91热爆 Radio and Sounds delivers a Christmas cracker of a schedule for listeners this festive period

Published: 12:01 am, 27 November 2023

Updated: 11:23 am, 13 December 2023

Introduction

Charlotte Moore, 91热爆 Chief Content Officer, says 鈥淟isteners will be spoilt for choice this holiday season with a stocking full of festive delights from 91热爆 Radio and Sounds. Our stations will be soundtracking your Christmas with special guest takeovers, music mixes to get you in the party mood, and a whole host of brilliant storytelling, from the nostalgic to the supernatural, there鈥檚 something for everyone. 91热爆 Radio and Sounds is the perfect companion, keeping listeners entertained right through to Christmas Day and into the New Year.鈥�

91热爆 Sounds

Christmas podcast specials of Yeti, 6 Degrees with Jamie and Spencer, Your Place Or Mine with Shaun Keaveny and Inside鈥� Ghosts
Soundtrack the season with hours of uninterrupted curated mixes and festive specials from Charlotte Ritchie, Romesh Ranganathan, Sophie Ellis Bextor and more with our Christmas Music and New Year Sounds collections
Listeners can immerse themselves in Doctor Who The Missing Episodes over the festive period, with 26 episodes that were previously thought lost
Bingeable boxsets from some of the top podcasts of the year will be available in the Best of 2023 collection on 91热爆 Sounds, including The Gift, The Banksy Story, History鈥檚 Secret Heroes, People Who Knew Me, Believe In Magic and A Very British Cult
Escape with audiobooks and adaptations such as The Years by Annie Ernaux, The Future by Naomi Alderman, The Blue Book of Nebo and Ian Fleming by Nicholas Shakespeare

Pop Music Radio

On Radio 2, Jane McDonald makes her presenting debut on the station playing seasonal classics, old and new, with Steve Wright presenting a festive Pick of the Pops and Beverley Knight bringing gospel magic to the evening
There will be a Sounds of the 60, 70s, 80 and 90s build up to the New Year鈥檚 Eve party with Michelle Visage live from LA as the clock strikes midnight
On Radio 1, Clara Amfo announces the winner of Radio 1鈥檚 Hottest Record of the Year, while Jack Saunders reveals who has been crowned The Official Christmas Number 1
The 1Xtra family will be joined by some of the listeners鈥� favourite comedians from across the UK trying to find the best joke of 2023, including 1Xtra鈥檚 own Eddie Kadi as well as Munya Chawawa, Slim, Darren Harriott, Kyrah Gray and more.
Legendary actor Bill Nighy sits in for Iggy Pop on 6 Music, bringing his own dapper rock and roll style to your Christmas listening
6 Music鈥檚 Festive Takeovers return, hosted by Wayne Coyne, Alison Goldfrapp, Samantha Morton and Chaka Khan and Queermas is back, with mixes from ABSOLUTE., HAAi, Dorian Electra and TYGAPAW
91热爆 Asian Network are starting their Christmas celebrations early on the 8 December with an All Star DJ Takeover that sees 14 DJ鈥檚 going back-to-back every hour to soundtrack your Christmas playlist. Smash Bengali will take over 91热爆 Asian Network鈥檚 Breakfast Show from 25 December for a fortnight of festive music, fun and games

Radio 3, Orchestras and Choirs

91热爆 Radio 3 presents an array of special guests such as Lise Davidsen, Gareth Malone, John Rutter and Anna Lapwood, as well as top performances from the 91热爆 Singers, London Philharmonic Orchestra鈥檚 Brass Ensemble and many more
On Sunday lunchtimes throughout December, broadcaster Clive Myrie returns to 91热爆 Radio 3 to bring together a feast of Advent and Christmas classical music alongside some of his personal discoveries
The winner for this year鈥檚 91热爆 Radio 3 Carol Competition is to be announced after music lovers were invited to write a tune or melody to a new lyric by Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage. Titled Polaris, it is inspired by a transformative visit to Antarctica
Over the month of December the 91热爆 Singers are involved in a range of Christmas activity. As well as performances, their Christmas album Carols Revisited has been released by Warner music

Radio 4, 4 Extra and 5 Live

Marking 50 years since The Wombles first appeared on the 91热爆, Richard E Grant narrates a charming adventure from Wimbledon common for 91热爆 Radio 4, directed by Johnny Vegas
Bill Nighy stars in A. L. Kennedy鈥檚 drama A Single Act, while Brian Cox bids farewell in comedy Bob Servant Says Cheerio
Uncanny鈥檚 Danny Robins joins Daisy May Cooper at her Cotswolds home for a spooky Uncanny Christmas Special
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas, Barbie director Greta Gerwig and queen of the kitchen Delia Smith are this year鈥檚 festive castaways on Desert Island Discs
Ruth Jones will look back at her early comic inspirations for With Great Pleasure at Christmas
On 4 Extra, Christmas Eve marks a whole day of celebrations of the late great Nicholas Parsons, including his reading of A Christmas Carol, interspersed with original songs and carols
On 91热爆 Radio 5 Live Colin Murray, Mark Chapman, Gordon Smart and Patrick Kielty will all present shows over the Christmas period

91热爆 World Service

91热爆 World Service English brings listeners a two-part documentary told from inside the Arctic Circle in northern Norway and Iceland, exploring the 鈥楶olar Silk Road鈥�
In The Studio invites us behind the scenes with renowned 鈥楢 Little Life鈥� theatre director Ivo van Hove
Listeners can enjoy testing their knowledge on the big events of the year with The Newshour Christmas Quiz

91热爆 Local Radio

Local 91热爆 Radio will continue to connect with its local audience over the festive period with a special service to mark Christmas Day
All 39 stations will broadcast a specially commissioned programme called Make a Difference - Keeping the Faith at Christmas, a show that looks at kindness, giving, events, music and faith that really Make a Difference to people.

91热爆 Sounds

Listeners can enjoy bonus festive episodes of some of their favourite podcasts on 91热爆 Sounds this Christmas, including Your Place Or Mine with Shaun Keaveny, Yeti, Inside鈥� Ghosts and 6 Degrees with Jamie and Spencer, all available over this holiday period.

There鈥檚 also music for every seasonal occasion with expertly curated music mixes and festive specials from Charlotte Ritchie reading A Christmas Carol for the Sleeping Forecast and Romesh Ranganathan鈥檚 For The Love Of Hip Hop, to Sophie Ellis-Bextor鈥檚 Kitchen Disco and Fearne Cotton鈥檚 Sounds of the 90s, with our Christmas Music and New Year Sounds collections.

Back To Back Christmas and Back To Back New Year long listens return with hours of uninterrupted festive shows and mixes, making it even easier for listeners to find the best on-demand Christmas Music from the 91热爆.

Bingeable boxsets from some of the most popular podcasts of the year will be available in the Best of 2023 collection on 91热爆 Sounds, including The Gift, The Banksy Story, History鈥檚 Secret Heroes, People Who Knew Me, Believe In Magic and A Very British Cult.

Listeners can also escape with a range of audiobooks and adaptations such as The Wombles, The Years by Annie Ernaux, The Future by Naomi Alderman, The Blue Book of Nebo and Ian Fleming by Nicholas Shakespeare in the Books and Stories collection, all on 91热爆 Sounds this Christmas.

Podcasts

Your Place or Mine with Shaun Keaveny (Available now)

Artwork for Your Place or Mine with Shaun Keaveny. Featuring cutouts of Shaun Keaveny and Maisie Adam wearing red Santa hats, surrounded by snow-covered branding.

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

Yeti 鈥� Omnibus (22 December)

Artwork for Yeti. A snowy landscape complete with mountains and trees features a figure walking in the distance. Text on the image reads: 鈥淵eti - Bonus Episode鈥�

In this special omnibus episode of Yeti, adventurers Andrew Benfield and Richard Horsey recount their long search for the mythical creature. The pair travel across the Himalayas from India, to Myanmar, to Nepal and finally Bhutan, looking for proof that it exists. Along the way they hear stories of footprints, sightings and encounters. They even come across some tangible evidence. Can they prove that the Yeti is actually real? And why do we need to believe in this enduring legend?

Inside鈥� Ghosts Christmas Special

Nathan Bryon delves into the strange goings on at Button House with the cast of Ghosts in this special episode which releases alongside the last ever episode of the show.

6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer (7, 14, 21 December)

Artwork for 6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer featuring the pair holding 1970s-style rotary phones to their ears.

The boys are back and throughout December will be looking for three Christmas-themed celebrities from the biggest events of the festive period, alongside their usual festive silliness.

Doctor Who The Missing Episodes (Available now)

The Doctor's TARDIS flies through space and time in a swirl of blue, green and purple colours. Doctor Who The Missing Episodes is written in white text.

Sadly not all of Doctor鈥檚 Who鈥檚 earliest years survive in the 91热爆 archive. Many episodes have been lost, seemingly forever. Bit thanks to the ingenuity of the fans, sound recordings of these missing episodes survived and were returned to the 91热爆. Combined with the narration from the stars of Doctor Who, here鈥檚 a chance to listen to the three adventures starring the first two Doctors.

Christmas Music

Graphic with a red background and snowflakes. Text reads: 鈥淐hristmas Music鈥�

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 91热爆 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

Artwork for the Sleeping Forecast with Charlotte Ritchie. A picture of Charlotte sits in front of a drawing of a lighthouse at the end of a pier.

Drift into a generous slumber with a very special edition of The Sleeping Forecast featuring Ghosts star Charlotte Ritchie reading excerpts from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, alongside seasonal music from 91热爆 Introducing.
New this year, Essential Classic Mix: Christmas Carols hosted by Georgia Mann is full of the biggest and best-known classic Christmas carols to get listeners into the Christmas spirit.
A Winter Walk features festive jazz and wintry soundscapes, and there鈥檚 two hours of choral music to set the mood with A Choral Christmas from the Mindful Mix.

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

Artwork for Sophie Sophie Ellis-Bextor鈥檚 Kitchen Disco: Christmas Hits. Features a picture of Sophie wearing a cartoon Santa hat, stood in front of a range of festive cartoon drawings.

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

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

Artwork for 1Xtra鈥檚 Christmas Throwback Party with Trevor Nelson and Clara Amfo. Featuring photos of Joelah and Keke, Clara Amfo and Trevor Nelson.

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

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

Artwork for Alternative Sounds of the 90s. Featuring a picture of Dermot O'Leary next to festive branding.

Alternative Sounds of the 90s: Dermot's Festive Crackers sees Dermot pick his alternative 90s festive playlist featuring the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, St Etienne, Teenage Fanclub and The Muppets. Plus film buff Edith Bowman picks a Double A side from Eels.
Enjoy two hours of unique winter vibes and gentle early morning energy from The Morning After Mix: Christmas Special to get you through the festive period.
6Music's Indie Forever: A Wonderful Indie Christmastime provides your festive indie soundtrack, with music from the likes of Julian Casablancas, Blossoms, The Big Moon, Jet and more.

New Year Sounds

Artwork for 91热爆 Sounds鈥� New Year鈥檚 Eve programming, featuring a woman dancing in a red dress, surrounded by confetti.

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

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

Artwork for 91热爆 Sounds鈥� New Year Relax featuring a cosy living room with a fireplace. Two pairs of feet in warm socks point towards the fire.

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

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

Artwork for 91热爆 Sounds鈥� Music Year in Review, featuring pictures of artists on top of a blue and purple graphic.

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

91热爆 Radio 1

This Christmas, 91热爆 Radio 1 will be bringing the best of festive cheer to listeners with lots of special content, from announcing the Hottest Record Of The Year 2023 to exclusively revealing this year鈥檚 Christmas Number 1.

Radio 1鈥檚 Hottest Record Of The Year

Thursday 14 December, 6pm-8pm

Every day at 6pm, Radio 1 names a brand-new Hottest Record. It鈥檚 a slot known for launching and breaking some of the most exciting new music on the planet.

This December, Clara Amfo will be counting down through the Top 20 Hottest Records from the past 12 months, as voted for by Radio 1鈥檚 listeners, before revealing which track has earned the coveted title of Hottest Record Of The Year 2023.

Paramore鈥檚鈥楾his Is Why鈥� was crowned Hottest Record Of The Year in 2022.

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

鈥� Presenter: Clara Amfo
鈥� Production: 91热爆 Audio Radio 1

Jack Saunders reveals The Official Christmas Number 1

Friday 22 December, 4pm鈥�5.45pm

Graphic for The Official Chart with Jack Saunders on 91热爆 Radio 1 featuring an image of Jack against a branded background.

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: 91热爆 Audio Radio 1

Radio 1 Relax @ Christmas

Thursday 1 December 鈥� Sunday 25 December, 6am-10pm

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

Radio 1 Happy

Saturday 9 December, 5am

Radio 1 Happy will also have a special uplifting show playing all of the Christmas hits and party bangers, available now in 91热爆 Sounds.

91热爆 1Xtra

This Christmas 91热爆 1Xtra is turning up the festive fun and decking the halls with bells of laughter! The 1Xtra family will be joined by some of the listeners鈥� favourite comedians from across the UK, trying to find the best joke of 2023. Included in the stellar line up of comedic maestros, will be 1Xtra鈥檚 own and recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant, Eddie Kadi, as well as Munya Chawawa, Slim, Darren Harriott, Kyrah Gray and more. They will be spreading their waves of Christmas joy across the nation on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

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

91热爆 Asian Network

91热爆 Asian Network are starting their Christmas celebrations early on the 8 December with an All Star DJ Takeover that sees 14 DJ鈥檚 going back to back every hour to soundtrack your Christmas playlist.

Smash Bengali will take over 91热爆 Asian Network鈥檚 Breakfast Show from 25 December to 5 January for a fortnight of festive music, fun and games.

Across the Christmas and New Year period, Asian Network will be expanding their successful Asian Network Certified series to include Asian Network Christmas Mash Ups taking the best Asian sounds and fusing them with well-known Christmas Hits from years gone by, for everyone to enjoy something unique over the festive period.

As a Christmas Day and New Year鈥檚 Day special, the network will relive the 91热爆鈥檚 Bollywood Prom which paid tribute to Bollywood鈥檚 late, great 鈥楺ueen of Melody鈥� Lata Mangeshkar.

All Star DJ Takeover

8 December, 8am-12am

Soundtrack the start of your Christmas with 91热爆 Asian Network鈥檚 All Star DJ Takeover. 14 of the best British Asian DJs will go back-to-back showcasing the wide variety of genres and scenes within South Asian culture throughout the whole day. All mixes will be available on 91热爆 Sounds to listen back to across the Christmas and New Year period.

Presenters: Nikita Kanda (8-11am), Kan D Man (11-3pm), Nayha (3-6pm), Panjabi Hit Squad (6-8pm), AJD (8-9pm), DJ Limelight (9-11pm), Pritt (11pm-12am).

91热爆 Radio 2

Radio 2 is celebrating Christmas 2023 with a host of magical festive delights. On Christmas Day, Jane McDonald makes her presenting debut on the station playing seasonal classics, old and new, whilst sharing funny Christmas stories and advice on preparing sprouts!

There will be specials dedicated to broadcasting greats - Cilla Black presented by Sir Cliff Richard, Barry Humphries, Michael Parkinson presented by Jamie Cullum, and Paul O鈥橤rady presented with archive audio from the man himself. Anneka Rice, Revd. Kate Bottley and Gary Davies are live on Christmas Day, with Steve Wright presenting a festive Pick of the Pops and Beverley Knight bringing gospel magic to the evening.

Sounds of the 60, 70s, 80 and 90s build up to the New Year鈥檚 Eve party with Michelle Visage live from LA as the clock strikes midnight! To kick off 2024, New Year鈥檚 Day brings Your Ultimate Madonna Song with the Top 40 countdown as voted for by Radio 2 listeners and more Madonna delights to mark her incredible career. Many of the shows will be available before broadcast on the Radio 2 Christmas Collection on 91热爆 Sounds.

Trevor Nelson鈥檚 Soul Christmas

Thursday 21 December, 10pm - 12am

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

Dance along to Soul and R鈥檔鈥橞 with a classic Christmas twist this December at Trevor Nelson鈥檚 Soul Christmas.

Trevor Nelson 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 2023.鈥�

Presenter: Trevor Nelson

Producer: Joe Haddow

A Spiritland production

Driving 91热爆 For Christmas with Richie Anderson

Saturday 23 December, 3pm-6pm

Richie Anderson keeps you company live on the day before the day before Christmas! Whether you鈥檙e Driving 91热爆鈥� already at your destination or elsewhere, 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 getting up to, who they鈥檙e spending the big day with 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 frantically picking up some last-minute presents, Richie鈥檚 got your Christmas Eve Eve playlist sorted!

Presenter: Richie Anderson

Producer: Patrick Thomas

A 91热爆 Audio production

Zoe Ball's Christmas Crooners

Monday 25 December, 6-8am

Zoe provides the perfect soundtrack to the start of your Christmas Day as she shares a festive selection of her favourite crooners.

You鈥檒l hear the best in the business including Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Gregory Porter, Elvis Presley and Ella Fitzgerald plus festive gems from The Carpenters, Barbra Streisand and Mr Christmas himself, Michael Bubl茅.

Presenter: Zoe Ball

Producer: Julie Newman

Good Morning Christmas

Monday 25 December, 8-10am

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

Presenter: Revd. Kate Bottley

Producer: Mark Plant

A 91热爆 Audio production

Junior Choice with Anneka Rice

Monday 25 December, 10am-12pm

Photo of Anneka Rice smiling to camera holding presents, stood in front of a Christmas tree. 91热爆 Radio 2 branding on the image reads: 鈥淛unior Choice鈥�

Anneka is live on Radio 2 this Christmas Day with Junior Choice. She鈥檒l be playing children鈥檚 favourites tunes from across the decades. There will be sing-along favourites for kids of all ages and listeners are encouraged to message the show with their top picks.

Please join Anneka as she provides the perfect accompaniment to family Christmas morning, live from Wogan House. Get in touch by emailing anneka@bbc.co.uk, texting 88291 or sending a WhatsApp to 08000 288 291.

Presenter: Anneka Rice

Producer: James Santer

A 91热爆 Audio production

Gary Davies

Monday 25 December, 2-5pm

Join Gary Davies live from 91热爆 Radio 2 HQ as he sprinkles festive joy and gifts great music to keep up the seasonal spirit.

In this fully interactive show, Gary will be celebrating the festive day with your shoutouts and providing an uplifting seasonal soundtrack for listeners across the nation - whether cooking Christmas lunch or chilling out after too much food, travelling to loved ones, still opening presents, and also for the heroes around the UK who are working on Christmas Day to cover all our needs, from the emergency services to carers to shops, suppliers and service stations.

Get ready to get in touch with your messages and Gary鈥檚 cracker of a playlist.

Presenter: Gary Davies

Executive Producer: Kellie Redmond

A Listen production

Christmas with Jane McDonald

Monday 25 December, 12-2pm

Jane McDonald smiles to camera, wearing a Santa hat and holding a cuddly toy Santa. Text on the image reads: 鈥淐hristmas with Jane McDonald鈥�

Making her Radio 2 presenting debut, this is two hours of festive fun with one of the nation鈥檚 favourite ladies, Jane McDonald. She鈥檒l be playing classic seasonal tracks for all the family to enjoy, sharing funny memories and heart-warming stories of Christmases gone by and giving the odd bit of advice on preparing sprouts and such like!

Jane McDonald says: 鈥淚鈥檓 so excited to be spreading the Christmas cheer, making my presenting debut to millions of listeners on Radio 2! Do join me as we have so much to look forward to - sharing feel good tunes, seasonal stories to make us laugh out loud, plus sharing some top tips to make Christmas dinner a winner! I can鈥檛 wait to spend some time with you all on this special day.鈥�

Expect to hear Christmas favourites old and new from the likes of Mariah Carey, Wham!, Shakin鈥� Stevens, Elton John, Nat 鈥淜ing鈥� Cole and many more as you munch on another mince pie before the big dinner.

Presenter: Jane McDonald

Producer: Ste Softly

A Mostest production.

Beverley's Great British Gospel Christmas

Monday 25 December, 8-10pm

Beverley Knight, West End star and Britain's soulful sweetheart, hosts an upbeat celebration of gospel music from the UK and Ireland, festive songs and traditional carols to round off your Christmas evening.

Beverley Knight says: 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to getting into the spirit of Christmas, so to be hosting my Great British Gospel Christmas this evening on Radio 2, with incredible music from both heritage and upcoming gospel artists, is a joy!鈥�

Presenter: Beverley Knight

Producer: Chris Mitchell & Bernard Achampong

A We Are Unedited production.

Cilla Black At The 91热爆

Monday 25 December, 10-11pm

In the 1960s Cilla Black was a major music star with many hit records and performing to sell-out audiences. Then in August 1967 - only days before his premature death - Cilla鈥檚 (and Beatles鈥�) manager, Brian Epstein, engineered her switch to television with her own eponymous variety show. Here, Sir Cliff Richard celebrates the star as she made this move into presenting with the innovative and hugely successful 91热爆 One series, Cilla.

It was a ground-breaking live TV series for Saturday nights. Light entertainment and reality elements were hosted with Cilla鈥檚 sense of humour, infectious personality and warm connection with big name guests and the public. With big opening and closing numbers and duets with music guests, it featured interviews, link-ups with the public in their own home using new technology, Vox Pops on the streets, comedy sketches plus, at one point, a fully scripted mini-play with Cilla taking a main role. Sir Paul McCartney even contacted Cilla to record a song, Step Inside Love, he composed specially for her to welcome audiences to each broadcast.

Guests included Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Charles Aznavour, Tom Jones, Ringo Starr, Lulu, Sandie Shaw, Twiggy, Matt Monro, Sacha Distel, Dusty Springfield, Ethel Merman, The Shadows, The Wombles, Phil Everly, Marc Bolan and Ronnie Corbett. The show鈥檚 immediate success marked the beginning of a new phase of her professional life, making her one of Britain鈥檚 top-rated television entertainers. Regularly commanding audiences between 18 - 22 million, it ran for 66 shows across eight series until it ended in 1976. Decades later, ITV made Cilla the Queen of Saturday Night TV once again with Surprise Surprise and Blind Date.

Contributors include Jimmy Tarbuck, her son Robert Willis, Gillian Reynolds, Joe Brown, Sir Tim Rice, George Layton, Bob Harris, Tony Blackburn, Hank Marvin, Mike Batt, and arranger and musician Mike Vickers, bringing their memories and appreciation of Cilla鈥檚 talent, alongside archive clips and musical numbers from the series鈥� many unseen or heard since original transmission and believed lost. Sir Cliff was a close friend and appeared on her show many times, singing together and helping the country choose the Song For Europe.

Sir Cliff Richard says: 鈥淭oo many people that we love pass on, but fortunately, people like Cilla leave behind something that will remain in our memories forever. For me, it was a joy and a pleasure and an honour to have known Cilla personally and be in close touch with her constantly. So Cilla, God bless you, rest in peace, and just remember we are going to be screaming about you forever.鈥�

Robert Willis, Cilla鈥檚 son, says: 鈥�60 years ago, my mother - Cilla Black - began her illustrious career in show business. She was a trailblazer for women in pop music and television. I am thrilled we are celebrating her milestone anniversary with Cilla at the 91热爆, narrated by my mother's dear friend Sir Cliff Richard. Many of you will fondly recall my mother's Saturday night variety show 'Cilla'. The new documentary reflects on this incredibly special time in her life when she made the transition from chart-topping pop singer to much-loved star of TV. These ground-breaking shows were top telly viewing watched by over 18 million viewers each week. I hope everyone enjoys this heart-warming trip down memory lane which will be broadcast this Christmas on 91热爆 Radio 2. My sincere thanks to Sir Cliff and my mother鈥檚 friends who contributed to this very special tribute.鈥�

Presenter: Sir Cliff Richard

Producer: Mark Simpson

A 91热爆 Audio production.

Tony Blackburn鈥檚 Sounds of Soul

Tuesday 26 December, 12-2pm

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

Presenter: Tony Blackburn

Producer: Julie Newman

A 91热爆 Audio production

The Best of Radio 2鈥檚 Piano Room

Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 December, 7-9pm

Orange and red 91热爆 Radio 2 graphic featuring text: 鈥淧iano Room鈥�

Across three nights from Boxing Day, Vernon Kay looks back at this year鈥檚 Radio 2 Piano Room sessions. From February鈥檚 Piano Room Month and beyond, Piano Room has once again given listeners a whole host of music experiences to remember on Radio 2鈥檚 mid-morning show and on 91热爆 Sounds. A stellar list of artists have performed live at Maida Vale studios with the 91热爆 Concert Orchestra, who bring their own special sound and colours to these unique performances.

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

Presenter: Vernon Kay

Producer: Bob McDowall

A 91热爆 Audio production

Radio 2 Remembers Sir Michael Parkinson

Tuesday 26 December, 9-10pm

Jamie Cullum pays tribute to Michael Parkinson, celebrating their unique relationship and shared love of jazz, whilst giving an insight into Michael鈥檚 passion for music and how that has contributed to the nation鈥檚 appreciation of culture.

Jamie says: 鈥淕iven how important the encouragement of Sir Michael Parkinson was in my early career, it was an honour to put together this special remembering the great man 鈥� reminiscing about our shared love for jazz, times we spent together and pulling out amazing interview clips with giants from the world of jazz and beyond.鈥�

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

Presenter: Jamie Cullum

Producer: Karl Bos

A Folded Wing production

Radio 2 Remembers Paul O鈥橤rady

Wednesday 27 December, 9-10pm

In this special following the sad passing of Paul earlier this year, Radio 2 remembers and celebrates Paul O鈥橤rady through his own words from the 91热爆 Archive, looking back on his life and career. From his early years growing up in Birkenhead to his breakthrough as his alter ego Lily Savage, Paul was always a compelling storyteller. Here he recounts the strong female characters in his early life, working at the DHSS in Liverpool, the AIDS epidemic of the 1980鈥檚 and the impact that had on his life, particularly at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern where he would spend eight years perfecting the character of Lily Savage. These memories are recounted through Paul's 91热爆 interviews with Sue Lawley on Desert Island Discs, Steve Wright, Jools Holland, Gay Britannia and Inheritance Tracks.

Producer: Bob McDowall for 91热爆 Audio

Radio 2 Remembers Barry Humphries

Thursday 28 December, 9-10pm

This special, presented by Steve Wright, delves into the wonderful world of Barry Humphries celebrating his career with the multi-talented man behind-the-mask himself revealing the inspiration for his larger-than-life comedy characters, with Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson among those paying tribute.

Born in Australia in 1934, Barry鈥檚 highly provocative comedy characters were grounded in the tradition of the music hall and also honoured the rebellious spirit of the Weimar Cabaret of Berlin. There really was no-one quite like him! With lifelong success, even at the age of 89 he had no plans to retire, with another radio series in the pipeline and having won renewed acclaim on stage for his one-man show, The Man Behind the Mask, which was due for a West End run prior to his death in April 2023.

A consummate performer to the end and looking back on an incredible career spanning many decades, expect to be treated to rarely-heard recordings from Barry鈥檚 extensive back catalogue, including extracts from Dame Edna鈥檚 first and critically acclaimed 1976 commercial recording of Housewife Superstar!, Barry鈥檚 lesser-known character, Sandy Stone, and his musical classical extravaganzas with world-class orchestras such as The Song of Australia.

Contributors include Meow Meow who appeared with him in the acclaimed stage show Weimar Cabaret, Ben Dawson 鈥� the pianist who accompanied Barry鈥檚 last stage tour in 2022, author Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason and radio critic Gillian Reynolds.

Presenter: Steve Wright

Producer: Clair Wordsworth

A Strass House production

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

Sunday 31 December, 1-3pm

Tony Blackburn is getting the NYE party started with two hours of 60s party anthems.

Tony says: 鈥淥n New Year鈥檚 Eve, I鈥檒l be getting the party started with the very best of the 60s tunes we all love - the tracks that will always stand the test of time from the best decade of music.鈥�

Join Tony to kick start the New Year's Eve celebrations with hits from The Ronettes, The Beach Boys and Petula Clark. Plus he鈥檒l be sharing listeners鈥� jokes and Colin the Cockerel will be making a special appearance.

Presenter: Tony Blackburn

Producer: Mollie Davidson

A 7digital production

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

Sunday 31 December, 3-5pm

Artwork for Johnnie Walker, featuring a picture of Johnnie Walker on a red and orange background. Text reads: 鈥淪ounds of the 70s鈥�

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

Johnnie Walker says: 鈥淚 look forward to doing a very energised show live from Radio 2 to get everyone鈥檚 New Year鈥檚 Eve celebrations started. I鈥檒l be taking requests, but focussing on tracks that rock. Stevie Wonder, Marc Bolan, Bowie, Sweet, The Jackson 5, Bruce Springsteen鈥�. It鈥檚 a great excuse to play some of my favourite party tracks.鈥�

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

Presenter: Johnnie Walker

Producer: Liz Barnes

A Listen Entertainment production

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

Sunday 31 December, 5-8pm

The 鈥楽ounds Of鈥� New Year鈥檚 Eve celebrations continue with Gary Davies and a bumper three-hour edition of Sounds Of The 80s, live from the 91热爆鈥檚 Mailbox studios in Birmingham.

Gary says: 鈥淎s we all know there鈥檚 no better music to party to than 80s music - so as we get ready to welcome in 2024 join me for 3 hours of banging tunes to get the celebrations underway!鈥�

Expect wall-to-wall 80s classics to take you back as we look forward to 2024!

Presenter: Gary Davies

Producer: Johnny Kalifornia

A Listen Entertainment production

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

Sunday 31 December, 8-10pm

Owain Wyn Evans plugs in his vast collection of disco lights and provides a cocktail of hits for an effervescent 90's New Year's Eve Party.

Owain says: 鈥淕ive the disco ball a spin and fire up the smoke machine! I can鈥檛 wait to soundtrack your NYE with my CD collection of 90鈥檚 club-thumpers and anthemic hits from a decade packed full of great tunes. We鈥檒l see out 2023 in style!鈥�

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

Presenter: Owain Wyn Evans

Executive Producer: Vicki Blight-Pitt

A Bengo Media Production

Michelle Visage鈥檚 Fabulous New Year Party

Sunday 31 December, 10pm-1am

There's only one way to see out the old and bring in the new this New Year's Eve and that is with Michelle Visage live from LA. Michelle will be playing the most fabulous party anthems that no year should start - or close - without.

Three hours packed with floor fillers old and new, hand-picked by the hostest with the mostest. You鈥檒l hear Madonna, Mariah Carey, ABBA, S Club 7, Queen and more - all guaranteed to fill you with optimism for the year ahead.

Presenter: Michelle Visage

Producer: Ste Softly

A Mostest production

Your Ultimate Madonna Song

Monday 1 January, 2-5pm

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

The show will also feature extraordinary facts, stats and behind the scenes insights from archive interview clips with Madonna herself alongside collaborators including Nile Rodgers and William Orbit. Plus famous fans such as Alesha Dixon, Gabrielle, Louise, Vicky McClure, Mark Owen, Faye Tozer and more describe their love for her.

Scott says: 鈥淢adonna has been an incomparable trailblazer since she first donned her lace fingerless gloves in 1983 and burst into the pop world with Holiday. What a dream for me to be able to spend three hours counting down Radio 2 listeners鈥� favourite tracks!鈥�

Your Ultimate Madonna Song will also be exclusively available on 91热爆 Sounds from Boxing Day along with Michelle Visage: My Queen - Madonna and Madonna at the 91热爆 - which are both broadcast on Radio 2 tonight.

Presenter: Scott Mills

Producer: Mark Simpson

A 91热爆 Audio production

Michelle Visage: My Queen - Madonna

Monday 1 January, 5-6pm

Michelle Visage presents a show devoted to her queen, Madonna.

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

Michelle says: 鈥淭his is a show I鈥檝e wanted to make my entire life, and is a personal and heartfelt love letter to the woman who changed my life... and the world. Her support of the lgbtqia+ community is legendary, and I can鈥檛 wait to celebrate her EVERYTHING!鈥�

Packed with classic hits, live performances, archive interviews and news reports, this show will remind us all just why Madonna is, and always will be, The Queen of Pop. As a belated Christmas present to Madonna fans, this programme is available exclusively on 91热爆 Sounds on Boxing Day.

Presenter: Michelle Visage

Producer: Ste Softly

A Mostest production

Madonna at the 91热爆

Monday 1 January, 6-7pm

This programme features 91热爆 radio and television archive interviews with Madonna, the star of stage, screen and sound, discussing her rise to fame and fortune, her ambition, reinvention and controversies, all alongside key songs from across her incredible career.

Madonna remembers her years in the worlds of dance, electronic music and disco, her acting in A League Of Their Own and Dick Tracy, and the furore over her book, Sex. Admitting she has an outrageous personality and a bold and confrontational style, listeners will discover how she prepares for tours and recording in the studio. She discusses her feelings for albums including Erotica, Bedtime Stories, Ray Of Light and Rebel Heart, and there are in-depth interviews from her first appearance on Radio 1 when Holiday had just reached No. 40 in the charts, through to later conversations with Jackie Brambles, Terry Wogan, Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley amongst others.

This show is available exclusively on 91热爆 Sounds from Boxing Day.

Producer: Mark Simpson

A 91热爆 Audio production

91热爆 Radio 3

This year, 91热爆 Radio 3 presents the best in classical music and spoken word with an eclectic programme that celebrates the sounds and stories that make Christmas such a special time of the year. From Elizabeth Alker exploring Yorkshire carols, through to Professor Fiona Stafford investigating the surprising secrets behind the Christmas pudding, there is much to look forward to this Christmas season. There is also an array of special guests such as Lise Davidsen, Gareth Malone, John Rutter and Anna Lapwood, as well as top performances from the 91热爆 Singers, London Philharmonic Orchestra鈥檚 Brass Ensemble and many more.

Alongside special Christmas programming, there will also be festive editions of 91热爆 Radio 3 favourites, including Composer of the Week, In Tune, The Verb, Late Junction, J to Z, Record Review, Freeness and Night Tracks.

Clive Myrie at Christmas

Sunday 3 December 鈥� Sunday 24 December, 1pm 鈥� 2pm

On Sunday lunchtimes throughout December, broadcaster Clive Myrie returns to 91热爆 Radio 3 to bring together a feast of Advent and Christmas classical music alongside some of his personal discoveries.

Sunday 3 December

Clive recalls the excitement of Advent as a child and reveals the Christmas jazz track which conjures up a particularly cosy Christmas feeling for him. He also explains how he tries to keep the festive spirit alive when working away at Christmas in difficult times, and reveals his family's tradition of watching a Christmas film on Boxing Day when he is at home.

Sunday 10 December

Clive reveals the yuletide television event which made him so excited when he was younger, and recalls skating with his wife at Christmas in Washington DC. He also looks back to his schooldays playing in the school orchestra at this time of year, and imagines what Christmas would have been like at the Bach's house.

Sunday 17 December

Clive discusses how extensive Christmas decorations can get, and reveals his favourite Christmas book. He also explains why presents can't go under the tree too early in the Myrie house.

Sunday 24 December

Clive recalls the highs and lows of his Christmases spent in Asia, and remembers the Christmas Eves of his childhood. He also explains what Christmas has in store for him this year.

Breakfast 鈥� 91热爆 Radio 3 Carol Competition Special

Thursday 14 December, 6.30am 鈥� 9am

For this year鈥檚 91热爆 Radio 3 Carol Competition, music lovers were invited to write a tune or melody to a new lyric by Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage. Titled Polaris, it is inspired by a transformative visit to Antarctica.

Another special aspect of this year鈥檚 competition is the addition of the 11-to-15-year-old category, which will see young people allowed to enter the carol contest for the first time.

Four entries from each category, 11-15-year-olds, and 16+, have been shortlisted to go through to the second phase of the competition, with the successful entrants working with arranger, Iain Farrington (one of the twelve Coronation composers) to transform their melodies into finely crafted and fully harmonised Christmas carols.

Performed live to the public for the first time by the 91热爆 Singers on this special Breakfast programme, the eight arranged carols will be presented across 91热爆 Radio 3 programmes until Wednesday 20 December, when voting closes. The winning carol will be announced on Radio 3鈥檚 Breakfast show on Thursday 21 December, and played throughout the festive season.

A panel of judges have shortlisted this year鈥檚 finalists, including broadcaster Clive Myrie, Blue Peter鈥檚 Mwaksy Mudenda, Dan Hyde, Director of Music at King鈥檚 College, Cambridge, and Beverley McGeown who operates Open Arts Community Choir in Northern Ireland. Chairing this year鈥檚 judges is Abimbola Amoako-Gyampah from the Coronation Gospel Choir, who performed at the Coronation of King Charles III.

Inside Music

Saturday 16 December - Saturday 23 December, 1pm 鈥� 3pm

Inside Music in late December will feature two stars of the choral music world, Anna Lapwood and Eric Whitacre. They鈥檒l be taking listeners deep into the heart of their personal Christmas classical selections, with insights and stories to conjure up a distinctive festive flavour.

Eric Whitacre

Saturday 16 December

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

Anna Lapwood

Saturday 23 December

Organist and conductor Anna Lapwood hosts a festive edition of Inside Music bursting with seasonal treats, including a favourite moment from Bach鈥檚 Christmas Oratorio and A Christmas Fantasy from the Ayoub Sisters. Plus, some of the UK鈥檚 best-loved carols are reimagined by the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band and then by pianist Alexis Ffrench.

EBU Christmas Around Europe

Sunday 17 December, 9am 鈥� 11.30pm

91热爆 Radio 3鈥檚 annual day of live and recorded Christmas concerts gathered together by the European Broadcasting Union.

Presented in intervals throughout the day, this year鈥檚 offering includes concerts from Amsterdam (featuring the Choir of St John鈥檚 College, Cambridge), Stockholm, Helsinki, Reykjavik (featuring experimental ensemble Nordic Affect), Copenhagen, Hanover, Paris (the complete Nutcracker ballet) and London, with the 91热爆 Singers.

9am 鈥� 1pm EBU Christmas Around Europe: Part 1
2pm 鈥� 3pm EBU Christmas Around Europe: Part 2
4pm 鈥� 11.30pm EBU Christmas Around Europe: Part 3

Composer of the Week: A Vaughan Williams Christmas

Monday 18 December 鈥� Friday 21 December, 12noon-1pm

In this special week of programmes, Kate Molleson explores Vaughan Williams鈥� experiences of Christmas across his life, and the music he wrote to celebrate the festive period. Kate explores the composer鈥檚 early experiences of Christmas at his home at Leith Hill Place, through to festivities back in London during his later years where he would host an annual carol party at his home at Hanover Terrace. The series also discusses the composer鈥檚 last trip to the USA and we hear music from his Christmas pieces Hodie and The First Nowell.

The Essay: The Story of Puddings

Monday 18 December 鈥� Friday 21 December, 11.45pm 鈥� 12.00am

Photo of a pavlova indulgently decorated with chopped fruit and sauce.

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

Monday: Tapioca

Tapioca is equally loved and loathed - this hot and cold 鈥榝rog spawn鈥� pudding鈥檚 story is reverse imperialism; an east Asian dessert with many guises, seen as old-fashioned in Britain, now hyper-trendy, conquering new global markets as 鈥榩earls鈥� in bubble tea. Tapioca symbolises one of many puddings that came to Europe from 鈥榯he colonies鈥� and was embraced and customised in the UK.

Tuesday: Summer Pudding

Summer Pudding, the supposedly quintessentially English dessert (mixed berries encased in juice-soaked stale bread), began life as a symbol of health food for weight-conscious American women over a century ago. It鈥檚 an invention from Victorian times, originally called 鈥榟ydropathic pudding鈥�. Key ingredients: berries, sugar and stale bread. The changing variety of berries charts the growth of global trading and capitalism.

Wednesday: Cr猫me Br没l茅e

Cr猫me Br没l茅e (meaning burnt cream) is a pudding thought of as a French creation (1697), but its surprising back story saw British food historians claim it was a creation by the chefs at Trinity College, Cambridge (founded in 1546), prompting French academics to then cite their version from the early 1500s. French aristocracy鈥檚 fervent embracing of Cr猫me Br没l茅e as a wealth and status symbol put this pudding on the international map, but it was soon abandoned by the French post-Revolution.

Thursday: Pavlova

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

Friday: Christmas Pudding

Christmas pudding, a British icon. Initially seen as a medieval religious symbol, it now owes much of its modern prominence to Charles Dickens. Exported as Empire Pudding, it is loved by many around the Commonwealth. There are surprising local adaptations in Asia (especially India) and the Caribbean, with people adding spices and exotic elements to the dessert, renaming it as their own Christmas tradition.

In Tune Christmas Special

Wednesday 20 December, 5pm 鈥� 7pm

Live from the Radio Theatre at 91热爆 Broadcasting House in London, presenters Katie Derham and Sean Rafferty host a Christmas party celebration like no other.

With special live contributions from some of the show鈥檚 greatest performer friends, including cellist Natalie Clein, folk singer Cara Dillon, pianist Iain Farrington, Alex Mendham and His Orchestra, and the 91热爆 Singers, the programme features some favourite Christmas classics alongside seasonal readings from poet Joseph Coelho.

Breakfast: Radio 3 Carol Competition winner announced

Thursday 21 December, 6.30am 鈥� 9am

In this special edition of the Breakfast programme, the winners of the 91热爆 Radio 3 Carol Competition are announced.

Following the first public broadcast of the eight shortlisted carols on the 14 December, the public have been voting for this year鈥檚 winners from the 11-15-year-old, and 16+ categories.

Gareth Malone at Christmas

Thursday 21 December, 5pm 鈥� 7pm

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

Friday 22 December, 5pm 鈥� 7pm

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

The Verb Christmas Special

Friday 22 December, 10pm 鈥� 10.45pm

Ian McMillan hosts a special Christmas edition of The Verb from the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge, recorded in front of a live audience.

Late Junction: WaqWaq Kingdom and NYX in session

Friday 22 December, 11pm 鈥� 1am

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

Record Review Christmas Edition with John Rutter

Saturday 23 December, 9am - 11.45am

Andrew McGregor presents the best new recordings of Christmas music in a special festive edition.

Conductor and composer of so many Christmas favourites including All Bells in Paradise and Angels鈥� Carol, John Rutter unwraps the most exciting releases and shares his 'On Repeat' track 鈥� a recording which he is currently listening to again and again.

This Classical Life 鈥� Jess Gillam with Lise Davidsen

Saturday 23 December, 12.30pm 鈥� 1pm

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

Sound of Cinema - Christmas Special

Saturday 23 December, 3pm 鈥� 4.15pm

Sound of Cinema is in concert this Christmas with the 91热爆 Philharmonic and conductor Ben Palmer, offering a festive mix of film music from across the decades.

Matthew Sweet introduces scores from timeless classics such A Christmas Carol, It鈥檚 a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34

^th

Street. Also included in the mix is music from Gremlins and The Chronicles of Narnia, plus an exuberant orchestral journey aboard The Polar Express. Matthew, Ben and the orchestra are also joined by the singer Nina Bennett for a Christmas moment marking the 60th anniversary of Dr Who.

Music Planet: A Folk Christmas

Saturday 23 December, 4.15pm 鈥� 5pm

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

J to Z Christmas special

Saturday 23 December, 5pm 鈥� 6.30pm

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

Opera on 3: Rimsky Korsakov鈥檚 Christmas Eve

Saturday 23 December, 6.30pm 鈥� 10pm

A snowstorm has hit the village where the blacksmith Wakula (Mikhail Vekua) is unhappily in love with Oksana (Sofia Fomina). She'll only marry him if gives her the Tsarina's golden shoes. The villagers are singing Kolyadkas (Ukrainian Christmas carols) but Wakula is not in the mood for singing. In desperation, he turns to the devil to fly him to the capital to get the shoes for Oksana. Will this be enough to win her hand?

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

Freeness: Peace Pieces

Sunday 24 December, 12.00am 鈥� 1am

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

Sunday Morning with Sarah Walker

Sunday 24 December, 9am 鈥� 1pm

Sarah Walker dons her finest festive jumper for a special Christmas Eve edition of Sunday Morning, featuring a feast of seasonal classical music. Sarah will be joined live in the studio by special guests from the London Philharmonic Orchestra鈥檚 Brass Ensemble who will be playing a selection of favourite Christmas tunes, as well as mixing in a few surprises.

Alongside the live music, Sarah will be unveiling a playlist featuring composers and performers for whom Christmas is a particularly special time of the year.

Sunday Feature: While Shepherds Watched

Sunday 24 December, 6.15pm 鈥� 7pm

Elizabeth Alker explores the tradition of South Yorkshire carolling in this special Sunday Feature.

Originally sung in churches by musicians and choirs, the carol tradition in the Victorian era suffered a huge reverse in popularity. Carols, it seemed, had failed the Victorian humour test and all but a few were driven out of churches. However, these carols have found a new home in pubs around Sheffield and South Yorkshire where the tradition has survived intact.

According to international carol singing expert, the musicologist Dr Ian Russell, Professor Emeritus of the University of Aberdeen, the movement is proving increasingly popular, spreading across county lines to other parts of the UK and abroad. The tradition of carol composing is flourishing there too, with over thirty charted versions of While Shepherds Watched, as well as revivals of once lost examples.

Elizabeth Alker sets out in search of lost carols, a thriving and binding social phenomenon, speaking with Dr. Russell, local punters and folk musicians like Kate Rusby, one of a number of musicians who are enabling this hidden tradition to flourish.

Sara Mohr-Pietsch鈥檚 Hygge Christmas

Sunday 24 December, 7pm 鈥� 9pm

Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents two hours of intimate, eclectic and beautiful festive music with a Scandinavian twist, evoking the famous Danish feeling of 鈥榟ygge.鈥�

Her playlist includes tracks by Norwegian jazz pianist Bugge Wesseltoft, Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, folk group Lodestar Trio, Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, Concerto Copenhagen and the Danish String Quartet.

Radio 3 at Ronnie鈥檚

Sunday 24 December, 9pm 鈥� 10.30pm

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

Ultimate Calm with 脫lafur Arnalds and Loreen

Sunday 24 December, 10.30pm 鈥� 12.30am

Artwork for Ultimate Calm on 91热爆 Radio 3, featuring a picture of a person with their eyes closed. Text on the image reads: 鈥淯ltimate calm with 脫lafur Arnalds.

In this special two-hour seasonal episode of Ultimate Calm with Icelandic composer 脫lafur Arnalds, 脫lafur shares a selection of tracks to transport listeners out of the hectic noise that comes with this time of year, and reflects on how music can be an escape.

We visit two musical safe havens over the course of the episode, hearing the music that 脫lafur鈥檚 special guests retreat to in times of stress. Swedish singer-songwriter and Eurovision winner Loreen shares a track that combines piano with the sounds of nature, and Jess and Camilla from English indie folk band The Staves pick a soothing song that makes them take a deep breath and gives them respite from the busy chaos of life.

Christmas Morning live with Petroc Trelawny

Monday 25 December, 9am 鈥� 1pm

Bring extra sparkle to festive celebrations by joining Petroc Trelawny, live from London鈥檚 Broadcasting House, with his uplifting selection of seasonal music and star guests.

As well as featuring music that celebrates Christmas traditions around the globe, Petroc will be playing personal favourites, and listeners will be able to message the show to request seasonal music of their choice for their Christmas morning.

Christmas Afternoon with Sean Rafferty

Monday 25 December, 3pm 鈥� 5pm

Festive music to thrill, sooth and nourish on Christmas afternoon, with musical surprises and Sean's special guests.

Words & Music: Seasons Greetings

Monday 25 December, 5pm 鈥� 6.15pm

In this festive edition of Words & Music, actors Dominic West and Gemma Whelan read poetry and prose exploring everything that makes for a magical Christmas: family and friends, festive food, the giving of gifts, wintery weather, angels, shepherds, and three wise men.

With texts by C.S Lewis, Anne Bront毛, Charles Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Laura Ingalls Wilder, and a feast of seasonal music from classical to contemporary.

New Music Show: Oh Bobby! An Experimental Christmas Pantomime

Saturday 30 December, 10am 鈥� 12am

Tom Service presents Oh Bobby! - a brand-new, experimental Christmas pantomime composed by Adam de la Cour and performed by a troupe of new music practitioners, including Neil Luck, Lore Lixenberg, Alwynne Pritchard and more.

This is an unashamedly absurd take on the traditional panto, appealing to fans of the experimental and those who revel in the ridiculous. Taking the form of a radio play, and recorded live before a studio audience, the show is interactive, with the audience performing their part by responding to the live action.

The plot revolves around the misadventures of characters such as Tobbin, a Virtual Reality obsessed Cockney urchin; Windows Twanky, an AI Dame; and Blotto the sock puppet, as they traverse the pitfalls and pumice stones of the year 2035.

91热爆 Performing Groups

91热爆 Orchestras and Choirs will be celebrating Christmas with carol concerts, festive classics, movie music, and orchestral treats, with a number of concerts broadcast across 91热爆 Radio 3, 91热爆 Radio 2 and 91热爆 Radio Manchester and Scotland.

91热爆 Singers

Over the month of December the 91热爆 Singers are involved in a range of Christmas activity. As well as performances, their Christmas album Carols Revisited has been released by Warner music. Additionally, the Singers will perform shortlisted and finalist compositions for 91热爆 Radio 3鈥檚 annual Carol Competition.

Handel-Mozart: Messiah

Sunday 10 December, 7pm at Saffron Hall and Tuesday 12 December, 7.30pm at Barbican, London 鈥� TX Thursday 21 December, 7.30pm on 91热爆 Radio 3

The 91热爆 Singers and Chief Conductor Sofi Jeannin are joined by the Britten Sinfonia and soloists for Mozart鈥檚 version of Handel鈥檚 Messiah. Soloists are soprano Hilary Cronin, alto Helen Charlston, tenor Laurence Kilsby and bass Morgan Pearse.

Contemporary carols with the 91热爆 Singers

Thursday 21 December, 2.30pm at Temple Church, London 鈥� TX Friday 22 December, 2pm on 91热爆 Radio 3

The 91热爆 Singers and Chief Conductor Sofi Jeannin join organist Ashley Grote for one of their festive highlights; a concert of carols old and new.

91热爆 Concert Orchestra

Gospel Messiah with Marin Alsop

Thursday 7 December, 7.30pm at the Royal Albert Hall 鈥� TX Tuesday 12 December, 7.30pm on 91热爆 Radio 3

Marin Alsop brings the European premiere of Gospel Messiah to the Royal Albert Hall; a re-imagined version of Handel鈥檚 Messiah with musical arrangements by Bob Christianson and Gary Anderson. Alongside the 91热爆 CO, the performance will feature tenor Zwakele Tshabalala and Vanessa Haynes, one of the finest voices on the British soul scene.

A Christmas Gaiety

Tuesday 12 December, 7.30pm at the Royal Albert Hall

Drag sensation Peaches Christ and conductor Edwin Outwater are throwing a Christmas party. With the 91热爆 Concert Orchestra leading the music, there鈥檒l be singing, dancing and special guests including Baga Chipz, Kerry Ellis and Le Gateau Chocolat.

Trevor Nelson鈥檚 Soul Christmas

Monday 18 December, 7.30pm at the Royal Albert Hall 鈥� TX Thursday 21 December at 10pm on 91热爆 Radio 2

Award-winning 91热爆 Radio 2 and Radio 1Xtra DJ Trevor Nelson is a household name across the UK and he is a champion for R鈥榥鈥橞 music worldwide. After the success of concerts in 2019 and 2022, he returns with a host of special guests performing re-imagined and re-scored iconic tracks alongside the 91热爆 Concert Orchestra.

91热爆 Philharmonic

91热爆 Philharmonic and 91热爆 Radio Manchester鈥檚 Christmas Concert

Friday 15 December, Dukinfield Town Hall time tbc 鈥� TX on 91热爆 Radio Manchester with date and time details to be confirmed

91热爆 Radio Manchester鈥檚 annual Christmas concert with the 91热爆 Philharmonic with presenters and special guests to be revealed.

91热爆 National Orchestra Of Wales

Carols for Christmas with the 91热爆 National Chorus of Wales

Sunday 10 December, 2pm and 4.30pm at 91热爆 Hoddinott Hall, Cardiff and Sunday 17 December, 3pm at Prichard-Jones Hall, Bangor

91热爆 National Chorus of Wales鈥檚 Artistic Director Adrian Partington brings glittering Christmas festivity to venues across Wales. Audiences will have the chance to sing along to festive favourites and there will be readings from 91热爆 Wales presenters, accompaniment by the brass and percussion of 91热爆 NOW, and massed choirs from across Wales.

91热爆 Scottish Symphony Orchestra

Christmas at the Movies

Sunday 17 December, 3pm at Glasgow City Halls and Monday 18 December, 7.30pm at Usher Hall, Edinburgh 鈥� TX on 91热爆 Radio Scotland with date and time details to be confirmed

The 91热爆 Scottish Symphony Orchestra鈥檚 annual festive feast of movie music returns to Glasgow City Halls, and for the first time will also be at Edinburgh鈥檚 Usher Hall. Singer and presenter Jamie MacDougall will present the evening and Roderick Dunk will conduct a programme of sumptuous sounds from Hollywood鈥檚 Golden Age, as well as John Williams blockbusters and Disney favourites.

Christmas Classics

Wednesday 20 December, 7.30pm at Ayr Town Hall and Friday 22 December, 7.30pm at Aberdeen Music Hall 鈥� TX on 91热爆 Radio Scotland with date and time details to be confirmed

The 91热爆 Scottish Symphony Orchestra鈥檚 annual Christmas event returns to Ayr and Aberdeen for an evening of orchestral magic hosted by the wonderful Jamie MacDougall and conducted by Roderick Dunk.

91热爆 Radio 4 and 4 Extra

This Christmas, Radio 4 will be taking listeners on a host of festive adventures, travelling overground and underground with childhood favourite The Wombles, narrated by Richard E Grant, directed by Johnny Vegas and based on Elisabeth Beresford鈥檚 original books.

As part of the ongoing celebrations of 100 years of radio drama, A.L. Kennedy's play A Single Act is led by Bill Nighy, in a homage to the inventiveness of radio. John Finnemore reprises his role in a return to Moominvalley in Comet in Moominland narrated by Samantha Bond.

Fans of the supernatural will be treated to paranormal enthusiast Danny Robins joining Daisy May Cooper for a special sleepover at her home to investigate some very mysterious goings on for an Uncanny Christmas special.

The Today programme will mark 20 years of Christmas Guest Editors with another host of influential names, including musician Ellie Goulding and author and screenwriter Hanif Kureishi.

Conversation across Radio 4 this festive season includes Desert Island Discs with film-director Greta Gerwig, head Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas in the run up to Christmas and cookery legend Delia Smith on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, actress Ruth Jones will look back at her early comic inspirations for With Great Pleasure at Christmas. Whilst over on 4 Extra, a whole day of celebrations of the late great Nicholas Parsons, including his reading of A Christmas Carol, interspersed with original songs and carols.

Screenshot will also be celebrating the Christmas classics with a Double Acts special and guests including one half of one of the most famous double acts of all: Stephen Fry.

There will be plenty to make listeners chuckle this Christmas as Martin Jarvis entertains a packed house with a new performance of Just William, and much-loved character Bob Servant, played by Brian Cox, announces his retirement from public life in a new two-part series, Bob Servant Says Cheerio. There鈥檚 seasonal specials of The News Quiz, Dead Ringers and The Infinite Monkey Cage.

Desert Island Discs: Greta Gerwig, Shirley Ballas and Delia Smith

Sunday 10 December, 17 December, 24 December, 11.15am - 12noon

Image of Lauren Laverne and Greta Gerwig sat in the studio for 91热爆 Radio 4鈥檚 Desert Island Discs. — Lauren Laverne and Greta Gerwig

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 includefilm-director Greta Gerwig, head Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas in the run up to Christmas and cookery legend Delia Smith on Christmas Eve.

Mythical Creatures

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Monday 18 December, 1.45pm 鈥� 2pm

Fantasy writer Rhianna Pratchett takes us across an enchanted British Isles to discover mythical creatures that lurk in all corners of the land. She uncovers what they can tell us about our history, our world and our lives today.

In the first episode of the series, Rhianna is on the trail of Black Dogs. She visits Suffolk, to hear a tale of a hellhound that left its mark on the small town of Bungay. It鈥檚 one of many spectral black dogs that are said to stalk coastal paths and lonely crossroads. Rhianna explores why Black Dogs appear so often in folklore, and their psychological link to fear and negative emotions.

Storyteller: Michael Lambourne

Other Contributors: Helen Bruce, Mark Norman

Presenter: Rhianna Pratchett

Producers: Lorna Skingley and Sarah Harrison

Executive Producer: Mel Harris

Production Manager: Nikki Cannon

Original Music by Ben MacDougall

Sound Design and Mixing: John Scott

A 7digital production for 91热爆 Radio 4

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A Wireless War

Monday 18 December, 2.15pm 鈥� 3pm

At the outbreak of war in 1939, the 91热爆 evacuated its newly-formed Radio Drama Company of actors, led by Val Gielgud, to Worcestershire. To mark a hundred years of radio drama at the 91热爆, a cast of current and former members of the RDC perform this new drama by Hannah Khalil. So how do you record a play in the stables of a Victorian stately home?

We Forced a Bot to Write this Show

Wednesday 20 December, 11pm 鈥� 11.15pm

1/6

We forced Artificial Intelligence to digest massive amounts of human media and then write its own versions. Everything from The One Show, Game of Thrones, Friends, Songs of Praise and more via movies, fables, adverts, Shakespeare, poetry and, er, gardening tips (and much much more) are forever ruined by technology.

We take the scripts, push them word-for-word into the mouths of actors, and the result is absurdly, joyously - and then absurdly again - hilarious.

This is the comedy that conclusively proves that AI is an absolute idiot.

Based on materials by Keaton Patti.

Adapted by Jon Holmes.

Additional Material:

Jon Holmes

Sarah Dempster

Gareth Ceredig

Produced and Directed by Jon Holmes

An unusual production for 91热爆 Radio 4

Toast

Thursday 21 December, 12:30pm 鈥� 1pm

Sean Farrington and Sam White return with a special edition of the 91热爆 Radio 4 series which examines grand business ideas that promised a lot to consumers but ended up鈥� toast. In this Christmas episode, the pair examine the fortunes of the much-loved American toy superstore Toys 鈥楻鈥� Us. In 2018, it was forced to close all of its UK stores, but it鈥檚 making a comeback. So why did the firm disappear from the UK and how does it hope to appeal to consumers now?

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The Archers

Thursday 21 December, 7pm 鈥� 7.15pm

Curmudgeonly Sykesy takes to the stage at St Stephen鈥檚 comedy night 鈥淕agriculture!鈥� to help raise much needed funds for the village church. As Sykesy performs his close to the wire humour to a packed Ambridge audience, Alan nervously wonders whether the show will encourage his congregation back after Peggy鈥檚 boycott, or drive them further away. Elsewhere Christmas is on the move for some villagers, an emergency leads to one couple getting unexpectedly close and Kate finds there鈥檚 no room at the inn for her.

*Jasper Carrott plays the part of 鈥楽ykesy鈥� in The Archers and contributed some of his own material for Sykesy鈥檚 routine.

Dead Ringers Christmas special

Friday 22 December, 6.30pm 鈥� 7pm

All the news plucked and roasted, without the gravy or sprouts. Featuring all the people you鈥檇 least like to have Christmas dinner with.

Performed by Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Jan Ravens, Jess Robinson and Duncan Wisbey. Produced and created by Bill Dare.

Screenshot: Double Acts

Friday 22 December, 7.15pm 鈥� 8pm

At the festive time of year it鈥檚 hard to escape those classic double acts and their equally classic Christmas specials, think Morecambe & Wise, the Two Ronnies, French & Saunders. In this episode Ellen E Jones & Mark Kermode explore the origins, legacy, and evolution of the double act across film and TV, both in front of and behind the camera. Guests include one half of a double act whose members have both gone on to have successful careers beyond the partnership 鈥� Stephen Fry, once of Fry & Laurie.

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Today programme 鈥� guest editors

Saturday 23 December 鈥� Monday 1 January (no programme on Christmas Day and Sundays), Monday to Friday 6-9am; Saturday 7-9am

Photos of the seven guest editors, including Andrew Malkinson, Ellie Goulding, Dame Emma Walmsley and Hanif Kureishi. Bottom (L-R): James May, Professor Jason Arday and Dr Nicky Fox. — Top (L-R): Andrew Malkinson, Ellie Goulding, Dame Emma Walmsley and Hanif Kureishi. Bottom (L-R): James May, Professor Jason Arday and Dr Nicky Fox

For the past 20 years, 91热爆 Radio 4鈥檚 Today programme has handed over the editorial reins to high-profile public figures during the week between Christmas and New Year. This year, seven Guest Editors, including musician Ellie Goulding and presenter James May, will work on the 91热爆鈥檚 flagship news and current affairs programme during the festive period.

This year鈥檚 line-up includes:

Dr Nicky Fox 鈥� Associate Administrator for NASA鈥檚 Science Mission Directorate (23 December)
Hanif Kureishi 鈥� Author and screenwriter (26 December)
James May 鈥� Grand Tour and former Top Gear presenter (27 December)
Ellie Goulding - musician, activist and philanthropist (28 December)
Andrew Malkinson 鈥� cleared this year after being wrongfully convicted and jailed for 17 years (29 December)
Professor Jason Arday 鈥� sociologist, writer and fundraiser (30 December)
Dame Emma Walmsley - CEO global biopharma company, GSK (1 Jan)

Comet in Moominland

Saturday 23 December, 3pm 鈥� 4pm

Reuniting the same team that brought you Moominland Midwinter, John Finnemore reprises his role as Moomintroll, and Samantha Bond narrates.

We return to Moominvalley for another story concerning the Moomins, in which Moomintroll sets off on a quest to discover the truth about the Comet. He meets new friends, has exciting adventures, and faces up to what looks like it might be the end of the world, but still finds time for some late-night dancing and a few cups of palm wine.

Narrator . . . . . Samantha Bond

Moomintroll . . . . . John Finnemore

Moominpappa . . . . . Samuel West

Moominmamma . . . . . Ann Bryson

The Muskrat . . . . . Cyril Nri

Sniff . . . . . Clare Corbett

Snufkin . . . . . Alex Waldmann

The Hemulen . . . . . Edalia Day

Snork Maiden . . . . . Jasmine Naziha Jones

Snork . . . . . Adam Colborne

Written by Tove Jansson

Dramatised by Robin Brooks

Sound Design by Lucinda Mason Brown

Directed and Produced by Fiona McAlpine

An Allegra production for 91热爆 Radio 4 and 91热爆 Sounds

The Infinite Monkey Cage

Saturday 23 December, 7.15pm 鈥� 8pm

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by the longest running science show in the world, The Sky at Night, alongside comedian and astronomy enthusiast Dara O'Briain for the ultimate guide to studying the stars from your own back garden. Sky At Night presenters Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock, Chris Lintott and Pete Lawrence join the panel to offer their top tips to backyard astronomy over the winter season. From binoculars to telescopes and even the naked eye: meteor showers, planetary moons and oddly-behaving galaxies are just some of the heavenly phenomena visible with or without equipment from the comfort of your own garden or local park. An out-of-this-world seasonal special.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

I鈥檓 Sorry I Haven鈥檛 a Clue

Sunday 24 December, 12pm 鈥� 12.30pm

6/6 (repeat)

End of 80th series. Back for a second week at the Dorking Halls, panellists Fred Macaulay, Milton Jones, Jo Brand and Omid Djalili compete with one another, with Jack Dee the unimpressed umpire. Piano accompaniment is provided by Colin Sell. Produced by Jon Naismith for 91热爆 Studios. Repeat.

The Food Programme

Sunday 24 December, 12.30pm鈥� 1pm

Cooking at Christmas is so much more than just the main meal, so this year Sheila Dillon, and chef Thomasina Miers, show us how to do more with less. Sheila Dillon joins chef Thomasina Miers in her kitchen who shows her why she thinks some of the most delightful meals at Christmas are made with the leftovers, and she shares her family tradition for doctoring mince pies, to make a much more extravagant treat. Plus the pair connect with friends whose lives this Christmas feel far from normal, to hear how tradition and food can bring joy, even in the most strained situations.

Presented by Sheila Dillon

Produced for 91热爆 Audio in Bristol by Natalie Donovan

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Pilgrimage for a Pint

Sunday 24 December, 4.30pm 鈥� 5pm

Folk musicians Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart set out on a journey to the most remote pub in mainland Britain - The Old Forge in Inverie. Located on the Knoydart Peninsular on the west coast of Scotland, the pub is only accessible by a 15 mile hike through the hills from the nearest single-track road, or by sailing into Loch Nevis from the port of Mallaig.

Joining Julie and Karine are fellow musicians Iain MacFarlane and Ingrid Henderson, and the poets Sarah Grant and Doug Wilson Garry. They have set themselves the challenge of writing a new song and composing poetry about their two different pilgrimages for a pint. Aiming to capture their experiences in words and music - and all in time for a special 'Sunday Session' at The Old Forge where they join the locals for a fun evening celebrating the recent community buyout of this remotest of pubs.

More songs from the The Old Forge session can be found on 91热爆 Radio 2's The Folk Show with Mark Radcliffe on 91热爆 Sounds.

Producer: Lewis Harrower

A Soundscape production for 91热爆 Radio 4.

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Just William

Sunday 24 December, 7.15pm 鈥� 7.45pm

A brand-new classic stand-up performance. Martin Jarvis entertains a packed house at the Riverhouse Barn Theatre in Walton on Thames, Surrey, with a great comic story by Richmal Crompton. This classic tale was written a hundred years ago, but the comic invention is timeless.

William, inspired by the Vicar鈥檚 sermon, resolves to speak only the truth over Christmas. With unexpected results.

Sound Engineers: Martin Mitchell and Tom Bullen

Director: Rosalind Ayres

A Jarvis & Ayres production for 91热爆 Radio 4.

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How To Play: The Nutcracker Suite with Birmingham Ballet

Monday 25 December, 8.30am 鈥� 9am

The Royal Ballet Sinfonia invite us into their rehearsal rooms as they prepare for their Christmas season with Birmingham Royal Ballet, and performances of Tchaikovsky鈥檚 seasonal favourite: The Nutcracker. On Christmas night, Clara is whisked away on a fairy-tale adventure with her Nutcracker doll, travelling through swirling snowflakes to an enchanted kingdom of sweets. Conductor, Thomas Jung and members of the orchestra explain how they work together to bring this magical ballet music to life, including the famous Waltz of the Flowers and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

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Ian Fleming by Nicholas Shakespeare

Monday 25 December, 9.45am 鈥� 10am

Ian Fleming's greatest creation, James Bond, has had an enormous and ongoing impact on our culture, but Fleming was only a thriller writer in his last twelve years. Fleming's personal life and impressive career in Naval Intelligence put him at the heart of critical movements in world history, whilst providing rich inspiration for his fiction.

Exceptionally well connected, and widely travelled, from the US and Soviet Russia to his beloved Jamaica, Ian had access to the most powerful political figures at a time of profound change. Nicholas Shakespeare's fascinating biography, with unprecedented access to the Fleming family papers, uncovers new material and throws new light on an extraordinary man. Ian Fleming would strive all his life to throw off the shadows of his gifted older brother, and be a complete man, but ultimately was then overshadowed by his own famous creation.

Abridger - Rowan Routh

Producer - Pauline Harris

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Woman鈥檚 Hour

Monday 25 December, 10am 鈥� 11am

We take a seasonal deep dive on the sprout to tell you why every woman needs them in her life.

The Brits鈥� love-hate relationship with the veg is well known, but did you know this humble member of the brassica family is in fact a veritable superfood that can bring health benefits to women?

The brussel sprout is rich in coumestrol, a type of phytonutrient that can help regulate the hormone estrogen.

Anita Rani finds out how these mini cabbages came to our shores from Afghanistan via Belgium and how it became a Christmas day staple.

We鈥檒l be hearing from sprout farmers, pickers and scientists, not to mention getting some cooking tips from the nation鈥檚 favourite chefs, as well as listeners鈥� tips about how they like to eat theirs.

And yes, it is true that they don鈥檛 taste like they used to. About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made sprouts bitter and they鈥檝e been modified to make them sweeter. So for more of that, roll up your sleeves, tune in and get peeling this 鈥渜ueen鈥� of vegetables.

Tuesday 26 December, 10am 鈥� 11am

Women who have turned super-sleuth to uncover life changing facts. From searching for missing relatives, to shining a light on forgotten female musicians and delving into historical mysteries we hear from women who have dedicated their lives to digging for the truth.

Presenter: Nuala McGovern

Producer: Claire Fox

Monday 1 January, 10am 鈥� 11am

As 2024 kicks off Woman鈥檚 Hour speaks to women who are finding peace in all aspects of life 鈥� at home, in their community and on the global stage. We hear from women involved in climate diplomacy, hostage negotiations and even those who have stepped in to reuniting feuding friends.

Presenter: Hayley Hassall

Producer: Lottie Garton

With Great Pleasure at Christmas: Ruth Jones

Monday 25 December, 3.15pm 鈥� 4pm

Picture of Ruth Jones sat next to a microphone in a 91热爆 Radio studio.

The co-creator of the hugely-loved sit-com Gavin and Stacey shares some of her early comic inspirations as well as memories of growing up in Wales. Her readers are Steve Speirs and Yasmine Akram, with music from English folk musicians Kate Rusby and Damien O鈥橩ane.

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Christmas Miracle on Brighton Pier

Monday 25 December, 4pm 鈥� 5pm

Tim McInnerny, Mark Benton, Paul Ready and Emma Cunniffe star in Jonathan Holloway鈥檚 homage to Philip Van Doren Stern鈥檚 short story, The Greatest Gift, which became the basis for Frank Capra鈥檚 award-winning movie, It's a Wonderful Life.

It鈥檚 Christmas Eve and The Boss - father of all angels - has gathered together his flock in heaven. They are remembering the year 2023, known as the Year of the Dying Ley Lines, when the fate of humankind and Earth depended upon Eustace, an undistinguished angel on his last day of service.

His final task was to save William McFadden who, on Christmas Eve at the crack of dawn in Brighton, had stood on a Ley Line and decided he no longer wanted to live.

Only by convincing William that his life was worth living could these vital ancient powers be restored.

The past, present and alternative futures collide in this magical drama.

Cast:

The Boss - Tim McInnerny

Eustace - Mark Benton

William McFadden - Paul Ready

Ellen - Emma Cunniffe

Bob - Ben Crowe

All other parts were played by members of the cast.

Producer: Karen Rose

Sound design: David Thomas

Production coordinator: Sarah Tombling

Executive producer: Rosalynd Ward

Recorded on location in Brighton and Hove

A Sweet Talk production for 91热爆 Radio 4

The Wombles

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Monday 25th December, 6.15pm 鈥� 6.30pm (boxset available on 91热爆 Sounds from 5th December)

Johnny Vegas and Richard E Grant smile to camera from an audio recording studio. A computer in the background has 鈥楾he Wombles鈥� written on screen. — Johnny Vegas and Richard E Grant

The Wombles live under Wimbledon Common, and it is their special responsibility to 'tidy up' everything that untidy Human Beings leave behind.

Radio 4 and 91热爆 Sounds celebrate these much loved classic characters, marking 50 years since The Wombles first appeared on the 91热爆.

This joyful festive listen 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 Christmas 2023.

Full of fun and warmth, with an underpinning environmental message - this is novelty and nostalgia combined and a gift of Christmas comfort-listening for all to enjoy.

Episode 1: 'Bungo'

We are introduced to the Wombles' burrow underneath Wimbledon Common. Young Bungo has just chosen his name from Great Uncle Bulgaria's atlas and is ready to become a Womble of the World as he embarks on his first day of work, tidying the Common.

Cast and Credits:

Performed by............ Richard E Grant

Written by.................. Elisabeth Beresford

Abridged by.............. Sally Harrison and Susan Vale

Script Consultant..... Kate Robertson

With thanks to.......... Marcus Robertson

Produced by.............. Sally Harrison

Sound Engineer........ Wilfredo Acosta

Sound Designer........ Alisdair McGregor

Directed by................. Johnny Vegas

This is a Woolyback Productions and Holy Pie collaboration, for 91热爆 Radio 4 and 91热爆 Sounds

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It's a Fair Cop Christmas special

Monday 25 December, 6.30pm 鈥� 7pm

Copper turned comic Alfie Moore takes an audience through real-life crime scenarios. The topic, crime at Christmas. What's it like to be a bobby on the beat in the festive season?

The Other Side of Christmas

Monday 25 December, 10.45pm 鈥� 11pm

1/5

A selection of classic English stories begins with a tale by Margery Allingham, one of the queens of the Golden Age of Detective fiction, featuring her much loved sleuth, Campion. This is the first of two parts.

Later in the series, Mackenzie Crook reads a comic tale from his favourite author Thomas Hardy, in which a group of villagers on their return from market, reminisce about Christmases past.

Then it鈥檚 back to the early 20th century with a couple of short pieces from Hector Hugh Munro, better known as Saki, whose skill for skewering the manners and pretensions of the upper classes is turned on the business of giving and receiving Christmas presents.

To conclude the series, another winter mystery - The Lion鈥檚 Tooth by Edmund Crispin finds the author鈥檚 amateur detective, Fen, assisting a convent in finding a young victim of kidnap.

On Christmas Day in the Morning by Margery Allingham

Read by Celia Imrie

Abridged and produced by Jill Waters

A Waters Company production for 91热爆 Radio 4

Uncanny: The Haunting of Daisy May Cooper

Monday 25 December, 10pm 鈥� 10.45pm

Daisy May Cooper believes her house is haunted. The 鈥楾his Country鈥� actor and writer shares her Cotswolds home with the spirit of a dead highwayman and a pair of disembodied legs, amongst other things. Now she鈥檚 called on the help of supernatural expert Danny Robins to investigate. Can Danny survive the night in Daisy鈥檚 haunted house?

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A Single Act

Tuesday 26 December, 2.15pm 鈥� 3pm

by A.L. Kennedy

Simon Pratt ..... Bill Nighy

Joyce Zani ..... Amelia Bullmore

Ben Vane ..... Sebastian Croft

Directed by Sally Avens

Celebrating 100 years of Radio Drama, A.L. Kennedy's play is an homage to the inventiveness of radio and the world of sounds.

Simon Pratt has always wanted to be part of a double act but he leads a singular life. Now his damaged grandson needs Simon but he can't seem to connect with him nor his neighbour Joyce, with whom he has had an aborted affair. Could the magic of conjuring laughter out of sounds be the key to a happier life for all three of them?

Bill Nighy is an Academy Award nominee for the film Living and he appears regularly on Radio 4 in the titular role of Charles Paris.Amelia Bullmore is an actress and playwright. She has appeared in Coronation Street, I'm Alan Partridge and Scott and Bailey. Sebastian Croft has appeared in Game of Thrones, Horrible Histories - the Movie, Heartstopper.

A.L. Kennedy is an award winning novelist,. She also writes for stage, screen and radio and performs occasionally as a stand up comic.

Bob Servant Says Cheerio

Wednesday 27 December, 11:30am 鈥� 12pm

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After an astonishing business career in Broughty Ferry, Bob Servant (Brian Cox) is proud and humbled to announce his retirement from public life.

This event has rightfully been honoured with two special radio programmes as Bob looks back on his career; righting wrongs, bearing grudges and offering what he has learnt about life, romance, and running a relatively profitable burger van.

Bob is a largely respected expert on most topics, and his front-footed determination is unfailing - whether providing advice on the best way to approach a funeral or compliment a woman; negotiating a pardon from Tayside Police for a litany of minor criminal charges; urging his doctor to provide on-air confirmation of his physical attributes, or - most importantly 鈥� persevering in his attempts to re-establish contact with Lulu, who he met outside a petrol station in 1983 and with whom, in his words, he formed a 鈥榞enuine lifelong connection鈥�.

The two episodes feature Jonathan Watson, Phyllis Logan, Greg McHugh and Rufus Jones, plus the promise of a climactic reunion between Bob Servant and Lulu.

Episode 1: Bob reflects on his childhood and his status as a largely respected writer of romantic fiction. We鈥檒l hear extracts from his finest works 鈥� Lord Dundee鈥檚 Lover and Fifty Shades of Broughty Ferry. With the help of his lifelong pal Frank; Bob also recounts the momentous occasion when he first encountered Lulu.

Alongside the archive of the Dundee Courier, where 鈥榯hirty years of slander鈥� can be found, Bob Servant's life has been detailed in Neil Forsyth's award-winning books and cult TV series (also starring Brian Cox). Neil Forsyth is the writer and creator of the 91热爆's multi award-winning Guilt, plus hit 91热爆1 series The Gold, inspired by the Brink's Mat robbery. Tannadice Pictures.

*edit 07/12/2023

Rumpelstiltskin鈥檚 Radio Drama Romance

Sunday 31 December, 3pm 鈥� 4pm

The Radio Drama Department are recording their annual Christmas Pantomime - this year Rumpelstiltskin & The Sleeping Beauty, an enjoyable mish-mash of traditional fairy tales, given a 21st century twist. But our harassed producer Graham finds the two days鈥� recording anything but enjoyable.

Briony (the Witch) berates the play鈥檚 author for the story鈥檚 inherent sexism, the Prince worries about waking the Sleeping Beauty with a kiss without asking her permission first, and Lizzie wonders why her character appears to behave so stupidly and questions whether this reflects how others see her.

Meanwhile in the production room, the PA has gone sick, the writer鈥檚 beloved dog is ailing, and Graham the producer finds to his horror that he has been allocated a Technical Producer with whom he has had a brief, thoroughly unsatisfactory liaison after a drunken party.

What slowly becomes apparent, is that true-life events have begun eerily to mirror some of the main themes in the pantomime.

Gordon House, the writer, was once Head of 91热爆 Radio Drama and Rumpelstiltskin鈥檚 Radio Drama Romance, starring Jon Strickland as the much put-upon Graham, is his affectionate tribute to the medium.

An Essential production for 91热爆 Radio 4

Sigmund Troy鈥檇

Sunday 31 December, 7.15pm 鈥� 7.45pm

You鈥檝e seen him online, you鈥檝e seen him on Comic Relief and now, for the first time, you can hear him on Radio 4! Join Troy Hawke in this award-winning show as he does battle with a new enemy on behalf of all people everywhere鈥� psychotherapy!

In Sigmund Troy鈥檇, everyone's favourite smoking-jacket wearing comic is here to let anyone with self-doubts know that everything is OK - you deserve what you have, you鈥檙e entitled to what you鈥檝e earnt and, most importantly, you are good enough.

A social media sensation and winner of the 2022 Leicester Comedy Festival鈥檚 Best Show award, Troy makes his 91热爆 Radio 4 stand-up debut with a show that鈥檚 guaranteed to make you laugh and feel better about the world.

Written and performed by Troy Hawke

Produced by Kurt Brookes

A Made In Manchester production for 91热爆 Radio 4

News Quiz Review of the Year

Friday 5 January, 6.30pm 鈥� 7pm

A look back on some of the best bits of News Quizzing from 2023

In this compilation episode Andy Zaltzman casts his satirical eye over the highs and lows of the year, in which the UK managed to hold of a Prime Minister for more than a year (well done us), The Economy moved about as erratically as a paper plane in a snow storm, and there were some events in the Middle East that made doing a light-hearted topical news show a bit of a challenge at times...

Hosted and written by Andy Zaltzman.

Producer: Sam Holmes

Executive Producer: James Robinson

Production Co-ordinator: Dan Marchini

A 91热爆 Studios Production

*Paul Sinha鈥檚 Perfect Pub Quiz will no longer air as part of the 91热爆 Radio 4 Christmas schedule.

91热爆 Radio 4 Extra

Nicholas Parsons Day with Paul Merton

Sunday 24 December

Picture of Nicholas Parsons and Paul Merton sat in red armchairs facing the camera and smiling.

This Christmas Eve on Radio 4 Extra, Paul Merton celebrates the life of Nicholas Parsons, presenting a day of documentaries, drama and comedy telling the story of his life, and showcasing his incredible gifts for acting, comparing and comedy.

Paul also talks to Sue Perkins about their shared memories of being on Just an Minute, and being part of Nicholas鈥檚 legacy of more than 50 years as its chairman.

Nicholas Parsons CBE died on 28 January 2020 aged 96.

In what would have been his 100th birthday year (b. 10/10/1923) this Christmas Eve Radio 4 Extra celebrates his lifetime in entertainment.

Highlights include:

A Christmas Carol by Candlelight

Recorded in 2018 when Nicholas was 95, never broadcast before and produced now for Radio 4 Extra鈥檚 Nicholas Parsons Day, Nicholas narrates a new musical version of Charles Dickens鈥� classic Christmas story, the tale of the redemption of miser Ebenezer Scrooge. Adapted - and with new songs - by Tony Norman.

Steve Wright and Nicholas Parsons in the Afternoon

Especially made for Radio 4 Extra鈥檚 Nicholas Parsons Day 鈥� Steve Wright looks back at the many times he talked with Nicholas about his life and career on his 91热爆 Radio 2 show.

Nicholas Parsons: Paul Merton talks to Sue Perkins

For Nicholas Parsons Day - Paul talks to Sue Perkins about their shared memories of Nicholas on Just a Minute, from his warmth, foibles and good humour to how he was the perfect host. Sue also reflects on the her challenge of following his remarkable 50 year legacy, as chair of Just a Minute.

How Pleasant To Know Mr Lear 1/2

In 1995 for 91热爆 Radio 2, over two shows, Nicholas recorded his tribute to one of his favourite comic writers, the creator of The Owl and the Pussycat, Edward Lear. From 1995. [Part 2 25 December -Christmas Day 2130]

Doon The Watta

Nicholas Parsons goes 'doon the watta' to the Clyde where he worked as an apprentice engineer in 1940s Glasgow. From 2010.

The Grantham Connection

Nicholas travels to his first childhood home, where his father was the local GP, and the Roberts family were his patients, with a daughter who was to be better known as Margaret Thatcher. From 1994.

The Arthur Haynes Show

In his big break in entertainment, Nicholas Parsons gives a masterclass of his comic straight man gifts dealing with a most disagreeable visitor, played by comedian Arthur Haynes. From 1962.

Listen To This Space

Nicholas stars in his own comic creation, in the wake of TV鈥檚 That Was The Week That Was, one of 91热爆 Radio鈥檚 first radio satire shows. From 1966.

Just A Minute 鈥� 1976

A classic episode of the show Nicholas chaired from 1967 to his death in 2020, with Kenneth Williams, Peter Jones, Alfred Marks and Shelia Hancock. From 1976.

Just a Minute鈥檚 Indian Adventure

Nicholas Parsons travels to India to explore how Just a Minute inspired 'Jamming' tournaments in Indian colleges. From 2012.

Just A Minute 鈥� 2017

The last episode where future chair Sue Perkins played the game with Nicholas Parsons as host, alongside Gyles Brandreth, Andy Hamilton and Paul Merton. From 2017.

Nicholas Parsons Day with Paul Merton

Producer: Peter McHugh

Made for 91热爆 Radio 4 Extra.

91热爆 Radio 5 Live

This Christmas, as well as keeping listeners up to date with the latest news, 91热爆 Radio 5 Live combines big name specials with a festive schedule of live sport, including coverage of the Premier League.

5 Live Breakfast鈥檚 famous Win The Headlines competition continues throughout December with Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards.

The likes of Colin Murray, Mark Chapman, Gordon Smart and Patrick Kielty all present shows over the Christmas period, while listeners can also enjoy retrospective look back at an extraordinary year of news, sport and celebrity interviews and festive episodes of top-rated podcasts including the Strictly Come Dancing Podcast, Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling, 6 Degrees with Jamie and Spencer, and Different with Nicky Campbell.

5 Live Breakfast 鈥� Win The Headlines Competition

Week days, 6am 鈥� 9am

Radio 5 Live Win The Headlines is written in a newspaper headline style on a torn piece of newspaper

5 Live Breakfast's Win The Headlines continues throughout the month of December as Rick Edwards and Rachel Burden give listeners the chance to win tickets to some of the biggest sporting events in the world just before Christmas, including the Euro 2024 Final.

Listen to 5 Live Breakfast each weekday to be in with a chance to win.

Patrick Kielty

23 December 9-11am

Patrick Kielty presents a special festive edition of his show. With great guests, it's the ultimate feel good start to the Christmas weekend.

Presenter 鈥� Patrick Kielty

Producer: Disruptive

Fighting Talk

23 December, 11am 鈥� 12pm

Rick Edwards presents a hilarious look at the volatile world of sport with a festive twist, where guests compete for points with their sporting punditry. Informed comments are rewarded but witless outbursts are penalised.

Presenter 鈥� Rick Edwards

Producer: World鈥檚 End Production.

5 Live Sport

23 December, 12pm 鈥� 7.30pm

Mark Chapman presents live coverage and updates from across the Premier League matches at 3pm including Tottenham vs Everton, and live commentary of Liverpool vs Arsenal at 5:30pm.

5 Live Sport

24 December, 12pm 鈥� 3pm

Katie Smith presents build up and live commentary of Wolves vs Chelsea at 1pm.

606

24 December, 3pm 鈥� 5pm

Your football calls with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton.

5 Live Sport: 72+

24 December, 5pm 鈥� 6pm

Aaron Paul presents a Christmas special focusing on the Championship, League one and League two football with special guest Sam Allardyce

5 Live Sport: Women鈥檚 World Cup 2023

24 December, 6pm-7pm

A look back at the Women鈥檚 World Cup 2023 including the Lionesses journey to the World Cup final.

5 Live Golf

24 December, 7-8pm

A look back at the highlights from this year鈥檚 Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

Gordon Smart

24 December, 8鈥�10pm

Join Gordon on Christmas Eve night for an insiders take on the biggest news and sport stories of the year, along with exclusive interviews with movers and shakers from the world of showbiz, sport and entertainment.

5 Live Breakfast with Colin Murray

25 December, 7am 鈥� 9am

Colin Murray sets up your Christmas day with special guests, festive fun, and the day's news and sport headlines.

Presenter: Colin Murray

Naga Munchetty at Christmas

25 December, 9am - 11am

Naga Munchetty presents the light-hearted guide to a stress-free Christmas Day, helping us handle anything we find awkward, annoying or infuriating.

Whether you鈥檙e seeing too few people or too many, wondering about how to recycle waste or manage unwanted gifts, Christmas can throw up dilemmas, big and small.

To help her navigate the day, Naga will be joined by etiquette coach William Hanson, celebrity chef Atul Kochhar, TV critic Scott Bryan, environmental expert Less Waste Laura, poet Lemn Sissay, family therapist Hannah Sherbersky and mindful walking writer Adam Ford.

We'll have fun with writer and comedian Rob Temple, and hear a special performance by folk singer Kate Rusby.

We鈥檒l question the rules and etiquette of Christmas and find out how to make it all a bit easier. What should you take if you鈥檙e visiting a friend or relative? Do you need to dress up? Is it ever okay to lie? When is it acceptable to ask guests to leave?

Naga will also talk about Twixmas TV, Christmas music and Boxing Day walks.

Elis and John 鈥� Best of 2023

25 December, 11am 鈥� 12pm

Elis James and John Robins look back at their best moments from 2023.

Presenter: Elis James and John Robins

Producer: Audio Always

Headliners with Nihal Arthanayake

25 December, 12.30pm 鈥� 2pm

Nihal Arthanayake presents some of his best conversations from the biggest guests on his afternoon 5 Live programme this year.

Presenter: Nihal Arthanayake

Strictly Come Dancing: The Official Podcast

25 December, 2pm 鈥� 2.30pm

2018 Strictly finalist Joe Sugg teams up with producer Kim Winston to bring the fans an Access All Areas backstage pass to the Strictly Come Dancing final.

Presenter: Joe Sugg, Kim Winston

Producer: 91热爆 Studios

Different with Nicky Campbell

25 December, 2.30pm 鈥� 3pm

What does it mean to be different? Is it how we think? Or how we act? In this award-winning 91热爆 podcast, Nicky Campbell explores just that in a special festive episode with Bryndis Fjola, an Icelandic Elf Whisperer.

Presenter: Nicky Campbell

Producer: Audio Always

5 Live News

25 December, 3pm-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

Patrick Kielty 鈥� Best of 2023

25 December, 4pm-6pm

Patrick Kielty presents a special Christmas edition of his show reflecting on some of the great guests he has spoken to in 2023.

Presenter: Patrick Kielty

Producer: Disruptive

Tailenders

25 December, 7pm-8pm

Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White with their alternative and festive look at cricket in a special programme to round off an eventful 2023.

Presenters: Greg James, Jimmy Anderson and Felix White

Producer: TBI Media

6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer

25 December, 10pm 鈥� 11pm

Jamie and Spencer are back together for a festive edition of 6 Degrees.

Presenters: Jamie Laing, Spencer Matthews

Producer: 91热爆 Audio

Murder They Wrote with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling

25 December, 11pm 鈥� 12am

Composite graphic featuring headshots of Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling alongside 91热爆 branding. Text reads: "Murder They Wrote, with Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling".

Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling dive into some of the world's most jaw-dropping crime stories. Expect murder, mayhem, blackmail and more from this true-crime-obsessed couple.

Presenters: Laura Whitmore, Iain Stirling

Producer: Mags Creative

Match of the Day: Top 10

26 December, 10am 鈥� 11am

Match of the Day presenters Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards discuss and debate their major footballing event top 10s.

Presenters: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

Defoe & Deeney Football Firsts

26 December, 11am-11:30am

Jermain Defoe and Troy Deeney take you into the football world through their eyes as they reveal the first time they experienced seminal moments in their playing careers.

Presenters: Jermain Defoe, Troy Deeney

Producer: Folding Pocket

My Mate鈥檚 A Footballer

26 December, 11.30am-12pm

An illustration of Patrick Bamford and Jo Wilkinson standing together in front of a net

Joe Wilkinson has always wanted a professional footballer to be his mate. Step forward Patrick Bamford, who has signed up to this podcast to work out if the pair really can become true friends.

Producer: Folding Pocket

5 Live Sport

26 December, 12pm-6pm

Mark Chapman presents build up and football discussion with live coverage and updates from across the Boxing Day Premier League, Championship, League one, League two and the Scottish Premiership matches. Plus commentary of the King George VI Chase from Kempton.

606

26 December, 6-8pm

Your football calls with Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton.

Colin Murray

26 December, 8pm -10.30pm

Colin Murray reflects on the day's news and sport headlines with updates of Manchester United vs Aston Villa.

Match of the Day: Top 10

26 December, 10.30pm 鈥� 11pm

Match of the Day presenters Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards discuss and debate their major footballing event top 10s.

Presenters: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

5 Live F1 Review Of The Year

26 December, 11pm 鈥� 12am

Producer: IMG

5 Live Boxing with Steve Bunce: Review of 2023

26 December, 12am 鈥� 1am

Producer: Left Peg Media

6 Music

Christmas on 6 Music this year promises to be a treat of festive delights to suit all tastes: legendary actor Bill Nighy sits in for Iggy Pop (Sundays, 4pm-6pm), bringing his own dapper rock and roll style to your Christmas listening; 6 Music鈥檚 Festive Takeovers return, hosted by Wayne Coyne (Christmas Day, 7pm-9pm), Alison Goldfrapp (Boxing Day, 7pm-9pm), Samantha Morton (Wednesday 27th December, 7pm-9pm) and Chaka Khan (Thursday 28th December, 7pm-9pm), as does Queermas (Friday 22nd December, 9pm-1am), with mixes from ABSOLUTE., HAAi, Dorian Electra and TYGAPAW; British-American three-piece group Gabriels is 6 Music鈥檚 festive Artist in Residence; and ringing in the New Year will be Stuart Maconie, with a Northern Soul Party and SHERELLE.

Iggy Pop... Bill Nighy sits in

Sunday 10 December, 4pm-6pm

Image of Bill Nighy looking to camera, surrounded by branding for 91热爆 6 Music

Bill serves up a sonic cocktail to soundtrack listeners鈥� Sunday afternoons.

In the first of four shows this December, he spins some of his favourite artists, including Prince, Meshell Ndegeocello, The National and boygenius.

He also chats about being mistaken for other well-dressed people in the public eye, some of his favourite lyrics and the curse of dad dancing.

Bill Nighy says: 鈥淚t feels good being back on 6 Music, it feels contemporary, feels pop, feels hip鈥� I feel radical! And I am so looking forward to keeping Iggy Pop鈥檚 seat warm on these cold December afternoons.鈥�

Deputy presenter: Bill Nighy

Producer: Adam Dineen

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

Iggy Pop鈥ill Nighy sits in

Sunday 17 December, 4pm-6pm

This week, Bill has solid gold songs from the likes of Primal Scream, Aretha Franklin, beabadoobee and the guv'nor himself, Mr Iggy Pop.

He also ruminates on how his dreams of becoming a lead singer were dashed by a prolonged period of difficult hair.

Deputy presenter: Bill Nighy

Producer: Adam Dineen

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

6 Music Artist in Residence - Gabriels

Monday 18 December, 9pm-10pm

Artwork for 6 Music Artist in Residence, featuring the three members of Gabriels: Ari Balouzian, Jacob Lusk and Ryan Hope.

British-American trio, Gabriels, are 6 Music鈥檚 Christmas Artist In Residence. The band will present eight new shows, which will be broadcast Monday 18 鈥� Thursday 21 December and Monday 25鈥€� Thursday 28鈥疍ecember (9pm-10pm).

Formed in Los Angeles in 2016, Gabriels is made up of Jacob Lusk (vocals), Ari Balouzian (strings, production) and Ryan Hope (keys, production). They released their breakout single, Love and Hate in a Different Time, in 2021, which was referred to by Elton John as 鈥渙ne of the most seminal records I鈥檝e heard in the last 10 years鈥�.

The band have had an incredible year, from Jacob鈥檚 sensational performance at Glastonbury Festival with Elton, to receiving a nomination for Best International Group at this year鈥檚 Brit Awards. This year, Gabriels also reached Number Three in the UK Album Charts with the release of the second part of their 2022 debut studio album, Angels & Queens, and are one of the inaugural 6 Music Artists of the Year.

6 Music's Artist In Residence is a journey into the musical soul of an artist, based around a theme or mood. Each episode of Gabriels鈥� series sees the band explore songs that have shaped the diverse musical trajectories of each member, such as Jacob鈥檚 gospel music heritage and Ryan and Ari鈥檚 experience as film score composers. They also share the music that unites them as a trio.

Throughout the series, they鈥檒l explore the inspirations behind their album, Angels & Queens; Ryan鈥檚 history on the dancefloors in North East England and London; and Ari鈥檚 eclectic mix of interesting blends. Plus there will be a special Christmas Day episode, featuring Jacob鈥檚 perfect songs for the winter season.

Presenter: Gabriels

Producer: Tom Raine

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

Lauren Laverne鈥檚 Christmas Party, live from Maida Vale

Friday 22 December, 7.30am-10.30am

Lauren gets listeners into the festive spirit with her very own Christmas party, coming live from Maida Vale studios.

After returning as a duo this year with new music on Communion Records, The Staves will be performing a very special Christmas concert live on the show. Now a duo of Jess and Camilla Staveley-Taylor, the band will be performing new music, including their return single, You Held It All, as well as some festive classics. Plus, they'll be joined on stage by some good musical friends.

Lauren will also be joined by fellow 6 Music presenter, Huw Stephens, who'll be offering some rare Christmas jams from his extensive collection, ahead of starting his new daily show on Tuesday 9th January 2024.

Plus, Professor Hannah Fry will be diving into The Christ-maths Of Life, looking at some of the fascinating facts and figures around this time of year, and it's the much-anticipated return of the People's Sleighlist, with all the Yuletide bangers picked by listeners.

Presenter: Lauren Laverne

Producer: Mark Higgins

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

Queermas

Friday 22 December, 9pm-1am

To bring in the holiday season, four of music鈥檚 brightest talents, ABSOLUTE. (9pm-10pm), HAAi (10pm-11pm), Dorian Electra (11pm-12am) and TYGAPAW (12am-1am) guide listeners through their ideal queer disco party, sharing personal favourite tracks and stories along the way.

Now an annual tradition on 6 Music, Queermas takes place the Friday before Christmas and sees the station welcome some of its favourite LGBTQ+ artists to the 6 Music decks.

A staple across London鈥檚 queer club scene, ABSOLUTE. is a DJ and producer making four-to-the-floor, uplifting dance music. Having recently created an official remix of Kylie Minogue鈥檚 Padam Padam, ABSOLUTE. has garnered support from the world鈥檚 biggest DJ鈥檚 and collaborated with the likes of Joe Goddard and Bimini.

HAAi is an Australian DJ and producer based in London. Known for her signature blend of psychedelic techno and electronica, she is a force to be reckoned with behind the decks. In 2018, she won 91热爆 Radio 1鈥檚 Essential Mix of the Year, and in 2022, she released her debut album, Baby, We鈥檙e Ascending.

Deemed one of the most important acts in experimental pop, Dorian Electra is an artist hailing from Texas. Having collaborated with the likes of Lady Gaga, Charli XCX and 100 gecs, their latest project, Fanfare, was released in October to critical acclaim. 2024 will see them embark on a world tour.

Brooklyn-via-Jamaica DJ and producer TYGAPAW released their debut album, GET FREE, in 2020 and has since been unstoppable. Their blend of unrelenting techno with ballroom, dancehall and club music has led them to tour clubs over the world. Their latest project, love has never been a popular movement., was released in 2023 on fabric Records.

Presenters: ABSOLUTE., HAAi, Dorian Electra and TYGAPAW

Producer: Henrietta Rowlatt

A We Are Grape production

SH8

Iggy Pop... Bill Nighy sits in

Sunday 24 December, 4pm-6pm

Twas the Nighy before Christmas and all through December, Bill Nighy is sitting in for Iggy Pop.

On this most Christmas of eves, expect a seasonal selection including Amy Winehouse, Willie Nelson, Alicia Keys and Bing as you've probably never heard him before.

Bill also spins some non-festive favourites to save your sanity, including one tune that attained the hallowed status of being his first ringtone.

Deputy presenter: Bill Nighy

Producer: Adam Dineen

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

6 Music鈥檚 Festive Takeover - Wayne Coyne

Monday 25 December, 7pm-9pm

Artwork for the Festive Takeover on 6 Music featuring snowflakes and multi-coloured branding.

Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne is at the controls of the first of four 6 Music Festive Takeovers.

He鈥檚 sung about Christmas at the Zoo, covered White Christmas and even starred as alien Santa in the movie Christmas on Mars, so who could be better qualified than Wayne Coyne to take listeners into the evening on Christmas Day.

Along the way, listeners can expect music from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Yoko Ono, Nell, Miley Cyrus and David Bowie, plus stories from across The Flaming Lips鈥� 40 years at the heart of the indie music scene.

Wayne Coyne says: "I'm very honored and grateful to be included in this year's Festive Takeover .. and I love that it will air on Christmas Day. I will be playing some of my OLD favorites and some of my NEW favorites and telling a few stories about my wonderfully weird childhood growing up in Oklahoma and how the magic of music combined with the magic of Christmas can evoke the deepest bliss a human can experience.鈥�

Presenter: Wayne Coyne

Producer: Paul Sheehan

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

6 Music鈥檚 Festive Takeover - Alison Goldfrapp

Tuesday 26 December, 7pm-9pm

Alison Goldfrapp - English musician and record producer, and one half of electronic music duo, Goldfrapp - will be bringing her taste and style to 6 Music as she presents her very own Festive Takeover.

With Goldfrapp, Alison released seven albums and hits include Strict Machine, Ooh La La, Lovely Head and A&E and was nominated for multiple awards, winning an Ivor Novello Award for Strict Machine. She released her debut solo album, The Love Intention, this year and has found further success in her musical collaborations with artists such as John Grant and Christina Aguilera.

Alison says: 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to spending the evening with you all with my very own 6 Music Festive Takeover. I鈥檒l be playing some classic and recent tunes including some wintry faves to get you in the spirit of the season.鈥�

Presenter: Alison Goldfrapp

Producer: Angela Davies

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

6 Music鈥檚 Festive Takeover - Samantha Morton

Wednesday 27 December, 7pm-9pm

Samantha Morton is a double Oscar-nominated, Golden Globe and BAFTA winner, who has been acting since the early 90s in Hollywood, independent movies and TV. Her breakthrough role was in Lynne Ramsay鈥檚 Morvern Callar, and she went on to star in films such as Minority Report with Tom Cruise, Sweet and Lowdown, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, The Whale and She Said as well as in TV series such as Harlots, The Walking Dead and The Serpent Queen.

Alongside her acting work, Samantha is passionate about music and recently recorded an album with XL Recordings鈥� Richard Russell, which they will be taking on tour next year.

For her Festive Takeover, Sam will be playing a mix of her musical influences along with some of the newer artists she鈥檚 discovered in 2023.

Samantha Morton says: 鈥淚鈥檓 so excited and a little nervous to be sharing some of my favourite records with you all, especially at such a special time of year. Love Sam.鈥�

Presenter: Samantha Morton

Producer: Jax Coombes

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

6 Music鈥檚 Festive Takeover - Chaka Khan

Thursday 28 December, 7pm-9pm

American 鈥淨ueen of Funk鈥� Chaka Khan will be the final Festive Takeover host this year, bringing her signature energy and fabulousness to listeners as she creates a show to take listeners through the Bank Holiday.

Known for classical hits such as I Feel for You and I鈥檓 Every Woman, there really Ain鈥檛 Nobody like Chaka Khan!

Presenter: Chaka Khan

Producer: Mark Plant

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

Iggy Pop鈥ill Nighy sits in

Sunday 31 December, 4pm-6pm

Bill soundtracks the descent into New Year's Eve.

Expect dancefloor classics from The Showstoppers and The Emotions, alongside grooves by Marvin Gaye, Freaky Realistic and Maribou State.

Bill also confesses to once being that bloke at parties who got hold of the record player and never let go. Thus, he's in his element once again with one hand firmly on the turntable tonearm and the other rifling through the stacks of vinyl.

Deputy presenter: Bill Nighy

Producer: Adam Dineen

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

Stuart Maconie鈥檚 Northern Soul Party

Sunday 31 December, 8pm-10pm

Stuart Maconie presents two hours of Northern Soul bangers.

Soundtrack your New Year鈥檚 Eve with guaranteed dance floor fillers from legendary clubs like The Golden Torch, Twisted Wheel, and of course, Wigan Casino.

Stuart previously celebrated the 50th anniversary of legendary Northern Soul venue Wigan Casino with a Northern Soul All Nighter with highlights including a special Northern Soul edition of The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show and a broadcast of Stuart Maconie鈥檚 Northern Soul Prom, which was recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in July 2023.

Tonight鈥檚 show will be broadcast live from Salford.

Presenter: Stuart Maconie

Producer: Helen Hobday

A 91热爆 Audio production

SH8

SHERELLE

Sunday 31 December, 10pm-1pm

Enter 2024 in style with SHERELLE's Massive Ravey NYE party. Listeners can expect exclusive mixes and a bag full of high-energy, nostalgia-fuelled records.

Meet you front-left for three hours of sweaty, intimate vibes!

Presenter: SHERELLE

Producer: Ollie Brady

A We Are Grape production

SH8

91热爆 Radio World Service English

91热爆 World Service English brings listeners a range of festive treats this Christmas, including a 2 part documentary told from inside the Arctic Circle in northern Norway and Iceland, exploring the 鈥楶olar Silk Road鈥�. In The Studio invites us behind the scenes with renowned 鈥楢 Little Life鈥� theatre director Ivo van Hove; while listeners can enjoy testing their knowledge on the big events of the year with The Newshour Christmas Quiz. In CrowdScience鈥檚 2023 Year-End Extravaganza the team will be answering questions they never got the chance to cover as well as catching up with some of their favourite guests from previous episodes; and the key climate stories of 2023 are rounded up in The Climate Review of the Year. There鈥檚 stand-up comedy from The Arts Hour New Year Comedy Special, featuring an international line up of top comedians; while World Service Correspondents鈥� Look Ahead aims to predict the events and trends which might shape 2024. And from the Royal Opera House in London, Georgia Mann presents the annual 91热爆 World Service New Year Concert featuring members of the 91热爆 New Generation Artists scheme.

The Tues Documentary - Stories from the New Silk Road: Norway

Tuesday 12 December, 9.30-10am

In the 鈥楬igh North鈥� of Norway in a coastal town called Kirkenes, inside the Arctic Circle, Anna Holligan is on the edge of what the Chinese refer to as the 鈥楶olar Silk Road鈥�. The Northern Sea Route or North East Passage is an increasingly valuable shipping route for both Russia and China, heading east from this region, hugging the Russian coastline to Eastern Siberia.

On the Barrents Safari with guide Hans Hatle, Anna discovers how the Polar Silk Road could potentially change the fortunes for this most northerly Norwegian town. Port Director, Terje J酶rgensen, wants to open up to Chinese shipping and is in talks with operators to increase the capabilities of the port. Terje鈥檚 point is simple, Kirkenes is geographically closer to Beijing via sea than any other port in Europe.

In 2010 a ship departed from Kirkenes bound for China with 41,500 tons of iron ore concentrate, arriving 22 days later. Via the Suez canal, the same journey would have taken over 40 days. It was the first time that a non-Russian ship had been along the Northern Sea Route along Russia鈥檚 Northern coastline, showing that this was possible and paving the way for China鈥檚 Arctic policy.

Here, Anna shines a light on China鈥檚 wider ambitions in the Arctic. The region is rich in minerals, wildlife, fish, and other natural resources. So what does China鈥檚 Polar Silk Road mean for Norway and when the sea ice melts, who is set to benefit most?

Presenter 鈥� Anna Holligan

Producer 鈥� Peter Shevlin

A C60 Media Production for the 91热爆 World Service.

The Tues Documentary - Stories from the New Silk Road: Iceland

Tuesday 19 December, 9.30-10am

Image of a coastline with the sea stretching into the distance.

In 2013, Iceland wrote history by becoming the first European country to sign a free trade agreement with the People's Republic of China. It was aimed at increasing exports from Iceland to China as well as opening up Iceland to cheaper Chinese consumer goods.

Geothermal energy has meant that Iceland is, in effect, carbon neutral. Its expertise in this area has led to collaboration with China, and its geothermal model is changing China's energy mix. One man behind this collaboration is Atli Jonnsson, CEO of Arctic Green Energy. Anna Holligan asks him how will geothermal help shape the future needs of China's energy consumption? And how does geothermal put Iceland on the Silk Road map for more collaboration with China?

Iceland and China have steadily increased their scientific cooperation in the Arctic. In October 2018, the China-Iceland Arctic Science Observatory was officially opened in the city of Karholl in northern Iceland. Set up to monitor climate and environmental change in the Arctic, the observatory is managed by the Polar Research Institute of China and Iceland's Institute of Research Centres.

Anna travels to this remote outpost, 440 km north of Reykjav铆k, to ask station manager Halldor Johannsson about the impact this collaboration has on Iceland. How is information shared with the second biggest economy in the world? And what could this eventually mean in terms of trade and transport across the Arctic region?

Presenter 鈥� Anna Holligan

Producer 鈥� Peter Shevlin

A C60 Media Production for the 91热爆 World Service.

In The Studio 鈥� Ivo van Hove

Tuesday 19 December, 11.30am-12pm

Image of Ivo van Hove looking to camera. — Image: Jan Versweyveld

Ivo van Hove is one of the most sought after theatre directors in the world. We join him in Paris, London and Amsterdam, where he works on productions that are often 'maximal' - big musicals, operas and dramas such as The Damned - but where he also loves to create 'minimal' intimate dramas - such as The Glass Menagerie or A Little Life - that are beautifully observed.

How does van Hove work? Why are actors of the calibre of James Norton and Isabel Huppert (who appear in the programme) so willing to work with him? And what drives his relentless thirst to bring new experiences to the theatre audience?

Presenter 鈥� Susan Marling

Producer 鈥� Susan Marling

A Just Radio Production for the 91热爆 World Service.

The Climate Question 鈥� Climate Review of the Year

Friday 22 December, 10.30-11am

With 2023 set to be the warmest year on record, we look back at some of the key climatic events. Drawing on 12 months of reporting, The Climate Question host, Graihagh Jackson, and 91热爆 Climate Editor, Justin Rowlatt, bring together a global panel to discuss what the climate鈥檚 been doing, the latest climate science and how the world is progressing on finding policy and practical solutions.

Presenter 鈥� Graihagh Jackson

Producer 鈥� Nick Holland

A 91热爆 World Service Production.

CrowdScience 鈥� 2023 Year End Extravaganza, Part 1 and Part 2

Friday 22 December and Friday 19 December, 8.30-9pm

Part 1

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and welcome to part one of CrowdScience鈥檚 year-end extravaganza! 2023 was a fascinating year - we answered questions about panic attacks, climbing plants, ostriches, even the weight of the internet - and in this episode we鈥檝e got a smorgasbord of special features for you. We鈥檙e catching up with some of our favourite guests from previous episodes to find out what they鈥檝e been up to; answering questions we never got the chance to cover; and topping it all off with a CrowdScience Christmas carol鈥�

Producer 鈥� Phil Sansom

A 91热爆 World Service Production.

Part 2

Start the countdown to midnight鈥� this is part two of CrowdScience鈥檚 year-end extravaganza! 2024 is almost upon us, but there鈥檚 just about time to look back on some of the best stories we covered this year and reveal the parts that never made it onto the air. Tune in for a cornucopia of bonus content: audio that got left on the cutting-room floor; fascinating research we never got to cover; and what new years鈥� resolutions do we expect from the CrowdScience team?

Producer 鈥� Phil Sansom

A 91热爆 World Service Production.

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Sunday 24 December, 3-4.30pm

For millions listening around the world, A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, live from the candlelit Chapel of King's College, Cambridge, marks the beginning of Christmas. The service 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.

A new work has been commissioned for the Christmas Eve service every year since 1983, and this year Cheryl Frances-Hoad has written 鈥楾he Cradle鈥�, a setting of an English translation by Robert Graves of an anonymous seventeenth century Austrian text.

A number of pieces by twentieth century composers such as Robin Nelson, Matthew Martin, Judith Weir, James MacMillian, Philip Ledger, William Mathias, and Peter Warlock, sit alongside traditional carols in arrangements by Sir David Willcocks and Christopher Robinson. The service also includes the carol 鈥楢ll the stars looked down鈥�, composed by John Rutter in memory of the former Director of Music at King鈥檚, Sir Stephen Cleobury.

Producer - Ben Collingwood

A 91热爆 Production.

Newshour Christmas Quiz

Monday 25 December, 2.30-3pm

They can ask the tough questions - but do they know the answers? On 25 December, Newshour on 91热爆 World Service Radio will put its hosts to the test in the best of festive traditions: the Newshour Christmas Quiz. James Coomarasamy will be finding out what his colleagues can remember about the big, and not-so-big, events of the year. Big brains or blank faces: you decide. And who will be this year鈥檚 mystery guest?

Presenter - James Coomarasamy

Producer - Paul Schuster

A 91热爆 World Service Production.

His Majesty The King鈥檚 Christmas Message

Monday 25 December, 3-3.10pm

Coverage of His Majesty the King's Christmas message to the Commonwealth.

A 91热爆 Production for the 91热爆 World Service.

91热爆 Correspondents鈥� Look Ahead to 2024

Friday 29 December, 10-11am

Nuala McGovern asks some of the 91热爆's top correspondents from around the world to gaze into their crystal balls and predict what 2024 might have in store. 2023 has been dominated by the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel and Gaza and a global cost of living crisis. Next year will see nearly half of the world鈥檚 population going to the polls, with general elections scheduled in the USA, UK, South Africa, India, Russia, Pakistan, Mexico and Venezuela, among others. How might the outcome of these affect the geopolitical tectonic plates? And will the economic picture improve? Big questions, but luckily we have some of the 91热爆's best minds on hand to provide plenty of answers.

Presenter 鈥� Nuala McGovern

Producer 鈥� Ben Carter

A 91热爆 World Service Production.

The Arts Hour: Comedy Special

Saturday 30 December, 8-9pm

The Arts Hour celebrates the New Year with some of the world鈥檚 finest comedians.

Nikki Bedi and South African comedian Tumi Morake host an international line-up of some of the best comics from around the world.

Taking part in the New Year celebrations are:

New Zealand comedian Jarred Christmas, deftly mixing gags and story-telling.

American-born but now living in Denmark, Abby Wambaugh, whose comedy will warm the cockles of your heart.

Ignacio Lopez, whose mixed Welsh and Spanish heritage brings a unique spin on the world.

Kenyan comedian Njambi McGrath, who is setting the world to rights one joke at a time.

And finally Romanian comedian Radu Isac, who is not happy with the world but will bring a smile to your face.

Presenters 鈥� Nikki Bedi and Tumi Morake

Producers - Oliver Jones and Lucy Collingwood

A 91热爆 World Service Production.

91热爆 World Service New Year Concert

Monday 1 January, 10-11am

From the Royal Opera House in London, Georgia Mann presents the annual New Year鈥檚 Day concert showcasing members of the 91热爆鈥檚 New Generation Artists scheme. Founded in 1999 the scheme supports some of the world鈥檚 finest young instrumentalists, singers and ensembles at the start of their international careers through performance and broadcast opportunities.

The starry line-up features Macedonian-Canadian mezzo soprano Ema Nikolovska, one of the most exciting and versatile young singers on stage today; she鈥檚 accompanied by Indian-American pianist Kunal Lahiry, the NGA scheme鈥檚 first ever collaborative pianist. British jazz pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie is acclaimed for his unique fusions of contemporary jazz and Scottish folk music. And we hear from cellist Santiago Ca帽贸n Valencia, the first ever Colombian New Generation Artist, praised for his flawless technique and unique brand of music-making.

Presenter - Georgia Mann

Producer - Juan Carlos Jaramillo

A 91热爆 World Service Production.

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