport and Pause For Thought.
Starting in January, Scott Mills will be the new host of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, with Trevor Nelson on weekday afternoons from 2-4pm, DJ Spoony on Monday to Thursday from 10pm-12am and Sophie Ellis-Bextor鈥檚 Kitchen Disco on Fridays from 9-11pm.
Presenter: Zoe Ball
Producer: Patrick Thomas
A 大象传媒 Audio production
KA
Romesh Ranganathan
Saturday 21 December, 11am-12pm
Joining Romesh on the show today are the actors who play the Brockman family in the much loved 大象传媒 comedy, Outnumbered, which first launched in 2007. Ahead of its long-awaited Christmas special, the cast, including Hugh Dennis and Clare Skinner, are live on the show. They鈥檒l be looking back at those early days of becoming TV鈥檚 favourite family and telling Rom all about the brand new episode, as well as taking part in some festive fun.
Romesh says: 鈥淚'm so excited to be spending my last Radio 2 show before Christmas with one of TV's favourite families... Like everyone else I was buzzing to see that the Brockmans were back for a Christmas special, so I'll try and get some clues on what we can expect from it, and I'll have some festive fun for them too.鈥�
Presenter: Romesh Ranganathan
Producer: Katie Boden
A TBI Media production
KA
Christmas Carols with the Reverend Kate Bottley
Sunday 22 December, 5-6am
The Reverend Kate Bottley hosts this joyful selection of many of our most popular Christmas carols, including tracks by Johnny Cash, Elvis, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Annie Lennox and the Choir of King's College Cambridge.
A specially-recorded, soulful and upbeat version of the Holly and the Ivy is performed by Lauren Housley and the Northern Cowboys, and Sam Evans - who hit the headlines in the summer after winning the opportunity to perform a set at Glastonbury festival earlier this year - sings a simple acoustic version of Go Tell It On The Mountain.
Kate Rusby's Sweet Bells features as one of our most ancient carols, while gospel star Sarah Teibo sings a relatively recent composition, Norwegian Pine, which is a tribute to the friendship between Norway and the UK and their annual gift of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree; and Carrie Underwood is joined by her young son, Isaiah, on a beautiful duet of Little Drummer Boy.
Presenter: Reverend Kate Bottley
Producer: Hilary Robinson
A Strauss House production
KA
Annie Lennox at the 大象传媒
Sunday 22 December, 12am-1am
To celebrate her 70th birthday, in this hour long special Annie talks about her key songs and hugely successful musical career through her many 大象传媒 interviews and appearances with presenters Annie Nightingale, Janice Long, Kirsty Young, Jo Whiley, Steve Wright, Richard Skinner, David Jensen, Johnnie Walker, and Paul Gambaccini.
We hear about Annie鈥檚 early life in Aberdeen, studying music in London, starting her strong personal and professional partnership with Dave Stewart, getting success very quickly with The Tourists, forming Eurythmics, her love of performing and the toll touring took on her amazing voice. Annie also discusses her first film acting role alongside Al Pacino, her collaborations with Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder, and her equally successful solo career.
Producer: Mark Simpson
A 大象传媒 Audio production
KA
The Best of Radio 2 Piano Room 2024
Monday 23 December, 7-9pm
On Monday 23 December and Thursday 26 December, Vernon Kay looks back at an incredible year of music across two programmes celebrating Radio 2鈥檚 Piano Room in 2024. Featuring unique live performances from an incredible array of artists performing live at the 大象传媒鈥檚 iconic Maida Vale Studios with the 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra, guests include Alison Moyet, Marc Almond, Rag鈥檔鈥橞one Man, Elbow, Paloma Faith, Jess Glynne, Crowded House, Jalen Ngonda, PP Arnold, The Libertines and Delta Goodrem.
Presenter: Vernon Kay
Producer: Bob McDowall
A 大象传媒 Audio Production
KA
Do They Know It鈥檚 Christmas?: The Song That Changed The World
Monday 23 December, 9-10pm
This one hour documentary, presented by Zoe Ball 鈥� and available now on 大象传媒 Sounds 鈥� tells the story of Band Aid鈥檚 Do They Know It鈥檚 Christmas?, the world鈥檚 most successful charity record. Released on December 7 1984, it was an era-defining call to action that proved the power of pop music as a force for change.
Featuring the biggest pop stars in the UK at the time, the song raised millions of pounds for aid charities fighting famine in Ethiopia. The reaction to the song was so great that the Band Aid legacy continued as several more versions were recorded in the decades that followed, and the song continues to raise millions of pounds every year to provide emergency aid and fund long-term development projects in Africa.
The programme tells the story of Band Aid鈥檚 potent legacy, with contributions from producers Midge Ure, Trevor Horn, Nigel Godrich, Paul Epworth and Pete Waterman, along with Bob Geldof and those who have participated in the versions recorded in the last forty years, including Bono, Fran Healy, Sting, Phil Collins, Keren Woodward, Sara Dallin, Cathy Dennis, Rita Ora, Seal, Jason Donovan, Marti Pellow, Will Young, Tom Chaplin, Ellie Goulding, Lisa Stansfield, Justin Hawkins, and Olly Murs.
Presenter: Zoe Ball
Producer: Des Shaw
A Zinc Media Group production
KA
Si King's Christmas Rock
Monday 23 December, 10pm-12am
From a time when jeans were tighter, motorcycles were louder and it was all just rock 鈥榥鈥� roll, Hairy Biker Si King makes his Radio 2 presenting debut.
He鈥檒l be picking out a few of his favourite tracks to celebrate and rejoice in the celestial gift that is rock music, bringing his air guitar and motorcycle revving vibes to the airwaves for this rock-tastic show, with a sprinkling of Christmas tunes too!
Si says: 鈥淚 truly believe that the best way to enjoy a special day is with some feel-good rock tunes, and that鈥檚 exactly what I have in store for you! Before the clock strikes midnight we鈥檒l be rockin鈥� and rollin鈥� with my top picks and the ultimate guitar riffs as the excitement builds to Christmas Eve and beyond.鈥�
A former despatch rider as well as location manager on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Si met Dave Myers in 1995, after which they first appeared on 大象传媒 TV screens in The Hairy Bikers鈥� Cookbook, which saw the pair travel and cook around the UK, and in later series around the world.
Presenter: Si King
Producer: Paul Thomas
A Listen Entertainment production
KA
Zoe Ball鈥檚 Christmas Crooners
Tuesday 24 December, 12-2pm
Zoe provides the perfect soundtrack for Christmas Eve as she shares a festive selection of her favourite crooners.
Zoe will be setting the scene with Jingle Bells from Barbra Streisand, heading to warmer climes with Jimmy Buffet on Christmas Island and Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters wishing a Merry Christmas in Hawaiian; Andy Williams guarantees It鈥檚 The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, plus there鈥檚 treats from Ella Fitzgerald, Eartha Kitt, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, The Carpenters, Sammy Davis Junior and many more.
Presenter: Zoe Ball
Producer: Julie Newman
A 大象传媒 Audio production
KA
Driving Home For Christmas with Richie Anderson
Tuesday 24 December, 4-6pm
Richie Anderson keeps you company on Christmas Eve! Whether you鈥檙e Driving Home or already Rockin鈥� Around that tree, he鈥檒l 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鈥檙e up to and maybe even taking a request or two. Plus, he鈥檒l be hearing from some of his celebrity friends who鈥檝e been sending through their own Christmas greetings.
So whether you鈥檙e top to toe in tailbacks, roasting chestnuts on an open fire, or wrapping up some presents, Richie鈥檚 got your Christmas Eve playlist sorted!
Presenter: Richie Anderson
Producer: Patrick Thomas
A 大象传媒 Audio production
KA
Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Xmas Eve Kitchen Disco
Tuesday 24 December, 6-8pm
Sophie has a stocking full of essential festive tunes - nothing but the favourites that you know and love. Her 鈥榮leighlist鈥� is full of the biggest Christmas hits including Mariah, Wham!, The Pogues, Brenda Lee, Shakin' Stevens, Ariana Grande, Wizzard, Michael Bubl茅, Kelly Clarkson and so many more鈥� It's the perfect soundtrack to your Christmas party - or your Christmas prep!
Presenter: Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Producer: David Manero
A Listen Entertainment Production
KA
大象传媒 Young Chorister of the Year
Wednesday 25 December, 4-6am
Aled Jones and Radio 2鈥檚 Good Morning Sunday co-presenter, Reverend Kate Bottley, host the 大象传媒 Young Chorister of the Year 2024 final. Recorded at Halle St Peter鈥檚 in Manchester, ten talented hopefuls have sung in the heats and, from five junior and five senior choristers, six were chosen for this festive final.
There鈥檚 a real treat in store, with music selected by the choristers to capture the spirit of Christmas 鈥� with the highest scoring singer from the junior and senior sections receiving a trophy and the coveted title of 大象传媒 Young Chorister of the Year.
It is broadcast on Radio 2 this Christmas morning for all those early morning risers on this special day! 大象传媒 One鈥檚 Songs of Praise will broadcast the final on Sunday 1st December (also available on iPlayer), and on the same day the 大象传媒 Young Chorister of the Year heats and final will be available on 大象传媒 Sounds.
Presenters: Reverend Kate Bottley and Aled Jones
Producer: Alexa Good
A 大象传媒 Audio North production
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Zoe Ball鈥檚 Christmas Crooners - Christmas Day
Wednesday 25 December, 6-8am
Zoe provides the most wonderful soundtrack to the start of your Christmas Day as she shares a festive selection of her favourite Yuletide Crooners as you open your stockings, start prepping the sprouts and check to see if snow is falling all around鈥�
She opens with Perry Como, followed by the effortlessly cool Dean Martin, and more treats from Nat 鈥楰ing鈥� Cole, Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bubl茅, Doris Day, Elvis Presley, Gregory Porter and Judy Garland鈥� bringing a perfect mix of the finest voices of the season.
Presenter: Zoe Ball
Producer: Julie Newman
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Good Morning Christmas
Wednesday 25 December, 8-10am
The Reverend Kate Bottley welcomes in Christmas morning, live on Radio 2, with merriment, good cheer and all of your festive wishes! Whether you鈥檝e been awake for hours peeling potatoes, opening pressies or setting the table, or just easing into the day at a slower pace, Kate has the perfect mix of music and messages for this special day.
Presenter: Reverend Kate Bottley
Producer: Will Jones
An Audio Always production
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Junior Choice with Anneka Rice
Wednesday 25 December, 10-12am
Anneka Rice is live on Radio 2 this Christmas Day with Junior Choice, providing the perfect accompaniment to the morning. She鈥檒l be playing childrens鈥� favourites tunes from across the decades, giving millions of listeners a nostalgic trip down memory lane. There will be sing-a-long favourites for kids and grown-ups of all ages, and listeners are invited to send a message to the show with their own suggestions of favourite tracks, old and new.
Presenter: Anneka Rice
Producer: Namrata Varia
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Christmas with Jane McDonald
Wednesday 25 December, 12-2pm
Jane McDonald returns to Radio 2 this Christmas Day for two hours of festive fun for all the family. She will be playing her favourite hits of the season, whilst sharing funny memories and heart-warming stories of Christmases gone by.
This is a show for all ages and, whether you鈥檙e at a family get-together, spending today alone or at work, expect plenty of cheer and Yuletide hits from the likes of Wham!, Shakin' Stevens, Elton John, Nat King Cole and many more.
Jane says: 鈥淚鈥檓 so excited to be back for Christmas Day again this year, celebrating with the wonderful Radio 2 listeners. Make sure you tune in wherever you are as we鈥檒l have all the festive cheer you need鈥� with all the trimmings!鈥�
Presenter: Jane McDonald
Producer: Ste Softley
A Mostest production
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Gary Davies
Wednesday 25 December, 2-4pm
Join Gary Davies live from 大象传媒 Radio 2 HQ as he sprinkles festive joy, gifts and great music to keep up the seasonal spirit.
In this fully interactive show, Gary will be celebrating the day with listeners鈥� shoutouts and providing an uplifting soundtrack for everyone across the nation - whether cooking Christmas lunch, chilling out after too much food, travelling to see loved ones or opening presents, and also for all the heroes around the UK who are working today, from the Emergency Services and carers, to essential shops and service stations.
Presenter: Gary Davies
Producer: Paul Thomas
A Listen Entertainment production
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Festive Pick of the Pops with Mark Goodier
Wednesday 25 December, 4-7pm
Pick of the Pops makes a rare mid-week guest appearance to give listeners the chance to hear some long forgotten Christmas chart hits from 30, 40 and 50 years ago.
In a special festive edition, Mark Goodier, who began presenting Pick of the Pops in July earlier this year, counts down the Christmas Day charts from 1974, 1984 and 1994. The show will feature hits from Barry White, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Madonna, Boyzone and more, including some all-time Yuletide favourites.
Presenter: Mark Goodier
Producer: Sarah Harrison
A 7digital production
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Mariah Carey鈥檚 Christmas Hour: 30 Years of All I Want For Christmas Is You
Wednesday 25 December, 7-8pm
This year is the 30th anniversary of the most-streamed Christmas song of all-time, Mariah Carey鈥檚 All I Want For Christmas Is You. To mark the occasion, Mariah makes her world exclusive radio presenting debut in this hour-long festive special on the UK鈥檚 most listened to radio station.
The show features Mariah鈥檚 personally curated playlist and includes Christmas classics old and new from the artists who have inspired her, including Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Nat King Cole, Whitney Houston, The Jackson Five and Destiny's Child.
Plus, Mariah takes the opportunity to thank her fans for continuing to make new memories to her Christmas smash-hit.
Mariah says: 鈥淚 can't wait to spend Christmas with you on 大象传媒 Radio 2鈥� I hope you are feeling warm and cosy and having your own Holly Jolly Christmas. I would like to thank all of my fans in the UK and around the world for continuing to make special memories with All I Want For Christmas Is You, it really means the world to me.鈥�
This is an hour of the most soulful festive music, perfect for getting you into the spirit of the season and brought to you by the Queen of Christmas herself, Mariah Carey.
Presenter: Mariah Carey
Producer: Ste Softley
A Mostest production
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Beverley Knight's Great British Gospel Christmas
Wednesday 25 December, 8-10pm
Olivier Award winning actress and singer Beverley Knight returns to Radio 2 to host an upbeat celebration of gospel music from the UK and Ireland, festive songs and traditional carols on Christmas evening.
Beverley says: 鈥淚鈥檓 so happy to be back on Radio 2 this Christmas night for a wonderful celebration of the best that gospel music has to offer. I鈥檒l be sharing some of the most uplifting, moving and beautiful vocals, bringing you good vibes as we all wind down from the day. I鈥檒l also be back on radio 2 in January with a new series of Beverley Knight鈥檚 Gospel Revue.鈥�
Presenter: Beverley Knight
Producer: Chris Mitchell & Bernard Achampong
A We Are Unedited production
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Trevor Nelson鈥檚 Soul Christmas
Wednesday 25 December, 10pm-12am
Trevor Nelson returns to the Royal Albert Hall in London to host his annual festive extravaganza. This year sees Trevor take to the stage with the 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra and Kingdom Choir, conducted by Troy Miller.
His guest singers include Kimberley Davis, Tony Momrelle and Kenny Thomas. So dance along to soul and RnB with a classic festive twist this December in what will be a Soul Christmas show to remember!
Trevor says: 鈥淟ast year鈥檚 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鈥檛 wait to return with our unique orchestral soul celebration for 2024.鈥�
Presenter: Trevor Nelson
Producer: Joe Haddow
A Spiritland production
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Sounds of Soul with Tony Blackburn
Tuesday 26 December, 12pm-2pm
Tony Blackburn provides the perfect soulful soundtrack to your Boxing Day. As well as the odd wonderfully cheesy joke he鈥檚 renowned for and messages from the listeners, he will be playing his personal choices of the Sounds of Soul from across the decades, including from some soul superstars of tomorrow.
Presenter: Tony Blackburn
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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When Scott Mills Met Joan Collins
Tuesday 26 December, 9-10pm
From Dynasty to Damehood, hear what happened when Joan Collins exclusively invited Scott Mills round to her London home as he celebrates her seven decades in showbiz.
Joan has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Golden Globe Award; she鈥檚 an icon of the big and small screens, and is an author, a mother, and a Dame. Scott is a self-confessed Dynasty superfan, growing-up in the 80s and was hooked on the antics of the Carringtons. Joan played one of the most formidable characters of the decade, the shoulder-pad wearing, pond-fighting and fearsome Alexis Colby. She tells Scott about her time on the show and how it was never meant to last as long as it did. Plus, they discuss those infamous fight scenes and some of Alexis鈥� most iconic lines.
Scott says: 鈥淢y mind is blown, I went to Joan Collins鈥� house! It's going to take me a while to process this, but it was incredible. She is iconic, fabulous, one of a kind, the last of a generation鈥� a true superstar!鈥�
Joan鈥檚 career began in the 1950s, being branded 鈥楤ritain鈥檚 Bad Girl鈥� after shooting to fame when she appeared in the film adaptation of I Believe In You. She went on to star in a string of Hollywood movies throughout the 60s and 70s, before accepting the unexpected role of a lifetime in Dynasty. Joan鈥檚 subsequent appearances span everything from Benidorm and Ab Fab, to panto and a one-woman stage show. She鈥檚 been a columnist since the early 90s and is a successful author, selling more than 50 million novels to date.
Presenter: Scott Mills
Producer: Ben Stones
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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The Best of Radio 2 In The Park
Monday 30 December (9-10pm), Wednesday 1 January (5-7pm) and Thursday 2 January (9-10pm)
Across this week, three special programmes bring highlights from Radio 2 In The Park, held this year at Preston鈥檚 Moor Park. The featured artists include Travis, Craig David, Snow Patrol, Sugababes, Manic Street Preachers and Paul Heaton feat. Rianne Downey, plus headline sets from Sting and Pet Shop Boys.
Producer: Bob McDowall
A 大象传媒 Audio Production
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Radio 2 All Stars
Monday 30 December, Wednesday 1 January and Thursday 2 January, 9-10pm
Three episodes feature Dermot O'Leary chatting to fellow DJs about the varying paths that have led them to Radio 2.
In episode one, Gary Davies reveals his way in to Radio 1 in the 80s was all down to puffer jackets. Michelle Visage tells us about her first job as a hot oil wrestling compere in NYC. And Rob Beckett reveals how bees helped him get a job at the 大象传媒.
In the second episode, Paul Gambaccini recalls how Sir Elton helped him get a job at Radio 1. Scott Mills talks about how partying at The Brits nearly ended his radio career. And Reverend Kate Bottley remembers the time she met Kylie in the toilets.
In the last episode, Mark Goodier chats about interviewing Madonna, Nirvana and Pavarotti. Owain Wyn Evans talks about his incredible drumathon for Children In Need, and Angela Griffin reveals she was still working in Burger King whilst starring in Coronation Street.
Presenter: Dermot O'Leary
Producer: Tom Du Croz
Ora Et Labora
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Sophie Ellis-Bextor's NYE Kitchen Disco
Tuesday 31 December, 12-2pm
Sophie is getting the NYE party started with two hours of party hits, handpicked by the Kitchen Disco Queen herself.
Enjoy a non-stop mix of feel-good anthems from Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Girls Aloud, the Pet Shop Boys, Lady Gaga and many more. It鈥檚 the ultimate blast of musical escapism for all the family!
Presenter: Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Producer: David Manero
A Listen Entertainment Production
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New Year鈥檚 Eve Party Sounds of the 60s with Tony Blackburn
Tuesday 31 December, 2-4pm
Tony Blackburn, who hosts both Sounds of the 60s and The Golden Hour on Radio 2, is getting in the NYE spirit and donning his weighty medallion as he presents two delectable hours of 60s party anthems.
Tony says: 鈥淟et鈥檚 go back in time to the swinging 60s to get us all in the mood for a New Year鈥檚 Eve party. Nothing beats the music of this decade, so get your dancing shoes on and let鈥檚 boogie!鈥�
Presenter: Tony Blackburn
Producer: Mollie Davidson
A 7digital production
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New Year鈥檚 Eve Party Sounds of the 70s with Bob Harris
Tuesday 31 December, 4-6pm
It's time to power up the party classics and get ready for New Year's Eve 70s style with Bob Harris! Bob celebrates 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 disco groove with definitive tunes from across the decade.
Bob says: 鈥淪pending New Year鈥檚 Eve with the Radio 2 listeners is going to be a joy and spinning my favourite tracks from the 1970s makes it even better! Prepare for a whole two hours of the best tunes!鈥�
Presenter: Bob Harris
Producer: Liz Barnes
A Listen Entertainment production
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New Year鈥檚 Eve Party Sounds of the 80s with Gary Davies
Tuesday 31 December, 6-8pm
Radio 2鈥檚 Sounds of鈥� New Year鈥檚 Eve celebrations continue with a special party edition of Gary Davies' Sounds of the 80s.
Gary says: 鈥淚t鈥檚 no secret that, for me, the 1980s was the very best decade for music. So backcomb your hair, get your leg warmers and lycra on as there's no better way to get ready for 2025 than with some banging 80s tunes.鈥�
Presenter: Gary Davies
Producer: Johnny Kalifornia
A Listen Entertainment production
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New Year鈥檚 Eve Party Sounds of the 90s with Owain Wyn Evans
Tuesday 31 December, 8-10pm
Making a departure from his usual early Breakfast show each weekday, Owain plugs in his vast collection of disco lights and provides a cocktail of hits for an effervescent Sounds of the 90's New Year's Eve Party, broadcasting live from the 大象传媒 studios in Cardiff.
Owain says: 鈥淔ire up the smoke machine and decant something fizzy, everyone's welcome at our New Year's Eve extravaganza!鈥�
Presenter: Owain Wyn Evans
Producer: Kayleigh Hughes
A Bengo Media Production
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Michelle Visage鈥檚 Fabulous New Year Party
Tuesday 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, broadcasting live from LA. Michelle, who usually hosts her Handbag Hits show each Friday night, will be slaying the most fabulous party anthems that no year should start - or close - without.
This is three hours packed with floor fillers, both vintage hits and more recent, hand-picked by the hostest with the mostest. You鈥檒l hear Madonna, 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
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Your Ultimate Elvis Song
Wednesday 1 January, 3-5pm
Elvis Presley would have turned 90 years old on 8 January 2025. To mark this moment, Radio 2 listeners were asked to vote for their all-time favourite Elvis Presley song. The results are now in and today superfan Vernon Kay hosts the Top 40 countdown.
As well as his amazing songs, expect listener memories and what The King鈥檚 music means to them, plus some celebrity recollections.
Vernon says: 鈥淓LVIS. One name. One Icon. The music has transcended many generations and the man is probably the most recognisable musician of all time. From being a young lad playing my auntie鈥檚 old Elvis vinyl records to collecting the King鈥檚 memorabilia, Elvis is ever present in the Kay/Daly household so it鈥檚 going to be so much fun revealing the nation鈥檚 favourite Elvis song and finding out how many Radio 2 listeners share my love of Elvis.鈥�
Presenter: Vernon Kay
Producer: Anthony Dunning
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Cerys Matthews: Elvis Presley, My King
Wednesday 1 January, 7-8pm
Radio 2鈥檚 Blues Show presenter and singer-songwriter, Cerys Matthews, is a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley. In this hour-long special - marking what would have been his 90th birthday on 8 January 2025 - she delves deep into her memories of growing up in Wales and recalls how his music, films and performances influenced her own artistry.
As a little girl, Cerys recalls the impact of hearing about Elvis鈥� death in 1977, and although not yet fully aware of his legacy, she still understood the loss, scale and cultural impact of this event, and from thereon her fascination started. Already interested in the blues, Elvis鈥� sound and background was hugely appealing and would inspire her to buy his sheet music and learn his songs for the guitar. Further exposure would come through hearing Elvis impersonators in local pubs in South Wales, through her Auntie Jean playing Love Me Tender on her piano, seeing his movies and performances on the television, and notably his legendary 鈥�68 Comeback Special.
Later in life, Cerys would make her own pilgrimage to Nashville and Tennessee, tracing the humble beginnings and rise to fame of the man who would be the King of Rock 鈥榥鈥� Roll.
This programme is a fascinating and captivating detailed insight into how Elvis鈥檚 legacy has lived on, as told through Cerys鈥檚 personal viewpoint.
Presenter: Cerys Matthews
Producer: Ste Softley
A Mostest production
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When Wales Welcomes The King
Wednesday 1 January, 8-9pm
Radio 2鈥檚 Early Breakfast presenter, Owain Wyn Evans, continues the network鈥檚 celebration of Elvis Presley today. In the small seaside town of Porthcawl in South Wales, Elvis鈥檚 legacy has taken on a life of its own. Every year in September, tens of thousands of fans and Elvis Tribute Acts (ETAs) descend on the town, donning jumpsuits, wigs and sideburns to keep the legend's spirit alive.
Owain visits the Porthcawl Elvis Festival where ETAs from Portugal, Canada and even Australia have travelled to perform and where fans have come to pay tribute to the King of Rock 鈥榥鈥� Roll. Discussing everything from his blues, country and gospel periods, to his infamous comeback and iconic Vegas shows, this is a fans鈥� love letter to Elvis.
Presenter: Owain Wyn Evans
Producer: Vicki Blight-Pitt
A Bengo Media Production
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大象传媒 Radio 3
大象传媒 Radio 3 presents an eclectic schedule that celebrates the sounds and stories that make Christmas such a special time. This year, there is a focus on carols. On 1 December, 大象传媒 Radio 3 is broadcasting live from across the UK with a day of programming highlighting the regional choirs and carol traditions that shape our communities. From the misty shores of Swansea Bay, through to the West Coast of Scotland, Tom McKinney, Hannah French, Petroc Trelawny, Linton Stephens, Kate Molleson, and a host of other 大象传媒 Radio 3 presenters shine a light on carols new, and old, including those passed down through the generations.
大象传媒 Radio 3 presenters also bring special Christmas editions of their shows through the month. Alongside Christmas Comes Earlier鈥ith Jools Holland, there鈥檚 an exciting recording of Christmas music live from Ronnie Scott鈥檚, as well as festive Night Tracks, In Tune, Essential Classics and many more. There is truly something for everyone on 大象传媒 Radio 3 this Christmas.
Carols Across the Country: A Seasonal Special
Sunday 1 December, 6.30am-7.30pm
In this unique, special day of festive programming, 大象传媒 Radio 3 celebrates the first day of December by filling the schedule with Christmas treats and local choirs, live from across the UK.
As dawn breaks on Advent, expect to see Tom McKinney broadcasting from Lancashire with the Kantos Chamber Choir; Sarah Walker in Barnsley with the Grimethorpe Colliery Band; Petroc Trelawny in Cornwall; Linton Stephens in Cambridge; Kate Molleson in the West Coast of Scotland; John Toal in Londonderry, with the folk band, Nodlaig N铆 Bhrollaigh, and Hannah French with the Morriston Orpheus Choir in Swansea Bay.
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A Service for Advent with Carols
Sunday 1 December, 3-4.30pm
In celebration of the beginning of Advent, 大象传媒 Radio 3 broadcasts A Service for Advent with Carols, live from the Chapel of St John鈥檚 College, Cambridge.
The pattern of the Advent service, in its four sections, reflects the season鈥檚 growing anticipation, both of the first coming of Christ and of that Day when the prayer Thy Kingdom Come is finally and fully answered. It includes music old and new, including What Child is This?, which has been commissioned by the College for this service from Russell Pascoe, together with congregational carols looking forward to Christmas.
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Essential Carols
Sunday 1 December 鈥� Wednesday 25 December, 10.30am daily
In the run-up to Christmas Day, every morning at 10.30 we present a special seasonal series of Essential Carols.
Each day, a range of musicians, actors and writers, including Bryn Terfel, Errollyn Wallen, Charlotte Ritchie, Reverend Richard Coles, Elim Chan, and Dr Sian Williams introduce their favourite carol, sharing their personal anecdotes.
From classics such as See Amid the Winter鈥檚 Snow and In The Bleak Midwinter, to unexpected choices such as Sibelius鈥檚 En etsi valtaa loistoa, Essential Carols features suggestions of festive repertoire for everyone, from lovers of tradition to listeners looking for a seasonal gem.
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Words and Music: A Seasonal Journey
Sunday 1 December, 7.30-8.45pm
Words and Music this week is on a seasonal journey as we celebrate Advent and Christmas traditions around the UK; starting in late November with Stir up Sunday, we're lighting lamps, decorating trees and singing carols through to Twelfth Night.
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Early Music Show: The Notre-Dame School
Sunday 8 December, 5-6pm
Hannah French explores the music of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, focusing on the 12th-century Notre-Dame school of polyphony and its musical legacy.
As the cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris reopens its doors to the public after more than five years since fire caused its closure, Hannah examines the early musical history of this extraordinary building, including the work of musician-priests L茅onin and Perotin, with the help of Antony Pitts, founder-conductor of the choral group Tonus Peregrinus. Hannah also looks into the musicians who followed in the footsteps of these musical pioneers across the following six centuries, including the organists Louis-Claude Daquin and Armand-Louis Couperin who worked in Notre-Dame in the 18th-century.
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Composer of the Week: A Latin-American Christmas
Monday 9 December 鈥� Friday 13 December, 4-5pm
Kate Molleson journeys through the Christmas season in Latin America, introducing the composers who shaped local festivities across centuries and longitudes. From cathedrals to countryside and to the deep heat of megacities, this week鈥檚 Christmas special revels in music for worship, friendship, family and fiestas.
There are the sounds of a southern hemisphere Christmas, with tango impressions of Buenos Aires summertime from Astor Piazzolla, a choral folk nativity drama by Ariel Ramirez, and irresistible 1960s nostalgia from Argentina鈥檚 Christmas crooners.
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EBU Day of Christmas Music: Christmas Around Europe
Sunday 15 December, 12-10pm
An annual across-Europe celebration of Christmas music from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Every year classical music radio stations from across Europe come together to celebrate Christmas through music with a series of concerts from around the continent.
Featuring special performances of Christmas music, many of them broadcast live, the celebration covers a wide variety of music from 16th Century motets and carols from Spain, through to traditional seasonal folk music from Finland to Christmas jazz from Germany and everything in between. Beginning at midday and running to the evening, it promises to be a journey of discovery to delight the ears.
Andrew McGregor and Hannah French are your musical tour guides to lead you through the day.
- 12pm Saarbr眉cken, Germany: Orchestral music by Tchaikovsky, Dohn谩nyi and Korngold performed by the German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra.
- 1pm Barcelona, Spain: Christmas music from 16th and 17th-century Spain by Joan Cererols, Miquel L贸pez and Tom谩s Luis de Victoria.
- 2pm Prague (live): Baroque chamber music performed by members of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
- 3pm Copenhagen, Denmark (live): The Danish Radio Vocal Ensemble performs choral music from France and Britain, including Britten鈥檚 Ceremony of Carols.
- 4pm Vilnius, Lithuania: The Baltic Way String Quartet performs music by Peteris Vasks, Arvo P盲rt, Mikolajus Konstantinas Ciurlionis and Teisutis Makacinas.
- 5pm Munich, Germany (live): Respighi's Lauda per la Nativit脿 del Signore with the Bavarian Radio Chorus.
- 6pm Cologne, Germany (live): Christmas jazz concert with Lynne Fiddmont and the WDR Big Band.
- 7pm Dresden, Germany: Dresden Chamber Chorus performs works by composers including Michael Praetorius, Brahms and Arvo P盲rt.
- 8pm Helsinki, Finland: Emma Salokoski sings traditional seasonal Finnish folk music with the Ilmiliekki Quartet.
- 9pm Reykjavik, Iceland (live): Hallgr铆m's Church Choir and the Br谩k Baroque Ensemble performs choral and orchestral music by Johann Sebastian Bach.
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Christmas Choral Evensong
Wednesday 18 December 3-4pm
Live from Llandaff Cathedral, this year鈥檚 Christmas Choral Evensong features music looking to the Christmas season, with hymns including O Come, O Come Emmanuel, as well as readings from the Bible.
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In Tune: Christmas Special
Friday 20 December, 5-7pm
Katie Derham spreads yuletide cheer in this special edition of In Tune, featuring festive performances from our studios in Glasgow, London, and Salford by the show's greatest artists and friends, including live appearances by the Frank Dupree Trio and the iconic Black Dyke Band 鈥� among others.
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Christmas Comes Earlier鈥ith Jools Holland
Saturday 21 December, 12pm-1pm
Jools hosts a festive gathering of friends, with his long-time musical collaborators: singer Ruby Turner; saxophonist Phil Veacock, and the actor, writer and comedian Sally Phillips.
Sally introduces seasonal favourites by Benjamin Britten and singer-songwriter Jake Thackray, and reveals her own Christmas traditions from singing carols to building nativities out of marshmallows and spaghetti.
Ruby Turner performs live in the studio and shares her love of the First Lady Of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson, whose album of Christmas music is her soundtrack of the season. Plus Phil Veacock brings along an eclectic mix of music, from Arcangelo Corelli to the jazz musician Rahsaan Roland Kirk.
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Record Review: Christmas Special
Saturday 21 December, 2- 4pm
Allyson Devenish joins Andrew Macgregor for a festive selection of seasonal new releases including Liszt's piano suite Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas Tree), a Christmas album from baritone Benjamin Appl, baroque Christmas cantatas by Johann Kuhnau and Ukrainian Christmas.
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This Classical Life: Christmas Special
Saturday 21 December, 5-6pm
Jess Gillam heads back home to the Lake District to host a Christmas house party. She's joined by folk singer Jon Boden to share their favourite Christmas music and to play a few impromptu festive tunes together.
Jon Boden is best known as the lead singer of the contemporary folk band Bellowhead, and alongside his duo with John Spiers and various solo projects, he's one of the most recognisable and acclaimed names in the UK folk scene. Jon chats to Jess about his musical traditions at Christmas - from pub singalongs to arranging Mummers carols - and he and Jess swap some of their favourite tunes, from Dinah Shore to Steeleye Span via Darlene Love, Gustav Holst and Samuel Coleridge Taylor.
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New Music Show: Christmas Special
Saturday 21 December, 10.30pm-12.30am
For this Christmas edition, listeners are transported to the medieval church of St Giles鈥� Cripplegate in London for a concert by Apartment House and a wide-ranging sequence of works including Ram奴nas Motiekaitis's Snowless NY, and the premieres of Gretchen Korsmo's Body More and Marco Baldini's Quartetto along with Jem Finer's Hrdy-Grdy. There鈥檚 also music inspired by the Baroque violin master, Biaggio Marini, and as a coda, music by the mysterious Slovakian composer Martin Burlas.
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A Christmas Music Map
Sunday 22 December, 1.30-3pm
Sara Mohr-Pietsch sets a festive course towards the Waltz of the Snowflakes from Tchaikovsky's ballet, The Nutcracker, with plenty of Christmassy and wintry ports of call along the way.
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An Early Music Yule
Sunday 22 December, 5-6pm
Hannah French is joined in the studio by guests including soprano Dame Emma Kirkby and Robert Hollingworth to chat about some of their favourite Christmas music over a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. Plus, there'll be contributions from organist Ton Koopman, lutenist Elizabeth Kenny, conductor Joseph McHardy and flautist Ashley Solomon.
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Sunday Feature: Skid Row Messiah
Sunday 22 December, 7.15-8pm
Every December a group of homeless men and women 鈥� alongside professional musicians from the LA Philharmonic and Master Chorale 鈥� perform Messiah at the Midnight Mission on Los Angeles' Skid Row. Filled with music, and moving freely between modern LA and Handel鈥檚 London, this Christmas Sunday Feature follows the singers and players at this year鈥檚 event while exploring the composition of Messiah itself. We hear singers from the Skid Row community rehearse and perform at the Mission and talk about what Messiah means to them. Violinist and founder of Street Symphony Vijay Gupta conducts and presents.
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Classical Live
Monday 23 December, 1-4pm
Elizabeth Alker introduces performances and recordings marking Christmas including Bach from Lausanne, the sounds of brass from Cologne, shepherds from Spain and differing responses to The Holly and the Ivy.
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Composer of the Week: Christmas in Latvia
Monday 23 December 鈥� Friday 27 December, 4-5pm
Donald Macleod visits the city of Riga to experience the seasonal music and Christmas traditions of Latvia 鈥� a country overflowing with choral excellence, and where singing is part of the national identity.
Donald speaks to prominent Latvian composers, Rihards Dubra, Ugis Praulin拧 and 膾riks E拧envalds about their lives and work, and how they use music to reflect on Christmas and winter themes. He also meets local musicians to learn about the special way Latvians like to mark this time of year, mixing traditional Christian celebrations alongside ancient pagan customs and folk music honouring 鈥榋iemassv膿tki鈥� or Winter Solstice.
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Christmas with Gareth Malone
Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December, 5-6pm
In the final days leading to the big day, choirmaster and broadcaster Gareth Malone shares some of his favourite seasonal classical music to warm the heart and lift the spirits. Spread across two programmes, expect sleigh bells, wassailing, yuletide brass, some finely sung carols, and a surprise guest or two.
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Christmas at Ronnie鈥檚
Monday 23 December, 7pm- 8.30pm
Returning for the second year in a row for more festive fun, Georgia Mann is back at the legendary London jazz club Ronnie Scott鈥檚, where Giacomo Smith's Big Band present Duke Ellington鈥檚 Nutcracker Suite, Ellington and Strayhorn's jazz interpretation of the Tchaikovsky Christmas masterpiece.
This fifteen-piece big band, packed full of London鈥檚 top jazz players, brings bags of Christmas cheer to the world-famous jazz club 鈥� which celebrates its 65th birthday in 2024.
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Guys and Dolls at Christmas
Monday 23 December, 8.30pm-10pm
Two seasonal tales from the author of Guys and Dolls, Damon Runyon.
Dancing Dan鈥檚 Christmas recounts an unlikely New York Santa, and The Three Wise Guys tells the story of three New York crooks (a bootlegger, a petty thief, and a former safe cracker) who are out in the countryside on Christmas Eve and find themselves following a strange star鈥�
Interwoven with music by Frank Loesser and others.
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Night Tracks: Bewitching Sounds for Christmas Nights
Monday 23 December 鈥� Thursday 26 December, 10-11.30pm
Hannah Peel presents four immersive nocturnal soundtracks for the late hours of Christmas Week. In the nights before Christmas, we鈥檒l hear sparkling bells and folk song, plus traditional carols and wintry electronics. Then on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, a sonic wind down with music for cosy nights by the fireplace. Across the four nights, Hannah鈥檚 eclectic playlists will include music by Sufjan Stevens, Hungarian folk star Marta Sebestyen, violinist Anna Phoebe, the ice music of Terje Isungset, and Christmas music from across the ages.
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Classical Live
Tuesday 24 December, 1-4pm
Elizabeth Alker introduces a complete performance of Handel's Messiah from this year鈥檚 大象传媒 Proms, featuring a starry line-up of soloists alongside the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and six different choirs directed by John Butt.
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Christmas Morning Live
Wednesday 25 December, 9am-1pm
Join Petroc Trelawny and the perfect selection of festive guests to brighten and enliven your Christmas morning with great music and heart-warming moments. Live music includes carols from members of Holy Trinity, Sloane Square choir, pianist Alexandra Dariescu offering new discoveries and rarely-heard seasonal music by composers including Imogen Holst, C茅cile Chaminade and Tchaikovsky, and jazzer Charlie Pyne sprinkling a bit of tinsel and glitter on well-known Christmas standards. There will also be classical favourites, and listeners will be able to message the show to request seasonal music of their choice to share with family and friends.
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Classical Live
Friday 27 December, 1-4pm
Elizabeth Alker brings an afternoon of performances for Boxing Day, with music from Bach, Faur茅 and Prokofiev casting an ear on childhood, family time with the Wagners, plus a medley of classic film favourites from the 大象传媒 Philharmonic Orchestra.
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Sunday Feature: An Organ for a Sultan
Sunday 29 December, 7.15-8pm
Ben Cottam unearths the extraordinary story of Thomas Dallam, the swashbuckling craftsman behind the famed organ in King's College Chapel.
As the choir and organist prepare for their Christmas Eve service, Ben takes us into a world of perilous pirates, shipwrecks, and jewels. As a young Lancastrian organ builder, Dallam was asked by Elizabeth I to build 鈥� and deliver - an organ so spectacular it would woo the most powerful man in the world, Sultan Mehmet III. The organ had to transform the Ottoman Empire鈥檚 perception of England and shift the balance of international relations.
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Epiphany Carol Service
Wednesday 8 January, 3-4pm
From the Chapel of Pembroke College, Cambridge, with music to celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men at the stable in Bethlehem to greet the new-born Messiah. The service includes a new work written especially for the service by the Director of Music at the College, Anna Lapwood.
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大象传媒 Performing Groups
This year, the 大象传媒鈥檚 Orchestras and Choirs offer a wealth of traditional carol concerts and fun festive events to bring people together, filling concert halls across the UK with the glorious sounds of the season. Concerts will be broadcast across 大象传媒 Radio 3, 大象传媒 Radio 2, 大象传媒 Radio Scotland, so audiences everywhere can delight in the musical celebration of Christmas.
大象传媒 Singers
Abel Selaocoe: Christmas from Around the World
Thursday 5 December, 7.30pm at the Barbican, London 鈥� TX on 大象传媒 Radio 3 on 18 December
Renowned cellist Abel Selaocoe, the 大象传媒 Singers鈥� Artist in Association, joins forces with the Singers for a concert that showcases wondrous medieval Christmas music from across the world.
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大象传媒 Concert Orchestra
Friday Night is Music Night: Sounds of Christmas
Friday 20 December, 7.30pm at Snape Maltings Concert Hall 鈥� Live on 大象传媒 Radio 3
Petroc Trelawny presents a glittering Christmas special of Friday Night is Music Night, the weekly Radio 3 schedule favourite, live from Snape Maltings Concert Hall. The 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra and honorary guests 大象传媒 Singers perform an array of Christmas favourites alongside a special guest, yet to be announced.
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Sandi Toksvig and Friends
Wednesday 18 December, 7.30pm at the Royal Albert Hall
Sandi Toksvig presents a celebratory evening of singing and silliness. The 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra will be conducted by Karen N铆 Bhroin, and are joined by organist Anna Lapwood, the London Gay Men鈥檚 Chorus, dancers from Laine Theatre Arts, and special guest Carrie Hope Fletcher.
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Trevor Nelson鈥檚 Soul Christmas
大象传媒 Radio 2 on Wednesday 25 December, 10pm-12am
(Monday 16 December, 7.30pm at the Royal Albert Hall)
Award-winning 大象传媒 Radio 2 and Radio 1Xtra DJ Trevor Nelson and the 大象传媒 Concert Orchestra reunite at the Royal Albert Hall to perform re-imagined and re-scored iconic soul and RnB tracks.
Conducted by Troy Miller, special guests include Kimberley Davis, Tony Momrelle, Kenny Thomas and Kingdom Choir. The Royal Albert Hall鈥檚 Soul Christmas follows the success of concerts in 2019, 2022 and 2023.
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大象传媒 National Orchestra of Wales
Handel鈥檚 Messiah
The 大象传媒 National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, alongside world renowned conductor John Butt create a jubilant experience with Handel鈥檚 beloved Messiah. The concert features soloists Fflur Wyn, Marta Fontanals-Simmons, Joshua Ellicott, James Atkinson.
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Carols for Christmas
Sunday 15 December, 3pm at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea and 3pm at William Aston Hall, Wrexham
大象传媒 National Chorus of Wales鈥檚 Artistic Director Adrian Partington brings glittering Christmas festivity to Swansea and Wrexham. Audiences can sing along to carols, listen to readings from 大象传媒 Wales presenters, revel in uplifting brass and percussion, and marvel at the wonderful talent of massed choirs from across North Wales.
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Christmas Celebrations
Thursday 19 December, 3pm and 9pm at 大象传媒 Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff
West End star Louise Dearman joins the 大象传媒 National Orchestra of Wales and conductor Pete Harrison for an evening of Christmas tunes, all with a jazz and swing twist. From Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, to Sleigh Ride and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, there will also be a few surprises along the way.
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大象传媒 Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Christmas Classics
大象传媒 Radio Scotland on 24 Dec, 9.30pm - repeat on 25 December, 7am
(In Ayr on Thursday 19 December, 7.30pm at Ayr Town Hall and on Friday 20 December, 7.30pm at Music Hall, Aberdeen)
The 大象传媒 Scottish Symphony Orchestra鈥檚 annual Christmas event returns to Ayr and Aberdeen, hosted by Jamie MacDougall and conducted by Ben Palmer.
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Christmas at the Movies
大象传媒 Radio Scotland on 25 December, 1.55pm - repeat on 26 December, 7am
(Saturday 21 December, 7.30pm at Usher Hall, Edinburgh and Sunday 22 December, 3pm at Glasgow City Halls)
The 大象传媒 Scottish Symphony Orchestra鈥檚 annual festive feast of movie music returns to Glasgow and Edinburgh, hosted by Jamie MacDougall and conducted by Ben Palmer. Expect tunes from blockbusters and film scores by John Williams, and the opulent harmonies of Hollywood鈥檚 Golden Age.
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大象传媒 Radio 4
Radio 4 will ring in the new year with a full day dedicated to The Shipping Forecast, with special programming to mark the centenary year of its first broadcast on the 大象传媒.
The Today programme will continue the great tradition of Christmas Guest Editors taking the reins across the festive period, sharing specially curated programmes by notable names.
We鈥檒l be bringing people together, with the stars of the 1990s sitcom classic Absolutely Fabulous catching up on The Reunion with Kirsty Wark, and Lauren Laverne will welcome a host of festive castaways with former England manager Gareth Southgate and musical icon Cher sharing their Desert Island Discs.
Elsewhere, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will take listeners on a journey as he pens a poem to explore what animals really mean to us, whilst Cerys Matthews speaks to authors inspired to write Christmas through the eyes of a child.
There will be Christmas music from Add to Playlist, and Nicola Coughlan will shine a light on extraordinary young people from across history, whilst Jo Brand will share her favourite poems, stories and jokes, joined by special guest readers. Kirsty Young will ask Nigel Slater what advice he鈥檇 give his younger self in Young Again.
Radio 4 will keep listeners laughing with festive editions of One Person Found This Helpful, The Naked Week and new series from Ahir Shah and Alison Spittle. There will be a celebration of Victoria Wood, with exclusive access to unheard archive material.
We鈥檒l bring listeners drama and fiction from classic writers including Nancy Mitford and Shirley Jackson, and a new adaptation of Rumer Godden鈥檚 beloved children鈥檚 book, Miss Happiness and Miss Flower.
Meanwhile on Radio 4 Extra, we toast what would have been No毛l Coward鈥檚 125th birthday with a season of ten plays, and look back at entertainer Kenny Everett鈥檚 wide-ranging career.
Desert Island Discs: Ebony Rainford-Brent, Cher, Gareth Southgate and Marianela N煤帽ez
Sunday 8, 15, 22, and 29 December, 10-11am
Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives. This December, the Desert Island Discs castaways include former cricketer and commentator Ebony Rainford-Brent, legendary musician Cher, football manager Gareth Southgate and The Royal Ballet principal dancer Marianela N煤帽ez.
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History's Youngest Heroes: Nelson Mandela, Lady Jane Grey, Grace Darling, Audrey Hepburn
Monday 9, 16, 23 and 30 December, 3.30-4pm
Nicola Coughlan, best known for her lead roles in Bridgerton and Derry Girls, shines a light on extraordinary young people from across history. Join her for 12 stories of rebellion, risk and the radical power of youth.
Written by Alex von Tunzelmann.
A 大象传媒 Studios Audio production for 大象传媒 Radio 4 and 大象传媒 Sounds.
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Archive on 4: Victoria Wood - Loose Chippings
Saturday 14 December, 8-9pm
Were you on a 大象传媒 Staff Training Exercise in 1974? Did you happen to catch a 大象传媒 Birmingham show called Mother Music's Muffin Stand? Were you at this comedian's first ever gig in 1973 with your hidden cassette recorder? Or in her lounge where she's composing Have You Met Miss Babs, complete with her doing her own percussion noises? But above all, were you behind the studio set during the making of Dinnerladies when she was recording her secret diary?
No. Of course not. And it鈥檚 incredibly unlikely that someone would have amassed, corralled, truffled out this unprecedented collection of behind-the-scenes no-one-thought-this-was-recorded material from the life of Victoria Wood.
Jasper Rees has. Author of the 2020 biography Let鈥檚 Do It and the unheard-material collection Unseen On TV, Jasper - with the blessing of Victoria鈥檚 management and family - has been given complete access to her enormous personal archive.
But Jasper's only here to contextualize the main narrator - Victoria Wood herself. Because during the extremely stressful making of the two series of Dinnerladies, Victoria recorded her own audio diary, not just about the making of the show, but recollections, notes and thoughts about her history and career. All of which will be jumping off points for a life story told in captured recordings, private rehearsals, inspired moments and creative struggles.
Jasper is so far the only person other than Victoria herself to have heard these diaries.
A Pozzitive Television production.
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Illuminated 鈥� Stockport: Britain鈥檚 Karaoke Town
Sunday 15 December, 7.15-7.45pm
The best stories have a certain WTF factor you just can鈥檛 ignore because it鈥檚 so contrary to what you previously thought.
So it was for Geoff Lloyd when he found out that karaoke was invented in his hometown of Stockport.
Geoff鈥檚 a massive karaoke fan, with his own hard-earned list of failsafe songs from his nights at The Greyhound Pub in the town, along with Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash (it was run by Caroline's brother, Patrick). Geoff sets off on a mission around the town to get to the bottom of this tale, something talked about but not properly documented.
At the heart of the story is the man who made it happen, Roy 鈥楳r Karaoke鈥� Brooke who built the first Sing-a-Long Machine 50 years ago. He sold the idea to Japanese investors who got behind the mad idea of singing along to backing tracks in pubs and bars in front of others - soon we were all Champions.
On the way Geoff finds a local community so obsessed with it, that it has one of the few Karaoke Leagues in the country. He joins a pub team on their quest for glory, experiences their successes and failures, sees how it bonds them together and most importantly finds out about the karaoke songs you should never attempt.
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Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson
Monday 16 December, 10.45-11pm
1/5
Sara Kestelman reads five deliciously dark tales from the 鈥楿S Queen of Gothic Horror鈥�, Shirley Jackson, including her most famous and indeed infamous story, The Lottery, one of the most controversial short stories of all time.
There鈥檚 something nasty in suburbia. In these eerie and unsettling tales, the daily commute turns into a nightmarish game of hide and seek; a holiday house by the lake turns into a prison; a spiteful villager is brought down by her own gossip; and an elderly woman鈥檚 nightmarish dreams become reality. In the haunting world of Shirley Jackson, nothing is as it seems and nowhere is safe.
In the tradition of Christmas ghost stories, these unsettling tales will chill, unsettle and delight.
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Christmas Past
Wednesday 18 December, 2.15-3pm
Darkly comic, heart-warming drama by award-winning writer, Christine Entwisle.
Davey and Bobs live in small-town Scotland, but they鈥檙e trying to make it big on social media. It鈥檚 Christmas Eve, and they鈥檙e targeting the local bogeyman who looks remarkably like Santa Claus.
When the man confronts them with a shotgun, Davey and Bobs find they鈥檝e unwittingly opened a Pandora鈥檚 box wrapped up in festive paper鈥�
Father - Peter Mullan
Davey - Martin Quinn
Bobs - Divian Ladwa
Daughter - Rosie Smith
Narrator - Helen Mackay
Sound design - Niall Young
Director 鈥� Kirsty Williams.
A 大象传媒 Audio Scotland Production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Add to Playlist - Christmas Special
Friday 20 December, 11-11.45pm
In the first ever Christmas themed edition of the programme, Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe make some inspiring connections between Christmas and seasonal musical offerings from across the ages, with the help of guests, bassoonist Amy Harman and baritone Roderick Williams.
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Short Works
Friday 20 December, 3.45-4pm
A new, specially commissioned short story for Christmas written by John Finnemore. A heart-warming story set on the night before Christmas, in which absolutely no-one learns the true meaning of Christmas because two of the characters know it already, and the other one doesn鈥檛 care.
A Pozzitive production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Archive on 4: A Child's Christmas
Saturday 21 December, 8-9pm
Drawing on an iconic recording of Dylan Thomas reading his tale A Child鈥檚 Christmas in Wales, Cerys Matthews digs into the archive to discover those other writers and poets - both the wide-eyed and the cynical - who have been inspired to write Christmas through the eyes of a child.
From Raymond Briggs and Judith Kerr, to Dylan Thomas and CS Lewis, time-travelling back to a childhood Christmas is a strange, nostalgic drug. Its rituals, sounds, smells and emotions become a lens through which to explore pure wonder but also more thorny issues of loneliness, grief and coming-of-age.
Cerys talks to author Katherine Rundell, writer and actor Mark Gatiss and author Lemn Sissay about childhood experiences of Christmas.
With music by The Enchanted Cinema.
Produced by Sarah Cuddon
A Falling Tree production for 大象传媒 Radio Four
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Christmas Pudding
Sunday 22 December, 3-4pm
In Nancy Mitford's classic festive comedy, Paul Fotheringay, our penniless, feckless anti-hero, contrives to spend Christmas at the ancient country seat of the Bobbin family at Compton Bobbin.
Recorded on location in Suffolk, Christmas Pudding is a wonderful comedy of bad manners, in which the carefully measured ingredients of disguised suitors, amorous rivalry, unsuitable liaisons and comic misunderstandings are cooked up into a delicious festive treat, topped, like a generous spoonful of burning brandy, by the glowing brilliance of Mitford鈥檚 comic dialogue.
Cast:
Nancy Mitford 鈥� Hilary Greatorex
Paul Fotheringay 鈥� James Anthony-Rose
Walter Monteath 鈥� Theo Fraser Steele
Sally Monteath 鈥� Rosanna Miles
Amabelle Fortescue 鈥� Charlotte Parry
Lady Gloria Bobbin 鈥� Georgie Glen
Bobby Bobbin 鈥� Isaac Franklin
Philadelphia Bobbin 鈥� Charlie Cameron
Major Stanworth 鈥� Peter Hamilton Dyer
Michael Lewes 鈥� Jack Gogarty
Adapted by Robin Brooks
Directed and produced by Fiona McAlpine
Sound Design by Alisdair McGregor
Broadcast Assistant - Hermione Sylvester
An Allegra production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Illuminated 鈥� The Horse At The Door
Sunday 22 December, 7.15-7.45pm
Every New Year's Eve as a child, Isy Suttie and her family would visit friends in Winster, Derbyshire. There would be lots of eating, drinking and merriment, before a knock at the door around midnight, hisses of 鈥淭he Mummers are here!鈥� and everyone gathering in the hallway, silent in anticipation.
In this documentary, peppered with music and unique anecdotes, Isy meets Mummers from Derbyshire and beyond to discuss the origins of the Old Tup tradition, the earliest record of which is in 1845, discovering how the folk tale which inspired it came about. How is the head made? Have they ever performed it using a real sheep's head (a tradition in some areas)? And, most importantly, do they think of it as just a quaint British folk tradition, or revel in the more sinister elements of the story? Can Isy make her peace with Old Tup's gnashing teeth once and for all?
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My Poetry and Other Animals
Monday 23 December, 1.45-2pm
1/10
The Poet Laureate Simon Armitage meets ten different animals (he makes eye contact with a tiger, holds a giant African land snail in the palm of his hand, stands in the middle of a room full of spiders, and tracks a fox) as he drafts a brand new poem across this series.
Simon鈥檚 written a lot about animals in the past, but always at a distance. He wants that to change, and to feel that he has captured the spirit of an animal, and done it justice. Across different creaturely encounters, meetings with poets, and some of the most vivid poems about animals ever written (including Ted Hughes鈥� The Thought-Fox, William Blake鈥檚 The Tyger, Sharon Olds鈥� The Connoisseuse of Slugs, and Imtiaz Dharker鈥檚 The Host) Simon asks whether a poem can bring an animal closer to us, and if poetry can help us grasp what other animals really mean to our species, in an age when so many species are under threat.
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The Wombles to the Rescue
Monday 23 December, 6.15-6.30pm
The Wombles live under Wimbledon Common, and it is their special responsibility to 'tidy up' everything that untidy human beings leave behind.
In this third audiobook in the series, the Wombles are back at their old burrow underneath Wimbledon Common. There's a Womble world shortage of 'this and that' and Great Uncle Bulgaria is called over to America to attend a crisis summit. Back home, a visit from Cousin Botany is full of surprises and new inventions.
A warm and delightful listen with an underpinning environmental message, Wombles To The Rescue is based on the original books by Elisabeth Beresford, performed by Richard E Grant, directed by Johnny Vegas and nestled in a new soundscape for all the family to enjoy.
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Today Programme 鈥� Christmas guest editors
Tuesday 24 鈥� Tuesday 31 December (no programme on Christmas Day and Sundays)
Monday to Friday 6-9am; Boxing Day and Saturday 7-9am
大象传媒 Radio 4鈥檚 Today will welcome six new Guest Editors who will take over the programme during the festive period. For the past 21 years, the programme has handed over the editorial reins to public figures between Christmas and New Year.
This year鈥檚 line-up is:
Frank Cottrell-Boyce - screenwriter, children's author and UK Children鈥檚 Laureate
Dwayne Fields 鈥� explorer, presenter and the UK鈥檚 Chief Scout
Sir Sajid Javid 鈥� former Conservative Chancellor
Professor Irene Tracey 鈥� Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford
Baroness Floella Benjamin 鈥� Liberal Democrat Peer, campaigner, presenter and author
Dame Laura Kenny 鈥� Great Britain's most successful female Olympian
- Read more: 大象传媒 Radio 4鈥檚 Today programme announces Christmas Guest Editor 2024 line up
- Listen to Today on 大象传媒 Sounds
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The Archers
Tuesday 24 December, 7-7.15pm
It is Christmas Eve in Ambridge, the night of the Christmas concert at St Stephen鈥檚 Church. The Reverend Alan Franks has managed to secure a major musical act 鈥� only their identity is a closely-guarded secret. It is the hottest ticket in town, so much so it has become prey to ticket touts (well, Eddie Grundy), much to Brian Aldridge's consternation. To find out who is performing at St Stephen鈥檚, tune in to The Archers and hear their beautifully original rendition of a much-loved carol. Meanwhile at The Bull, Mick has a delightful Christmas surprise of his own.
The episode is written by Avin Shah and directed by Jessica Bunch. The Editor is Jeremy Howe.
Kate Madikane 鈥� Perdita Avery
Brian Aldridge 鈥� Charles Collingwood
Revd Alan Franks 鈥� John Telfer
Mick 鈥� Marin Barrass
Kenton Archer 鈥� Richard Atlee
Joy Horville 鈥� Jackie Lye
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All in the Mind
Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 31 December, 9.30-10am
Staying present and living in the moment have become cornerstones of good mental health. But memories and plans are fundamental to the human condition, so how do we manage to be here and now, whilst also looking backwards and forwards? All in the Mind, the programme that dives into the science of how we think, feel, and behave, brings you two special festive programmes on the psychology of focussing on the past and the future.
The Psychology of Nostalgia
Claudia Hammond and a stable of regular All in the Mind experts dig into the psychology of nostalgia. How does this bittersweet emotion shape our thinking, how is it being used to steer our voting and spending choices, and how can we harness nostalgia to benefit our mental and physical health?
Future Thinking
Our minds are programmed to look ahead, make plans, and prepare for events that haven鈥檛 yet happened. Claudia Hammond and a stable of regular All in the Mind experts examine how good are we really are at thinking about the future, and ask whether we should be prioritising daydreaming about lottery wins and strokes of luck. And how to make evidence-based New Year鈥檚 resolutions that you actually stand a chance of keeping.
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Caf茅 Hope Christmas Dinner
Tuesday 24 December, 8-8.40pm
Join Rachel Burden for Caf茅 Hope鈥檚 Christmas Dinner where we鈥檝e swapped our virtual caf茅 for a real one and are having a brew at Homebaked Caf茅 in Liverpool. From hearing about care leavers getting a present on Christmas Day, to the newsagents opening their doors for people who are lonely, we鈥檒l hear how our guests are trying to make Christmas better for people in big or small ways.
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The Reunion: Absolutely Fabulous
Wednesday 25 December, 8-9am
Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone first stumbled onto our screen, slightly the worse for wear, on the 12th of November 1992. From predicting the rise of reality TV to satirising conspicuous consumption and the obsession with celebrity culture, Ab Fab鈥檚 cultural impact was far reaching. It lionised female friendship and made ostentatious fashion a running joke long before Sex and the City. Creator Jennifer Saunders, who also starred as trend-hungry Edina, wasn鈥檛 afraid to make deeply flawed women the centre of her show.
Contributors include Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horricks and producer Jon Plowman.
A Whistledown production.
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Young Again: Nigel Slater at Christmas
Wednesday 25 December, 9-9.30am
Kirsty Young asks food writer Nigel Slater what advice he would give his younger self.
Nigel Slater began his career working in kitchens across the UK before becoming a food writer, initially for Marie Claire magazine. He has written a regular food column for The Observer newspaper for over three decades, in which time he has also written numerous cookbooks. His 2003 autobiography, Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger, detailed a difficult childhood in the West Midlands during the 1960s and was later adapted into a film. He shares memories of Christmases past and tips on the making perfect Christmas dinner in this special festive edition of Young Again.
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Young Again: Pete Doherty
Tuesday 31 December, 9-9.30am
Kirsty Young asks the rock star Pete Doherty what advice he would give his younger self. Doherty became famous in the 2000s with The Libertines, the band he formed and fronted alongside fellow singer and guitarist Carl Bar芒t. He became notorious as his own drug addictions led to break ups with the band and numerous arrests. He reflects on a childhood spent moving around the world following his father's postings in the British Army, the beginnings of The Libertines, the lows of addiction, and the family life he now lives in France.
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How to Play: Peter and the Wolf
Wednesday 25 December, 9.30-10pm
Behind the scenes with the musicians preparing a performance of one of classical music鈥檚 greatest musical scores for children. Manchester Camerata invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare Prokofiev鈥檚 beloved 鈥渟ymphonic tale for children鈥�. The piece has been introducing young people to classical music for almost 90 years, and has attracted all manner of celebrity narrators including acting legend Brian Blessed who shares his reflections on playing the part of the narrator.
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Woman鈥檚 Hour
Wednesday 25 December, 10-11pm
It鈥檚 the season of comfort and joy! And in a special Christmas Day edition, both Woman鈥檚 Hour presenters welcome guests to the studio to explore the notion of comfort. At a time of year when many women crave comfort, Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani look why it is so important 鈥� socially, physically and mentally.
Alongside a live music performance, Nuala and Anita will find out how comfort can be found through music as it bolsters and lifts one鈥檚 mood. They will also look at how nursing care can relieve discomfort and have a positive effect on our wellbeing, the importance of a good book to curl up with to provide solace, favourite foods that bring emotional comfort and bring back happy memories and the psychological impact of being in or out of your comfort zone.
Presented by Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani
Producer: Louise Corley
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Comb 'n' Paper
Wednesday 25 December, 1.30-2pm
Ian Sansom hums along with the deep vibrations of personal history as he prepares to take part in the 2024 World Championships for the Comb 'n' Paper - the world's most rudimentary and intrinsically funny musical instrument.
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Punt & Dennis: Route Masters
Wednesday 25 December, 2.15-3pm
Throughout this series of Route Masters, Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis have been finding unlikely links between random places, people and things. You might not believe that anything links Elton John to the air fryer, the Ring-tailed lemur to Watford Gap Motorway Services or chaos theory to Anne Boleyn, but the links are there鈥� even if they鈥檙e incredibly tenuous.
The starting point of the series was 鈥渂eer鈥�, and the end goal is 鈥渆ternity鈥�. In this Christmas Day special, they鈥檒l reach their final destination, through a series of appropriately festive detours and diversions. They鈥檙e armed with a bulging sack of nuggets of new and half-remembered trivia, aided by a special guest. And just as Father Christmas manages to circumnavigate the world in just one night, Steve and Hugh will take us on an equally circuitous and lengthy journey.
Written and hosted by Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis
Produced by Victoria Lloyd
Mixed by Jonathan Last
Executive Production by Nick Minter
A Listen Production for 大象传媒 Radio 4
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Waiting in the Wings
Wednesday 25 December, 3.30-5pm
No毛l Coward had a deep affection for many of the actresses with whom he had worked over many years and was only too aware of the problems they faced as parts simply dried up. He sets his play, for which he also wrote the lyrics for the songs, in 1960 in The Wings, a charity home for actresses who have fallen on hard times. Here, the ladies grow older ungracefully amid squabbles, memories and jealousies.
Things really come to the boil when the once-great actress Lotta Bainbridge arrives. Years earlier, she has married the former husband of another inmate, May Davenport, who is resolved to never forgive her. Their feud soon affects everyone.
Cast:
Bonita - Frances Jeater
Deirdre - Sorcha Cusack
Maudie - Cheryl Campbell
Sarita - Marcia Warren
Estelle - Jean Trend
Perry - Karl Davies
Miss Archie - Jenny Funnell
Osgood - Andrew Branch
Zelda - Clare Corbett
Alan - Roger Alborough
Dora/Dr Jevons - April Pearson
Written by No毛l Coward
Pianist: Zhanna Kemp
Sound Design: David Thomas
Production Manager: Sarah Tombling
Adapted for radio and directed by Martin Jenkins
A Pier production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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With Great Pleasure at Christmas
Wednesday 25 December, 5-6pm
Jo Brand shares the poems, stories and jokes that have meant the most in her life, for our festive delight.
Jo is joined for a star-studded recording in the 大象传媒 Radio Theatre, by special guest readers Alan Davies and Isy Suttie. Expect hilarious and vivid stories that reflect her work as a comedian, psychiatric nurse, writer and TV presenter, as well as moments with her family and friends.
With readings by poets Jackie Kay and Hollie McNish and live music from Police Dog Hogan.
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One Person Found This Helpful
Wednesday 25 December, 6.30-7pm
In this Christmas special, Frank Skinner and his guests decipher the good, the bad, and the baffling, as they try to work out a mystery item - based entirely on its online reviews.
Which traditional panto features an animatronic dinosaur? What鈥檚 the worst present they鈥檝e ever received? And is that one star write-up 鈥渂it claggy, made me feel sick鈥� a review of some stuffing or Love Actually?
Written by Frank Skinner, Catherine Brinkworth, Sarah Dempster, Jason Hazeley, Rajiv Karia, Karl Minns, Katie Sayer and Peter Tellouche.
Devised by Jason Hazeley and Simon Evans, produced by David Tyler.
A Pozzitive production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Uncanny: Return to Luibeilt
Wednesday 25 December, 11pm-midnight
Christmas 1974, and two young climbers experienced the most terrifying night of their lives in a bothy in the Scottish mountains. The events that took place that night would haunt one of those young men, Phil, for the rest of his life.
In 2023, Phil told Danny Robins his story, and it became one of the most popular episodes of Uncanny to date. Now, for this special Christmas episode and fifty years on from Phil鈥檚 original experience, Danny is strapping on his rucksack and heading for the Highlands, to take Phil back to where it all happened.
Is whatever haunted Luibeilt still there? Will Danny survive the night?
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Strong Message Here: Words of the Year
Thursday 26 December, 9.45-10am
10/10
In a year where Labour secured a 'loveless landslide' in the UK and Trump sealed his return to the White House, journalist Helen Lewis and comedy writer Armando Iannucci will be 'laser-focussed' on their 'mission' to skewer the use and abuse of political language, looking at the words that defined politics in 2024. From 'freebies' to 'fascism', 'weird' to 'working people', all of the strong messages that helped Make 2024 Great will be put under the microscope.
Helen and Armando will identify the worst political doublespeak, discover where it comes from, examine why it spreads - and look at what effect it has on the rest of us.
Production Coordinator: Katie Baum
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A 大象传媒 Studios Production for Radio 4.
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Woman鈥檚 Hour
Thursday 26 December, 10-11pm
Boxing Day is a time to settle down on the sofa and play games. In a festive special, Woman鈥檚 Hour celebrates the women who set and solve our best-loved puzzles.
Agatha Christie is known as the Queen of Crime and her books are above all brainteasers, testing the reader to play detective and solve a mystery using clues and contradictions. Anita Rani finds out quite how influential Christie鈥檚 puzzles have been on generations of writers.
The cryptic crossword has long been seen as a male hobby, with clues often referencing military regiments, cricket scores and DIY tools. Anita meets the women smashing the cryptic glass ceiling, one quadrant at a time.
And Christmas wouldn鈥檛 be complete without a board game. But where do these puzzles come from, and what makes them such fun for the whole family?
Presenter: Anita Rani
Producer: Hannah Sander
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Loose Ends
Thursday 26 December, 9-9.45pm
In a glorious fusion of 1990s boy and girl band nostalgia, Loose Ends will celebrate the 30 years since boyband East 17 scaled the charts with Stay Another Day. Songwriter Tony Mortimer will perform the song with Edele Lynch of B*Witched for a festive Loose Ends recorded with a live audience at the 大象传媒 Radio Theatre.
Clive talks to punk princess Toyah Willcox about her Xmas Party tour with King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp and a blistering year that's seen her perform at Glastonbury, take part in Strictly Come Dancing and join the cast of Now That's What I Call Music, the musical.
We're promised bromance, baubles and banter with Edinburgh Comedy Award winners Adam Riches and John Kearns who are collaborating on a "once in a lifetime, yuletide extravaganza" show at Soho Theatre.
And jazz star Barb Jungr - the composer behind many a Christmas hit show like the Olivier nominated The Smartest Giant - will sing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, her latest single.
Presented by Clive Anderson
Produced by Olive Clancy
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Alison Spittle: Petty Please
Thursday 26 December, 11-11.30pm
In this new series for Radio 4, comedian Alison Spittle explores some of her longest and deepest-held grudges on the pettiest of things. The kind of thing most people would forget the next day, rather than contemplate exacting retribution decades later.
Studies show that the role you play in the school nativity can affect your life, and Alison is taking those studies very seriously. She was once cast as Mary - big gig - but forced to drop out after the director said she lacked focus. 30 years on, it's still something she thinks about. Can Natalie Cassidy help Alison get closure?
Written by Alison Spittle and Simon Mulholland
With Ian Smith and Natalie Cassidy
Script edited by Joel Morris
Produced by Lyndsay Fenner
A Mighty Bunny Production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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The Naked Week
Friday 27 December, 6.30-7pm
5/5
Landing slap-bang in the no-man鈥檚 land between Christmas and New Year, the Naked Week team will be heading out of the trenches to challenge the news to a game of football.
Expect festive advice, guests full of joy and wonder, and a little drummer boy (budget depending), as the show sticks its hand into all the Christmas current affairs, pulls out a bag of news-giblets and stuffs the airwaves with irreverent features, mischievous set-pieces and more jokes than you can shake a seasonal stick at.
Presenter of Presents: Andrew Hunter Murray
Chief Christmas Correspondent: Amy Hoggart
Written by: Jon Holmes, Jason Hazeley, Katie Sayer, Sarah Dempster, Gareth Ceredig, Adam Macqueen and Louis Mian
Produced by Jon Ho-ho-ho-Holmes.
An unusual production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Miss Happiness and Miss Flower
Sunday 29 December, 3-4pm
鈥淚s it another country?鈥� asked Miss Flower, and she cried, 鈥淥h, no one will understand us!鈥�
But Miss Happiness was more hopeful and more brave. 鈥淚 think they will,鈥� she said.
Rumer Godden鈥檚 beloved children鈥檚 Christmas classic is dramatised by Kate Clanchy.
Set in the 1950s, Miss Happiness and Miss Flower shows, in tender miniature, a nervous post-war Britain squaring up to its colonial past and making a space for difference.
No one had asked Nona if she wanted to be sent from India to live with her uncle and aunt in chilly, grey Topmeadow. Then, on the fifth day of Christmas, a mysterious late present arrives 鈥� two antique Japanese dolls 鈥� and Nona decides they need their own specially-made Japanese dolls house. As Nona learns to reach out to those around her, even envious cousin Belinda will have to succumb to the dolls鈥� magic and learn new ways - or will she?
Narrator - Sudha Bhuchar
Miss Happiness - Haruka Kuroda
Miss Flower - Yuriri Naka
Mother - Lydia Wilson
Mr Twilfit - Togo Igawa
Nona - Niti Rowdur
Belinda - Astrid Palfreeman
Tom - Samuel Logan
Melly - Florrie-May Wilkinson
With specially composed and performed koto music by Melissa Holding.
Production Co-ordinator: Sarah Tombling
Sound Designer: David Thomas
Director / Producer: Amber Barnfather
A Flare Path production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Skip
Tuesday 31 December, 2.15-3pm
A tragi-comedy about refusing (or at least delaying) the inevitable.
In a new play written by distinguished actor Amelia Bullmore, Lizzie, a woman in her 50s, arrives at a remote house in Scotland after a long flight and a long drive. She turns the key in the stiffened lock and is shocked by the collapse and decay she finds. A daunting task lies ahead but Lizzie refuses to buckle. She'll sort this place out, ditch all this junk and make a killing.
Several skips later, Lizzie's childhood home and her past have repossessed her. Lacking sleep and immersed in the detritus of her youth, she starts to behave quite strangely and it becomes clear that all this activity is a way of avoiding a painful reality.
Lizzie - Amelia Bullmore
Ewan - Justin Salinger
Neil/Steven/Alasdair - Stuart McQuarrie
Sadie/Sarah/Margaret - Tracy Wiles
Director - Mary Peate
Sound Designer - Eloise Whitmore
Producer - Jessica Dromgoole
A Hooley production for 大象传媒 Radio 4
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What a shocker! The sensational life of Leigh Bowery
Tuesday 31 December, 4-4.30pm
Nick Grimshaw looks back at the provocative life and work of the performance artist, Leigh Bowery. His creativity was legendary and his influence on 1980's club culture remains. From Alexander McQueen to Lady Gaga - he has inspired many of popular culture's most recognised and feted. With contributions from Boy George, dancer Michael Clark, biographer Sue Tilley and writer Charlie Porter
A 大象传媒 Studios production.
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Ahir Shah鈥檚 Seven Blunders of the World
Tuesday 31 December, 6.30-7pm
1/3
Inspired by an email from his 74-year-old father, comedian Ahir Shah introduces us to the The Seven Blunders of the World.
In 1925, Mahatma Gandhi published an article in the journal Young India, outlining what he called the Seven Social Sins. They were wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice, and politics without principle.
One hundred years on, the world is a very different place (this was written on a computer, for crying out loud!) Yet, Ahir reckons Gandhi's century-old list of the great societal blunders still feels relevant today. Could they teach us anything going forward?
Join Ahir (and sometimes his dad, who started this whole thing), as he explores these seven blunders through his trademark combination of philosophical inquiry, political vigour and sweet gags.
Created and performed by Ahir Shah
Producers: Daisy Knight and Jules Lom
An Avalon production for 大象传媒 Radio 4
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The Life Scientific: Jim Al-Khalili in conversation with Tim Peake
Tuesday 31 December, 4.30-5pm
What's it like living underwater for two weeks? How do you run a marathon in space? What's the most difficult part of training to be an astronaut? Several extreme questions, all of which can be answered by one man: Tim Peake.
After a childhood packed with outdoor adventures, via the Cub Scouts and school Cadet Force, Tim joined the British Army Air Corps and became a military flying instructor then a test pilot, before eventually being selected as a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut.
In 2015, Tim became the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. Over the course of a six-month mission, he took part in more than 250 scientific experiments engaging more than two million schoolchildren across Europe.
In a special episode recorded in front of an audience at London鈥檚 Royal Society, Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to Tim about his lifelong passion for adventure, the thrill of flight and scientific experiments in space.
Front Row: Hogmanay Special from Glasgow
Tuesday 31 December, 7.15-8pm
Kirsty Wark presents a New Year鈥檚 Eve special including live performance from The Bluebells and bagpiper Malin Lewis.
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Woman鈥檚 Hour
Wednesday 1 January, 10-11am
It鈥檚 New Year鈥檚 Day: time to get outside and walk into 2025 with Woman鈥檚 Hour. Nuala McGovern will be donning her hiking boots to trek through the countryside with a group of listeners who find friendship and support through their walks, as she discovers why walking is so important for women at all stages of life.
Nuala will be exploring the community it can bring, as well as why it can be a good solo activity. She will talk to experts about the physical and mental health benefits of stomping the streets, fields or hills and get advice on what you can do to get yourself outside more if it鈥檚 difficult.
Nuala will also look at walking and nature as inspiration for creativity 鈥� think music, poetry and storytelling 鈥� and learn about famous wandering women throughout history.
Presenter: Nuala McGovern
Producer: Erin Downes
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Uncanny Live with Reece Shearsmith
Friday 3 January, 11pm-midnight
Horror aficionado and creator of Inside Number 9 Reece Shearsmith joins Danny to discuss some brand-new listener cases, recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall at UncannyCon, a day-long festival devoted to all things supernatural.
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The Shipping Forecast Day on Radio 4
Wednesday 1 January, throughout the day
A full day of Radio 4 programmes celebrating the centenary year of a landmark of British broadcasting: the Shipping Forecast. Special guests including Stephen Fry, Val McDermid and Adrian Dunbar lend their voice to reading the forecast. Regular programmes from Soul Music to Poetry Please mark the occasion, alongside documentaries exploring how Britain remains shaped by its maritime past.
Our online journey through the history of the Shipping Forecast can be found on later in the month.
Highlights across the day include:
The Shipping Forecast: A Beginners Guide
As Radio 4 marks one hundred years of the Shipping Forecast on the 大象传媒, Paddy O'Connell guides us through the history and meaning of 'The Ships'. From the Royal Charter storm, through to the death of Finisterre, we'll explore how this landmark of British Broadcasting first started and how it has evolved across the years. Along the way we'll discover where is Cromarty? Who was Fitzroy? And whether the outlook is poor, moderate or good for its future?
The Shipping Postcards
Five members of the Radio 4 Continuity team, the voices of the shipping forecast, travel the UK visiting some of the iconic areas we only know by their official descriptions on the daily forecast. Lundy, Dogger, Forth, Irish Sea, Wight.
The Shipping Forecast: A Haven.
It's the most intimate moment of the Radio 4 schedule: The late-night Shipping Forecast, a prelude to the close-down of the station, read every night at 00:48. But who is really listening along, and why? Far away from the fishing boats, we'll cross the world to meet the people who find comfort in this unique broadcast for a variety of reasons.
Front Row special from the Cutty Sark
Celebrating the Shipping Forecast through literature, sound and music recorded in front of an audience from beneath the hull of the world famous Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
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Best of the News Quiz
Friday 3 January, 6.30-7pm
A satirical smorgasbord of The News Quiz's best bits of the year. Covering international tensions, a UK General Election, and of course the question on everyone鈥檚 lips, what exactly was a 鈥楤rat Summer鈥�?
With Andy Zaltzman in the chair, full of whimsical animal metaphors and cricket stats, we鈥檒l hear highlights from the cr猫me de la cr猫me of British and international comedy and journalism to dissect the news. It's a chance to return to, and revel in, some of 2024's funniest moments, starring Ian Smith, Lucy Porter, Geoff Norcott, Alasdair Beckett-King, Mark Steel, Ria Lina, Simon Evans and Zoe Lyons, amongst others.
Come digest a dramatic year of news, along with the leftover turkey, as we say goodbye to 2024, goodbye to 14 years or Conservative rule, goodbye to short-lived presidential hopeful Kamala Harris, and goodbye to Earth鈥檚 temporary second moon.
A 大象传媒 Studios Audio Production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.
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Radio 4 Extra
Radio 4 Extra marks the 125th anniversary of the birth of No毛l Coward - across two weeks - with a collection of his most famous plays starring Peggy Ashcroft, Paul Scofield, Patricia Routledge, Miriam Margolyes, Martin Jarvis, Anna Massey and Ian Holm amongst others. The season includes:
Hay Fever
The Bliss family鈥檚 very bohemian "weekends" are thrown into chaos by unexpected guests. Stars Peggy Ashcroft and Tony Britton.
The Vortex
The notorious 1924 drama lifting the lid on the lives of the country house set. Stars Elizabeth Sellars and Martin Jarvis.
Private Lives
Divorced couple Amanda and Elyot meet again on their second honeymoons. Stars Paul Scofield and Patricia Routledge.
Design for Living
Gilda is mad about both Otto and Leo - and they are extremely fond of her - is there a solution? With Anna Massey. From 1976.
Brief Encounter
Alec and Laura, both married to other people, meet and fall passionately in love. Stars Cheryl Campbell and Ian Holm.
Present Laughter
Coward's 1943 comedy about a bohemian world of actors and managers. Stars Paul Scofield and Patricia Routledge.
This Happy Breed
The Gibbons family's inter-war life in a new suburban home from 1919 to 1939, when they move away. Stars John Moffatt.
Blithe Spirit
Charles and Ruth鈥檚 marriage is upset when his late wife, Elvira, begins to haunt them. Stars Paul Eddington and Julia McKenzie.
Nude With Violin
Paris 1956: Artist Paul Sorodin dies. His hoax on the art world shocks his family, but his valet knows all. Stars Aubrey Woods.
The Marquise
A romantic comedy with Moira Lister, Peter Pratt and Richard Hurndall. The place, France: the chateau of Raoul. Comte deVriaac. The time, 1735.
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Kenny Everett on 大象传媒 Radio Bristol
Tuesday 24 December 2024, 10-11am
From Monday to Friday, 大象传媒 Radio 4 Extra celebrates the 80th anniversary of the birth of Kenny Everett.
Born Maurice Cole on 25 December 1944, Kenny was without a doubt one of the UK鈥檚 greatest and most original DJs. His incredibly complex and densely-packed shows were largely created in his home studio. Kenny delighted radio audiences from 1964 - when he presented his first ever show on his 20th birthday on the pirate station Radio London - to 1994 on London鈥檚 Capital Radio. He died the following year, aged 50, from an AIDS-related illness. In that 30-year career he was dismissed several times, but his popularity and appeal meant that he was never off the airwaves for very long.
Kenny鈥檚 legacy lives on through many preserved recordings including these three from 大象传媒 Radio Bristol, where he made his return to the Corporation after being sacked by Radio 1 in 1970 for making an 鈥榠ndefensible鈥� comment about the wife of the then Transport Minister.
Kenny鈥檚 first full hour-long 大象传媒 Radio Bristol programme from 12 June 1971 includes an interview with Beatle John Lennon.
Episode 2 is on Thursday 26 December (from 3 July 1971) and Episode 3 on Friday 27 December (from 26 December 1971). Also at 10-11am on Monday 23 December, another chance to hear Kenny Everett: The 大象传媒 Local Radio Years and on Christmas Day Happy Birthday Maurice Cole.
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大象传媒 Radio 5 Live
This Christmas, as well as keeping listeners up to date with the latest news, 大象传媒 Radio 5 Live combines big name specials with a festive schedule of live sport coverage and podcasts.
The likes of Naga Munchetty, Nihal Arthanayake and Patrick Kielty all present special shows over the Christmas period, while listeners can also enjoy a retrospective look back at an extraordinary year of news, sport and celebrity interviews.
In addition, special festive episodes of top-rated podcasts will broadcast on Christmas Day. Off The Telly with Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page has a special look ahead to the Gavin and Stacey finale, Elis and John present a special Christmas Cracker, and Tailenders wrap up an eventful year of cricket.
Live football on 大象传媒 Radio 5 Live over Christmas
5 Live will broadcast a number of key football matches throughout the festive period:
- Saturday 21 December, 5.30pm: Live commentary of Crystal Palace v Arsenal
- Sunday 22 December, 2pm: Manchester United v Bournemouth, Everton v Chelsea, Fulham v Southampton and Leicester v Wolves - Commentary of all 4 matches across 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and the 大象传媒 Sport website
- Sunday 22 December, 4.30pm: Live commentary of Tottenham v Liverpool at 4.30pm
- Thursday 26 December, from 12pm coverage from across Boxing Day鈥檚 football schedule, featuring live updates from Manchester City vs. Everton at 12:30pm, and then comprehensive coverage around the grounds of the day鈥檚 3pm matches
- Sunday 29 December, 3pm: Live commentary of Everton v Nottingham Forest
- Sunday 29 December, 5.15pm: Live commentary of West Ham v Liverpool
- Monday 30 December, 7.45pm: Live commentary of Ipswich v Chelsea
- Wednesday 1 January, 5.30pm: Live commentary of Brentford v Arsenal
- Thursday 2 January 3pm: Live commentary of Rangers v Celtic.
Christmas Day
Naga Munchetty hosts a special festive edition of 5 Live鈥檚 Breakfast show from 7am on the Christmas day, as guests and listeners share how they鈥檙e preparing to spend the day.
Naga also presents a special edition of the Must Watch podcast on 大象传媒 Sounds, previewing the best of Christmas TV with Scott Bryan and Hayley Campbell. Released Monday 23 December.
Presenter: Naga Munchetty
Producer: 大象传媒 News
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Best of Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake
Wednesday 25 December, 9-11am and repeated at 9-10pm
Nihal Arthanayake presents highlights from some of his best conversations from the biggest guests on his 5 Live programme this year. Guests include Sir Trevor McDonald, James Blunt, Stewart Lee, Craig David, Dawn O Porter, Shazia Mirza and Dina Asher Smith.
Presenter: Nihal Arthanayake
Producer: TBI Media
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Elis and John 鈥� Christmas Cracker
Wednesday 25 December, 11am-12pm and repeated at 8-9pm
Elis and John are back on 5 Live for their now traditional Christmas special, featuring festive treats and some very special guests. Hear it first on 大象传媒 Sounds from 13 December, with the 5 Live show on air from 11am on Christmas Day itself.
Presenter: Elis James and John Robins
Producer: Audio Always
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The Best of Fighting Talk 2024 鈥� Part 1
Wednesday 25 December, 12.30pm-1pm
Rick Edwards presents some of the best moments of sporting punditry from Fighting Talk this year.
Presenter: Rick Edwards
Producer: World鈥檚 End Productions
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5 Live Olympics
Wednesday 25 December, 1-2pm
A look back at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris featuring highlights from many of the major medal moments.
Producer: 大象传媒 Sport
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Off The Telly 鈥� Christmas Telly
Wednesday 25 December, 2-3pm
大象传媒 Sounds podcast Off The Telly gets its first broadcast on the radio, as Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page chat about their favourite moments of Christmas TV over the years, including a special look ahead to the Gavin and Stacey finale on Christmas Day.
Presenter: Natalie Cassidy and Joanna Page.
Producer: 大象传媒 Studios
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5 Live News
Wednesday 25 December, 3-3.30pm
King Charles III delivers his Christmas message to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Followed by a round-up of the day's main stories.
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The Best of Fighting Talk 2024 鈥� Part 1
Wednesday 25 December, 3.30-4pm
Sporting punditry from Fighting Talk with more of the best moments from this year with Rick Edwards.
Presenter: Rick Edwards
Producer: World鈥檚 End Productions
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Patrick Kielty 鈥� Best of 2024
Wednesday 25 December, 4-6pm
Patrick Kielty presents a special Christmas edition of his show reflecting on some of the great guests he has spoken to in 2024, including Russell Crowe, Mel Giedroyc, Gabby Logan, Dermot O'Leary, Frank Skinner, Tim Peake and Fearne Cotton.
Presenter: Patrick Kielty
Producer: Disruptive / Footwork Media
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My Mate鈥檚 a Footballer 鈥� My Mate鈥檚 a Comedian
Wednesday 25 December, 6.15-7pm
Patrick Bamford turns the tables on Joe Wilkinson to ask him about life as a comedian, with Ricky Gervais and Katherine Ryan adding their views on the world of comedy and stand-up.
Producer: Folding Pocket.
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Tailenders
Wednesday 25 December, 7pm 鈥� 8pm
Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White are back to bring you an alternative and festive look at cricket in a special programme to round off an eventful 2024.
Presenters: Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White
Producer: TBI Media
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Famously... Winona
Wednesday 25 December, 11pm 鈥� 1am
Actor and podcaster Maisie Williams explores the extraordinary life and career of one of Hollywood鈥檚 most iconic talents - Winona Ryder.
Presenter: Maisie Williams.
Producer: A Cup and Nuzzle Production.
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Boxing Day
You鈥檒l Never Beat Kyle Walker
26 December, 11am-12pm
Alongside presenter Chris Hughes, Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker gives you a unique insight into what it鈥檚 like to play at the top of the game.
Presenters: Kyle Walker, Chris Hughes
Producer: Folding Pocket
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5 Live Sport
Thursday 26 December, 12-6pm
Steve Crossman will bring fans coverage from across Boxing Day鈥檚 jam-packed football schedule, featuring Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two, and Scottish Premiership matches.
Kicking off with live updates from Manchester City vs. Everton at 12.30pm, Steve will then take listeners around the grounds for comprehensive coverage of the 3pm matches, ensuring fans don鈥檛 miss a moment of the day's excitement.
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606
Thursday 26 December, 6-8pm
Your football calls with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton.
Producer: Shooting Shark
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Connor Phillips
Thursday 26 December, 8-10.30pm
Connor Philips reflects on the day's news and sport headlines with updates of Liverpool vs Leicester.
Producer: 大象传媒 News.
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5 Live Boxing
Thursday 26 December, 10.30pm 鈥� 11pm
Steve Bunce with post-fight analysis of Fury v Usyk II.
Producer: Left Peg Media.
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5 Live Formula 1
Thursday 26 December, 11pm-12am
The 5 Live F1 team review this season鈥檚 action in Formula 1, as Max Verstappen鈥檚 dominance was challenged from across the grid in one of the most competitive seasons between teams that we鈥檝e experienced in recent years.
Producer: IMG Media.
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6Music
Christmas on 大象传媒 Radio 6 Music this year promises something for every music lover.
The station welcomes back the Golden Globe award winning actor Bill Nighy, who will be sitting in for Iggy Pop on Sunday 15 and Sunday 22 December, 4-6pm. Musician, songwriter and actor Self Esteem (Rebecca Lucy Taylor) and comedian and writer Jack Rooke join forces to take listeners into 2025 with a Loud and Proud New Year鈥檚 Eve Party on Tuesday 31 December, 9pm-12am, followed by three hour-long mixes from some of 6 Music鈥檚 favourite LGBTQ+ artists; Chlo茅 Caillet, Elkka and Midland. Plus, there鈥檒l be another chance to hear shows from Academy Award winning actor Cillian Murphy on Monday 23 - Thursday 26 December, 11pm-1am, as well as a co-hosted special from Iggy Pop and Tom Waits on Sunday 29 December, 4-6pm.
Iggy Pop鈥� Bill Nighy sits in
Sunday 15 December, 4-6pm
Bill Nighy returns to 6 Music for the first of two seasonal shows, sporting a beard and a bag of tracks to warm you up this winter.
This week, he has a festive-free selection that鈥檒l keep you movin鈥� and groovin鈥� with the likes of Prince, Caroline Polachek, Sault and Stevie Wonder.
Bill says: 鈥淚t's an honour once again to say the words I never thought I'd say, 'I'm sitting in for Iggy Pop'. Once again, I invite you to take a wander through my phone and dig some of the tunes that came my way in 鈥�24. Once again, pledge allegiance to that which is freaky and realistic. Stay loose.鈥�
Deputy presenter: Bill Nighy
Producer: Adam Dineen
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Iggy Pop鈥ill Nighy sits in
Sunday 22 December, 4-6pm
Bill sits in for Iggy Pop for the second time this December and serves up his own sonic cocktail to soundtrack listeners鈥� Sunday afternoon.
Bill continues to man his festive-free safe space, armed with essential cuts by the likes of Meshell Ndegeocello, Fontaines D.C., Starcrawler, and the greatest rhythm and blues band the world has ever known (Bill鈥檚 exact words): The Rolling Stones.
Deputy presenter: Bill Nighy
Producer: Adam Dineen
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Old Music Fix Daily
Monday 23 - Thursday 26 December, 7-9pm
Deb Grant brings listeners the deep cuts and vintage tracks she鈥檚 found while crate digging. Expect folk, psych, calypso, electro, rock and roll, jazz, library music and everything else in between.
Across the week, there鈥檒l be live sessions and guest mixes, including from global record label Death Is Not The End on Thursday 26 December.
Presenters: Tom Ravenscroft and Deb Grant
Producer Danielle Swindells
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Cillian Murphy鈥檚 Limited Edition
Monday 23 - Thursday 26 December, 11pm-1am
There鈥檚 another chance to hear four episodes of Cillian Murphy鈥檚 Limited Edition this week, taken from his third series of the programme, which was first broadcast in autumn 2023.
Cillian Murphy鈥檚 Limited Edition sees the acclaimed actor bring listeners an eclectic soundscape of music he loves. The show is a nocturnal playlist, perfect for late night listening. It鈥檚 a chance to hear music from all corners of Cillian鈥檚 extensive record collection and to find out why these songs hold a special place in his life.
Well known for his role as Tommy Shelby in the Bafta Award-winning drama Peaky Blinders, the Irish actor is also celebrated for his roles in the films Small Things Like These, Oppenheimer - for which he won an Oscar for Best Actor in 2024 - A Quiet Place 2, Dunkirk, Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Breakfast On Pluto and 28 Days Later, as well as stage performances including Grief Is The Thing with Feathers at The Barbican. Cillian has presented numerous programmes on 6 Music since 2013.
Presenter: Cillian Murphy
Producer: Angela Davies
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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The Morning After Christmas
Thursday 26 - Friday 27 December, 7am-1pm
Deb Grant (7-10.30am) and Mary Anne Hobbs (10.30am-1pm) bring listeners The Morning After Christmas, with hours of calm and restorative music as the festive dust settles.
On Boxing Day, Deb brings listeners an exclusive Morning After Mix from American indie folk band, Big Thief, whilst Mary Anne鈥檚 show features a 30-minute live session from singer, songwriter and Portishead frontwoman, Beth Gibbons, along with an exclusive mix from American record producer, Flying Lotus.
The shows on the following day, Friday 27 December, feature an exclusive mix from American singers and songwriters Leon Bridges (within Deb鈥檚 show) and Clairo (within Mary Anne鈥檚 programme).
Presenters: Deb Grant (7-10.30am) and Mary Anne Hobbs (10.30am-1pm)
Producers: Hannah Farrell and Jax Coombes for 大象传媒 Audio
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Iggy Pop and Tom Waits
Sunday 29 December, 4-6pm
6 Music brings listeners another chance to hear Iggy Pop and Tom Waits, first broadcast in December 2023, in which the Grammy Award-winning, American musician, composer, songwriter and actor Tom co-hosts a special show with Iggy.
Echoing their famous joint appearance in Jim Jarmusch鈥檚 Coffee and Cigarettes, the two-hour programme will see the pair pump the Confidential jukebox full of nickels and dimes and spin some of their favourite tracks to one another.
Songs include Bangkok by Alex Chiltern, Bye Bye Butterfly by Pauline Oliveros, Moon River by Frank Ocean and Colorado Kool-Aid by Johnny Paycheck, as well as the first spoken word song that Tom heard on the radio and a couple of 60s TV theme tunes to raise a smile.
In between records, they鈥檒l share stories, including how Tom hitched a ride towards Los Angeles with eden ahbez - the songwriter who composed Nature Boy, which became a No. 1 hit for eight weeks in 1948 for Nat King Cole - and how Iggy once came across Captain Beefheart eating breakfast in LA but was wise enough not to disturb him.
California born and raised Tom Waits is known for his albums including Blue Valentine (1978), Swordfishtrombones (1983), Rain Dogs (1985), Franks Wild Years (1987), Bone Machine (1992), The Black Rider (1993) and many more. He is one of the most renowned and successful songwriters in musical history with a catalogue of music that spans several decades. He is also known for his acting work and has appeared in films including Down By Law (1986), Bram Stoker鈥檚 Dracula (1993), Coffee and Cigarettes (2003), Seven Psychopaths (2012), and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018).
Presenters: Iggy Pop and Tom Waits
Producer: Adam Dineen
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Loud and Proud New Year鈥檚 Eve Party with Self Esteem & Jack Rooke
Tuesday 31 December, 9pm-12am
Singer, songwriter, musician and actor Self Esteem and comedian and writer Jack Rooke come together to present a Loud and Proud New Year鈥檚 Eve party.
The duo will share some of their favourite music with each other, and with listeners, including from their favourite LGBTQ+ artists.
Jack says: 鈥淢yself and my comedy-wife Rebecca Lucy Taylor are immensely excited to do another Loud & Proud show for our faves at 6 Music! It's going to be an NYE party in three parts to represent the complexities of emotion that many of us feel on the weird last day of the year. So expect ballads, bangers and bold New Years resolutions from some of our favourite music and comedy legends!"
Starting out in Sheffield as part of folk duo Snow Club, Self Esteem (Rebecca Lucy Taylor) launched her solo career in 2017 with the single, Your Wife. Since then, she has gone on to win the 2021 大象传媒 Introducing Award and have her second album, Prioritise Pleasure, nominated for the 2022 Mercury Music Prize. In 2024, she also completed a seven-month run in the West End, starring as Sally Bowles in the iconic musical, Cabaret. Self Esteem also presented a 6 Music Festive Takeover programme in December 2022.
Jack Rooke鈥檚 debut live show Good Grief saw him nominated for Best Show By An Emerging Artist in the Total Theatre Awards in 2015. Good Grief was also adapted for a 大象传媒 Radio 4 series in 2017. Following his second live show, Happy Hour (2017) he fronted the 大象传媒 Three series Happy Man. He is also the writer and creator of semi-autobiographical TV comedy, Big Boys.
Loud and Proud usually takes place on 6 Music each June, and is the station鈥檚 month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ voices.
Presenters: Self Esteem and Jack Rooke
Producer: Angela Davies
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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Rave Forever: Loud and Proud Takeover
Wednesday 1 January, 12am-3am
6 Music鈥檚 Loud and Proud New Year鈥檚 Eve party continues with three Rave Forever takeovers.
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year鈥檚 Eve, 6 Music invites listeners to ring in the New Year with party-focused mixes by guest selectors from the LGBTQ+ community: Midland (12-1am), Chlo茅 Caillet (1-2am) and Elkka (2-3am).
DJ, producer, record label boss and 2016 Radio 1 Essential Mix of The Year winner Midland is one of the UK's most respected selectors. Alongside his own studio output, Midland has become a choice remixer for acts such as Disclosure, Little Dragon, St. Vincent and The Chemical Brothers. Midland released his new album, Fragments Of Us, in October 2024. The album is a celebration of queer identity, sampling the voices of LGBTQIA+ icons.
New York born DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Chlo茅 Caillet has played at some of the world's biggest festivals, including Glastonbury and Coachella, as well as at Circoloco in Ibiza and Panorama Bar in Berlin. She runs her own LGBTQ+ club night and label SMIILE, hosting parties worldwide which have attracted the likes of Dua Lipa to attend. She was also invited to remix Dua's single, Training Season, earlier this year.
Elkka is a singer-songwriter, DJ and producer from Cardiff. She also runs her own label and collective Femme Culture, born out of the desire to champion women in the arts and push forward-thinking music. In June 2024, she released her Welsh Music Prize nominated debut album Prism of Pleasure, via Counter Records / Ninja Tune.
Presenters: Midland, Chlo茅 Caillet and Elkka
Producer: Matt Healy
A We Are Grape production
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Mary Anne Hobbs鈥� Morning After Special
Wednesday 1 January, 10.30am-1pm
Ease into the New Year with a carefully selected playlist for a delicate head.
Mary Anne Hobbs brings listeners three hours of soothing tunes to ease them into 2025 in relaxed fashion.
The programme features a special ambient mix from British composer Jon Hopkins, whose acclaimed works have earned him Grammy, Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello nominations.
Presenter: Mary Anne Hobbs
Producer: Jax Coombes
A 大象传媒 Audio production
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大象传媒 Radio World Service English
大象传媒 World Service English brings listeners a range of festive treats this Christmas, including a six-part audio drama Purple Heart Warriors, written by Oscar-nominated Iris Yamashita and narrated by BAFTA-winning actor Will Sharpe. Inspired by real events, this time-travelling series tells the stories of the brave Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team who battled to liberate France from Nazi occupation in World War Two.
In the Studio invites us behind the glitter and tinsel with the teams at Selfridges, as they prepare to reveal their Christmas windows to the public for the first time. The Arts Hour鈥檚 Comedy Special 2024 is turning up the festive fun, featuring a selection of the finest comedians from around the globe who will join hosts Nikki Bedi and Daliso Chaponda, along with a live audience, to bring in the new year with a laugh, while the World Service Correspondents鈥� Look Ahead aims to predict the events and trends which might shape 2025.
Listeners can enjoy testing their knowledge on the big events of the year with the Newshour Christmas Quiz, while Amazing Sport Stories: The Christmas Truce tells the story of what happened that day in No Man鈥檚 Land on the Western Front during World War One, when football replaced fighting on Christmas Day. And from the Royal Opera House in London, Georgia Mann presents the annual 大象传媒 World Service New Year鈥檚 Concert featuring members of the 大象传媒 New Generation Artists scheme.
Purple Heart Warriors
An original six-part drama, released from Monday 9 December
Time-travelling drama series about the Japanese American legends of US military history, inspired by real events. The story of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team fighting the Nazi German army in World War Two.
Written by Oscar-nominated Iris Yamashita and narrated by Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning actor Will Sharpe, Purple Heart Warriors follows the story of Ken Morioka, played by Akie Kotabe. Ken is transported back in time from Little Toyko in 2024's Los Angeles to the 1940s, and finds himself mysteriously trapped in his grandfather's body as he enrols in combat training. The story takes listeners across the globe from downtown Los Angeles to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, across Europe, culminating in the Vosges Mountains of France.
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Heart and Soul 鈥� Black Madonnas
Friday 13 December, 1.30-2pm
Chine McDonald has never seen a black representation of the Virgin Mary. She travels to France searching for the origins of these images and their global significance for herself and for other black women.
Black Madonnas are statues or paintings of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Jesus, where both figures are depicted with dark skin. They can be found both in Catholic and Orthodox countries.
There鈥檚 great speculation over the origins and meanings of many of the Black Madonna icons. There are thought to be at least 450 of them in the world. The majority are in Europe, and there are more Vierges Noires documented in France than any other country in the world. Most of the icons are more than 1,000 years old and many of them are connected with stories of miracles. Their origins are obscure, but there鈥檚 scholarship exploring ideas that they originated way back in Europe鈥檚 past and relate to goddesses of Egyptian or Greek culture.
Chine visits the Queen of Peace in the convent church of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Paris, accompanied by expert guide Dr Christena Cleveland. And she travels to Orleans to see the Black Madonna statue: Our Lady of Miracles in the Chapel Notre Dame des Miracles.
She also visits the Wellcome Collection in London to talk with curator Janice Li about their Black Madonna painting of Our Virgin of Guadalupe.
And cultural historian, broadcaster and University of Oxford based author Professor Janina Ramirez explains current thinking about the origins and cultural significance of the Black Madonna.
Chine McDonald is a broadcaster, speaker and writer. Her first book Am I Beautiful? explored body image among women of faith. Next, she wrote God Is Not a White Man? And her upcoming book Unmaking Mary: The Myth of Divine Motherhood will be published in February 2025.
A Must Try Softer Production produced by Rosie Boulton for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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In The Studio - Creating Selfridges鈥� Christmas windows
Tuesday 17 December, 1.30-2pm
One of the many traditions in London at Christmas is to visit the capital鈥檚 festive lights, which brighten up the dark winter nights.
People travel from right across the world to enjoy the colourful and eye-catching Christmas window displays along Oxford Street, one of London鈥檚 main shopping roads.
Andrea Kidd goes behind the glitter and tinsel with the teams at one of the flagship department stores, Selfridges, as they prepare to reveal their Christmas windows to the public for the first time.
With the concept of More the Merrier this year, Bobbie Tree and her teams work alongside renowned artists Andrew Logan and Charles Jeffreys to create vibrant and flamboyant window displays for the 130,000 people who walk past them every day.
Produced by Andrea Kidd for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Newshour Christmas Quiz
Wednesday 25 December, 2-3pm
They can ask the tough questions - but do they know the answers? On 25 December, Newshour on 大象传媒 World Service Radio will put its hosts to the test in best of Christmas traditions: the Newshour Christmas Quiz.
James Coomarasamy will find out what his colleagues James Menendez, Tim Franks, Rebecca Kesby and Celia Hatton can remember about the events of the year. Featuring old favourite rounds of Mystery Guest and Grandpa Julian鈥檚 Bedtime story (as told by 大象传媒 World Service veteran presenter, Julian Marshall). Big brains or blank faces: you decide.
Produced by Paul Schuster for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Heart and Soul 鈥� Rising from the ashes of Notre Dame
Friday 27 December, 1.30-2pm
In 2019 a devastating fire ripped through the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Locals looked on in disbelief, and millions watched on television around the world, as the iconic wooden spire came crashing down into the flames. Many thought Notre Dame was lost forever, but the 860-year-old Cathedral was not for giving up and over the past four years a team of skilled workers, at a cost of 700 million Euros, have painstakingly reconstructed this medieval masterpiece.
In this Heart and Soul Christmas special, as the doors of Notre Dame reopen, Colm Flynn travels to Paris to meet five people who say the symbolism of this Cathedral's restoration has had a profound impact on their faith. From a young wheelchair user who constructed a wheelchair for Pope Francis from the Cathedral's burnt wood, to the firefighter who saved the sacred chalice from the flames, to the young female footballer involved in the Paris Olympics who is now inspired to see the cathedral's rebirth... and a choir made up of the Cathedral's architects and carpenters singing to give thanks.
At Christmas, a time of joy and hope, the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a testament of the power of faith, not just for Christians in France, but right around the world.
Presented and produced by Colm Flynn. Executive produced by Rajeev Gupta for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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The Arts Hour鈥檚 Comedy Special 2024
Saturday 28 December, 8-9pm
A selection of the finest comedians from around the globe will join hosts Nikki Bedi and Daliso Chaponda and a live audience to bring in the new year with a laugh.
The line-up includes South African stand-up Schalk Bezuidenhout, Portuguese comedian Andre de Freitas, He Huang from China, Indian doctor-turned-comedian Shalaka Kurup and from Shetland, Scotland, Marjolein Robertson.
Produced by Oliver Jones and Lucy Collingwood for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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This Is Africa - Magic System
Saturday 21 December, 11.30am-12pm
It鈥檚 25 years since Ivorian band Magic System recorded their monster hit Premier Gaou. The song dominated French charts for weeks, and it has remained a favourite in clubs and parties across Africa and beyond ever since. It has frequently been sampled and remixed. Francis Mercier鈥檚 2023 version has been streamed more than 48 million times on Spotify.
Premier Gaou has transformed the lives of the band members of Magic System, but this single song has also had a much wider impact, thanks to the band鈥檚 commitment to investing in their community.
This programme tells the story of Premier Gaou, and includes the voices of musicians and young fans who love it, recorded at the music festival Magic System have established in Abidjan. We also meet A鈥橲alfo, the lead singer of Magic System, accompanying him to one of the several schools he has built, and hear about his passion for education. One of the first things he did with the proceeds of his music was to put himself through university.
Produced by Ata Ahli Ahebla and Catherine Fellows for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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大象传媒 Correspondents鈥� Look Ahead to 2025
Saturday 21 December 12pm-1pm
Some of the 大象传媒鈥檚 finest correspondents gaze into their crystal balls to predict what 2025 what might have in store.
Produced by Ben Carter for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Reith Lectures - Can we change violent minds?
Saturday 21 December, 7-8pm
In her final 2024 大象传媒 Reith lecture, the forensic psychiatrist Dr Gwen Adshead assesses how we deal with violent offenders and asks: is it time for a re-think?
Dr Adshead looks at the effectiveness and impact of therapeutic interventions with offenders in prisons. And she asks if the public needs to change their minds about violent perpetrators.
The programme is recorded in front of an audience in Bergen, Norway 鈥� a country which has a long tradition of rehabilitating violent offenders. It includes a Q and A.
Produced by Jim Frank for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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The Global Jigsaw - The language of war: Russia
Sunday 22 December, 11.30-11.50pm
Why is language important for war narratives?
鈥淟et鈥檚 cut dill鈥�, 鈥渁 pop of cotton鈥�, 鈥渢hermal point鈥� - expressions the average 鈥淎nglo-Saxon鈥� (read: the enemy) might struggle to understand.
In the opening episode of this two-part mini-series, we decode the linguistics of the Kremlin鈥檚 military propaganda. In part two, we鈥檒l explore Kyiv鈥檚 answer to it.
Presented by Krassi Twigg. Produced by Kriszta Satori and Vitaly Shevchenko for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Amazing Sport Stories: The Christmas Truce
Saturday 21 December, 6.30-6.50pm
The deafening roar of shells exploding, a cacophony of bullets whizzing past, the air thick with smoke. This is Belgium, 1914, and life in the trenches for British and German soldiers is the definition of misery. But for one beautiful, spontaneous moment, peace and football replaces the fighting with a Christmas Truce. This is the story of what happened that day in No Man's Land on the Western Front during World War One.
Produced by Joel Hammer for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Witness History - Creating MasterChef
Monday 23 December, 8.50am 鈥� 9am
In 1990, a cookery programme launched on 大象传媒 TV that would become a global phenomenon.
British film director Franc Roddam tells Vicky Farncombe how the idea for MasterChef came to him after he heard Hollywood bigwigs - including Mel Brooks - mocking British food.
He wanted to prove that the UK was a nation of talented home cooks - like his mum who was feted for her stew and dumplings.
Today, MasterChef airs in 70 countries around the world and has an estimated audience of one billion people.
Produced by Vicky Farncombe for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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In The Studio 鈥� International Film School
Tuesday 24 December, 1.30-2pm
Mark Reid visits a school in Bulgaria where they are teaching their pupils how to make movies. They are making a short film about their local horse market. There are classes like this across the world, in Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom, to name but a few. And it's all part of a project called Le Cinema Cent Ans De Jeunesse.
Produced by Stephen Hughes for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Tuesday 24 December, 3-3.30pm
Held in the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, this service marks for many people around the world the beginning of Christmas.
It is based around nine Bible readings which tell the story of the loving purposes of God.
They are interspersed with carols old and new, sung by the world famous Chapel Choir who also lead the congregation in traditional Christmas hymns.
Produced by Philip Billson for 大象传媒 Audio North and 大象传媒 World Service.
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Witness History - When instant noodles came to India
Tuesday 24 December, 8.50-9am
The arrival of instant noodles in India was a turning point in culinary history.
In 1983, before 鈥楳aggi 2 minute noodles鈥� launched, the country鈥檚 food culture centred around chapati, lentils and rice and the Indian economy was still a closed market.
Sangeeta Talwar, formerly of Nestle India, tells Surya Elango how instant noodles forever changed the food habits of the country.
Produced by Surya Elango for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Witness History - White House Chef to five Presidents
Wednesday 25 December, 8.50-9am
Cristeta Comerford has cooked for some of the most powerful people in the world.
She spent three decades as a chef in the White House, serving 5 presidents from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden. On 5th August 2005, she made history by becoming the first woman and person of colour to be Executive Chef of the White House kitchen. She speaks to Dan Hardoon about grand state dinners, choosing menus, and what presidents like to eat.
Produced Dan Hardoon for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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His Majesty The King鈥檚 Christmas Message
Wednesday 25 December, 3-3.10pm
Coverage of His Majesty the King's Christmas message to the Commonwealth.
A 大象传媒 Production for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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The Documentary 鈥� The street that Google built
Thursday 26 December, 9.30-10am
The city of Florence is one of the world鈥檚 most popular tourist destinations. But are new technologies and hyper-tourism changing it forever? For the 大象传媒 World Service, the writer Kamin Mohammadi tells the story of how one road 鈥� the Via San Niccolo 鈥� has changed. Kamin lived there when she first moved to the city 16 years ago, and she has seen the changes firsthand. Speaking to friends who still live on the street, and businesses who have experienced the changes, she asks what the city can do to retain the character that residents 鈥� and tourists 鈥� love.
Produced by Giles Edwards for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Witness History - 鈥楰imchi war鈥�
Thursday 26 December, 8.50-9am
Kimchi is a classic Korean dish, made by fermenting cabbage and carrots in a tangy, spicy sauce.
But in 1996, a 鈥渒imchi war鈥� broke out when a Japanese food company bid to supply kimuchi, as it is known in Japan, for the athletes鈥� village at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Korea protested, arguing that the Japanese version was not fermented and therefore could not claim the kimchi name.
A Korean company eventually won the bid, leading to much rejoicing in the Korean media.
Dr Chaelin Park is a researcher of the World Institute of Kimchi. She tells Vicky Farncombe how the dispute galvanised kimchi makers in South Korea to do more to promote the dish.
Produced by Vicky Farncombe for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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CrowdScience 鈥� I didn鈥檛 know that!
Friday 27 December, 8.30-9pm
Did you know that flies fly in rectangles and the moon is moving 4cm further away from the earth every year? Anand Jagatia quizzes members of the CrowdScience team on the moments from the past year that had them scratching their heads in amazement.
Produced by Ben Motley for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Witness History - Dinner for One: The English comedy that鈥檚 a German tradition
Friday 27 December, 12.50-1pm
Every New Year鈥檚 Eve, millions of Germans turn on their TVs to rewatch an old favourite 鈥� the comedy Dinner for One.
The black-and-white sketch is in English and features a British cast but is virtually unknown in the United Kingdom.
The two-hander starts with butler James laying a table for five people for dinner.
Then Miss Sophie arrives. It's her 90th birthday and she wants to celebrate with four friends: Sir Toby, Admiral von Schneider, Mr Pomeroy, and Mr Winterbottom.
The only problem is they鈥檙e all dead so James must impersonate the guests 鈥� and drink on their behalf 鈥� with hilarious results.
The late German entertainer Peter Frankenfeld first saw the show in the theatre during a trip to Blackpool.
He wanted to record it in Germany but Freddie Frinton, who played the butler and owned the copyright to the show, initially refused to take part because of his experiences during World War Two.
Peter鈥檚 son Thomas Frankenfeld tells Vicky Farncombe how his father鈥檚 own war story, involving snipers and a Nazi surgeon, persuaded Freddie to change his mind.
The programme is now shown on TV every New Year鈥檚 Eve in places including Germany, Scandinavia, and Switzerland.
鈥淲e watch it every year,鈥� says Thomas. 鈥淚t's really funny. Still after all this time.鈥�
Produced by Vicky Farncombe for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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大象传媒 World Service鈥檚 New Year Concert
Saturday 28 December, 7-8pm
From the Crush Room at the Royal Ballet and Opera House in London鈥檚 Covent Garden, Georgia Mann presents the annual New Year concert showcasing members of the 大象传媒鈥檚 New Generation Artists scheme. Now in its 25th year, the NGA scheme supports and nurtures some of the world鈥檚 finest young instrumentalists, singers and ensembles at the start of their international careers, through performance and broadcast opportunities.
Today鈥檚 line-up includes the scheme鈥檚 first ever accordionist, Ryan Corbett. A wonderful collaborator as well as soloist, he鈥檚 joined by New Zealand born multi-award-winning violinist Geneva Lewis in music by Fritz Kreisler, as you鈥檝e never heard it before. Uruguayan-born tenor Santiago Sanchez is equally at home in opera and song, and has been praised for the beauty and warmth of his tone. And completing the line-up, British jazz sensation Emma Rawicz 鈥� saxophonist, bandleader and all-round force to be reckoned with鈥� expect fireworks!
Produced by Roger Short for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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The Forum 鈥� Fandom (w/t)
Saturday 28 December, 12-1pm
When the writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle killed off his most famous literary creation, Sherlock Holmes, readers were so angry that thousands cancelled their subscriptions to the magazine in which the stories appeared. The editor and Conan Doyle himself were overwhelmed with letters from a furious public - fans who instead of accepting the death of their favourite fictional character then started to write and share their own stories featuring Holmes. They eventually formed clubs and appreciation societies, brought together by a common interest.
This practice is something we recognise today across the globe. In areas as diverse as sport, music, film and TV (to mention just a few), fans are not just passive consumers as the recent activities of Swifties (Taylor Swift fans) demonstrate. They鈥檙e actively engaged, creating content of their own and connecting with others to nurture a shared identity. The internet has made that easier than ever before, with fans now using their platform to influence political discourse too.
Iszi Lawrence and guests discuss the history and inexorable rise of fandom, and ask what鈥檚 behind the displays of devotion. Plus, listeners around the world share their fan stories.
Produced by Fiona Clampin for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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Amazing Sport Stories 鈥� Just win the day
Saturday 28 December, 6.30-6.50pm
On 22 March 2016, a bomb attack killed 16 people at Brussels Airport. Basketball player Sebastien Bellin was one of the survivors. He says sport, and a meal he ate the night before, helped save his life that day. This is the story of how he found a way to survive amid chaos, and what happened next: a long road to recovery, and a new sporting journey that helped rebuild his future.
Produced by Joel Hammer for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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People Fixing The World 鈥� Restoring nature for all
Tuesday 31 December, 3-3.30pm
Myra Anubi visits a major project in the north of England that is restoring a damaged landscape. Haweswater in the Lake District is an area of stunning natural beauty but over the years it鈥檚 been degraded by humans and livestock. This has created flooding risks for people further down the valley. But now work is underway to restore the site to benefit both man and the environment. Rivers have been 鈥榬ewiggled鈥�, peat bogs repaired, and trees planted in an effort to reduce flooding and increase biodiversity.
Produced by Richard Kenny for the 大象传媒 World Service.
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