Katherine Jenkins explores this hugely iconic cathedral, a masterpiece of design by Christopher Wren. Katherine learns that one of the newest additions to the building is a porch dedicated to those who have lost their lives to Coronavirus. Music includes hymns sung by St Paul’s Cathedral Choir and special performances by Daniel O’ Donnell, Aled Jones and The Priests, and Katherine sings two of her favourites, You’ll Never Walk Alone and Amazing Grace.

Claire McCollum is in the historic city of Stirling in central Scotland. She visits Stirling Castle, once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her son, King James VI. Adjacent to the castle lies the Church of the Holy Rude, where James VI was crowned in 1567, making it one of the only churches in the UK to have held a coronation and still be active today. Claire discovers how the James commissioned a translation of the scriptures, known as the King James Bible, which became one of the most widely used bibles in the world. We meet a ceramics artist in Stirling whose clay creations are inspired by both her faith and the city’s unique architecture and landscape. JB Gill talks to worship singer Steph Macleod about his powerful testimony of finding Jesus whilst battling addiction, and Steph performs a special song written about his journey of faith. Plus hymns and worship songs from across Scotland, including brand new recordings from the Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling.

Singer Brenda Edwards presents her first Songs of Praise. She is in east London, joining the Bonny Downs Baptists on their Sunday 'walking church' around the Flanders Field memorial garden, finishing with Holy Communion in their community garden. She also joins their walking football team to hear about the benefits of fun, faith and footie. Katie Piper meets the Rev Chris Lee, whose 60-second online sermons have gone viral, attracting over 170,000 followers. Katie also meets two award-winning women whose charity, Wave, brings those with and without learning disabilities together in friendship. There’s music from around the country, including a performance from Brenda Edwards.

Marking the year Songs of Praise turns 60, Aled Jones celebrates at St George’s Chapel in Windsor with Christian stories that exemplify the spirit of the series. Aled and long-serving presenter Pam Rhodes recall past favourite moments, including the Queen’s celebrated appearance on the programme in 2018, and with the help of archive, the moment Pam and Aled first met on screen in 1995. Gospel music pioneer Karen Gibson shares how Songs of Praise came calling in 1996 to feature her choir – this became the Kingdom Choir, who shot to fame in 2018 singing at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. ‘Everyday activist’ Andrew Graystone, who was born within a week of the very first Songs of Praise episode in 1961, describes how a photo of his simple act of Christian kindness in Manchester went viral, and Pam Rhodes meets superfans Trevor and Christine Ransome, whose 60th wedding anniversary coincides with the programme’s own birthday, and who have travelled all around the UK to sing at over 40 Songs of Praise recordings.

Mark De-Lisser hosts the semi-final of the brand new competition to find the Gospel Singer of the Year 2021. In the first of two programmes celebrating gospel music, five talented amateur singers take to the stage at Gorton Monastery in Manchester. Deciding who goes through to next week’s final are three celebrity judges: pop sensation and West End musical star Alexandra Burke, singer and leading gospel vocal coach David Grant and singing legend Heather Small. Our semi-finalists are Monique McKen from Birmingham, Kieron Bygraves from Huddersfield, Lois Kirby from Bedford, James Morrison from Lincoln and Tara Goddard from Halifax. Closing the show, Heather Small performs her hit song Proud. Which singer will be your favourite?

Mark De-Lisser hosts the final of our Gospel Singer of the Year competition. Three talented finalists sing to win the title at the stunning Gorton Monastery in Manchester. Making the all-important decision are the judges: pop and West End musicals star Alexandra Burke, vocal coach and gospel expert David Grant and singing legend Heather Small. There’s also a guest performance from Shaun Escoffery, singing his single River.

To mark the beginning of Lent, Sean Fletcher visits historic Ripon Cathedral in North Yorkshire and hears from its dean, the Very Rev John Dobson, on the variety of ways the cathedral building, founded by seventh-century saint Wilfrid, has inspired others through the centuries. Sean also reflects on the themes of love and Lent in the current times with the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley. To mark Valentine’s Day, we hear from a young Christian couple, Ben and Kristen, who proved that love is stronger than lockdown, and whose wedding finally went ahead at the fourth attempt in December 2020. Katie Piper visits Leeds to talk to Joe Walsh, the founder of Faith In Operation, an initiative encouraging organ donations for anonymous recipients. Hymns and songs, old and new, come from across the UK, reflecting the start of the season of Lent.

Katherine Jenkins visits L’Abri fellowship in Hampshire to explore Christian faith and hospitality. She finds out about L’Abri’s history and meets a family from Australia who have settled there. Radzi Chinyanganya meets a former stockbroker who found faith and changed career to help house the homeless. Music comes from congregations across the UK, including O Worship the Lord in the Beauty of Holiness and Table of the Lord, and Songs of Praise presenter Laura Wright joins the choir of Royal Holloway to perform Can You Hear Me?

Ahead of St David’s Day, Sean Fletcher explores beautiful Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire, which has stood on the bank of the River Wye for almost 900 years. He hears about the daily life of the Cistercian monks who lived there and how they dedicated their lives to God through prayer, study and working the land. Sean discovers how, in the Romantic era, the ruined abbey became an inspiration for painters and poets, including JMW Turner and William Wordsworth. Donning his walking boots to follow a new pilgrimage path that starts and ends at the abbey, Sean meets one of the volunteers behind the venture, who explains how pilgrimages reflect the joys and sorrows of life. To mark the 150th anniversary of the first Rugby Union international, Sean meets three Welsh greats of the game. Emyr Lewis, Garin Jenkins and Byron Hayward accumulated over 100 international caps between them in 1990s, and each of them came to the Christian faith when their playing days were over. Sean speaks to them about how they came to faith, their love of rugby and what the sport means to Wales. James Lusted visits Beaumaris on Anglesey to meet the vicar who volunteers for his local lifeboat crew. He reflects on this new challenge, what the lifeboat means to the community and how heading out to sea has deepened his faith. With music from across Wales – including special performances from West End star John Owen-Jones and BBC Chorister of the Year Alexander with our very own Aled Jones.

On the third Sunday of Lent, Katherine Jenkins explores the theme of prayer with young Christians living at Ashburnham Place in East Sussex, a Christian prayer centre. She hears how resource director Hannah Latty and her team incorporate different forms of prayer into their community life, and how they have experienced answered prayers. Gemma Hunt meets Pete Greig from the 24-7 Prayer movement to find out how prayer changed his life. To mark the upcoming International Women’s Day, Katherine hears the remarkable story of two Christian sisters, Eglantyne Jebb and Dorothy Buxton, whose pioneering work led to the formation of the charity Save the Children, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In Leeds, community campaigner Marvina Newton reveals how persistent prayer helped to save her from poverty and homelessness. Hymns and songs, old and new, come from across the UK, including When I Needed a Neighbour, Cornerstone, Take My Life and Let It Be, and My Jesus My Saviour.

For Mothering Sunday, Brenda Edwards visits St Elisabeth’s Church in Reddish to find out how they are planning to celebrate this special day. We hear how a busy mum and Christian author has been coping during lockdown, as well as finding out about Victorian nun Elizabeth Prout, who has moved a step closer to becoming a saint. We also visit a new Christian community grocery run by a Manchester-based charity where shoppers pay a small annual fee to fill their shopping baskets twice a week for just £3. Also, Brenda interviews choir leader and Songs of Praise conductor Audrey Mattis about the power of singing together in church The music is a mix of hymns and worship songs including Tell Out My Soul and Sing Unto the Lord from St Elisabeth’s, You Restore My Soul from Gorton Monastery and special performances from both Brenda and Northern Irish soprano Margaret Keys.

Rev Kate Bottley visits Roche Abbey in South Yorkshire, a place where she loves to walk, as she shares her love of the great outdoors and some of her favourite moments on Songs of Praise. Kate looks back on her walk along the Cleveland Way, one of Britain’s national trails. She recalls the time she spoke to inspiring Christian, Charlie Duke, who was the tenth and youngest man to walk on the moon but who believes his ‘walking with Jesus’ has been a lot more important. Kate also talks about one of her greatest passions, open water swimming, and how being in the cold water brings her closer to God. There’s also music from across the UK, including performances from Katherine Jenkins and West End star Marisha Wallace.

On Palm Sunday, Aled Jones visits Oxford to celebrate stories of hope and meets Professor Andy Pollard, one of the leading scientists behind the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. At St Cross College, Professor Pollard shares how his Christian faith and the prayers of people all over the world have helped and inspired him, and how he finds great hope in the way scientists and volunteers in many nations have worked together to make the vaccine possible. Aled also visits the city’s largest vaccination centre to witness at first hand the hope the jab is bringing to the community. Young mum Louise Blyth shares her story of how miraculous answers to prayer led her to find faith and hope in the darkest days of grief. And YolanDa Brown meets the Christian friends using their gifts in medicine and music to help doctors facing burnout. With hymns and songs to celebrate Holy Week and an exclusive performance of a new blessing for carers.

Katherine Jenkins celebrates Easter Sunday from Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. She finds out about the meaning behind the Paschal candle, lit especially at Eastertime, and performs one of her favourite hymns, the Sanctus, to Elgar’s stirring tune Nimrod. Echoing the theme of the Easter story, James Lusted meets a vicar who has turned his life around from darkness into light. With favourite Easter hymns and songs from Llandaff Cathedral Choir, Vocal Creation, The Voice UK winner Blessing Annatoria and a special performance from one of Wales’ finest - Sir Bryn Terfel.

This special Songs of Praise pays tribute to and remembers His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Aled Jones looks back at the Duke’s long life, the role faith played in it and his sense of duty, dedication and love for Queen and country. With interviews from leading faith figures and those who knew him well, including the former Dean of Westminster and Gyles Brandreth. We explore Prince Philip’s legacy including meeting some of the many millions of young people who have taken part in the award scheme bearing his name.

Katherine Jenkins interviews Stephen Cottrell, the archbishop of York, about his first eight months in office and the role of the Church of England after lockdown. Comedian Frank Skinner talks to Sean Fletcher about his Roman Catholic faith. Sean also discusses the two-year renovation of the grand organ at York Minster with assistant director of music Ben Morris and the Minster’s precentor, the Rev Canon Vicky Johnson. Social worker Carol Lawson, who is based in the York area, reflects on the challenges she and her colleagues have faced while caring for people during the Covid-19 pandemic. The music is a mix of hymns and worship songs, including Praise to the Holiest in the Height, Faithful One, He Who Would Valiant Be and, to mark St George’s Day, Jerusalem.

Rev Kate Bottley visits the brand new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford. She joins volunteers planting seeds and bulbs in the gardens, due to open to the public in May, and reflects on the signs of hope this represents. Christian author Ruth Valerio tells Kate how gardens are symbolic of the Christian faith throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Gifted Christian mouth artist Ian Parker describes how faith and painting have inspired him since teenage years. And Gemma Hunt visits Nigel and Rachel Stephens in Stockport, whose community project Fit and Fed has brought fun to families through cooking. Hymns and songs come from across the UK: And Can It Be, All Things Bright and Beautiful, He Has Made Me Glad, Jesus Shall Reign, Now the Green Blade Riseth, and Indescribable. Martin Smith performs his song Great Is Your Faithfulness.

Claire McCollum marks the Partition of Ireland and formation of Northern Ireland 100 years ago, meeting Christians from across the denominations to discuss the past and their hopes for the future. She finds out how the Union Theological College in Belfast became the first parliament building, and meets two theology students - one Protestant and one Catholic - to hear their perspectives. We learn how the Belfast Community Gospel Choir was created, and Sean Fletcher meets Danielle Gault, a young Christian whose faith and health have been challenged. With music from Enniskillen, Down Patrick and Dungannon, and a special performance by Daniel O’Donnell filmed on the Causeway Coast.

Brenda Edwards is in Swansea to explore how Christianity has shaped the city’s past and present. She explores how the rise of nonconformist chapels and the famous Welsh Revival of 1904 saw the Christian faith sweep through the nation of Wales and beyond. She visits the modern Liberty Pentecostal Church, which, inspired by that history, is bringing new life to one the city’s historic chapels. Swansea singer-songwriter Mal Pope reflects on his own roots in the chapels of his home city and how that heritage shaped his faith and music. He performs one of his most poignant songs, A Child’s Prayer. Meanwhile, Katie Piper meets author and broadcaster Chine McDonald to hear the story of how the charity Christian Aid is marking 75 years of fighting global poverty.

Aled Jones visits the cathedral town of Exeter in Devon. He explores the underground passages that brought water from Saint Sidwell’s Well to the cathedral. We meet Mark Edwards, a cyclist who makes a 25 mile round trip every Sunday to deliver DVDs to fellow members of his church’s congregation who don’t have access to its online services. It’s also Dementia Action Week and YolanDa Brown meets Jo Earlam, a local woman who has mapped the city to create safe routes to encourage those living with dementia to get out and about. At St David’s Church we hear how they’ve turned lockdown into an opportunity for a different sort of bible study group, and there’s also music from there, led by hymn writer Graham Kendrick. Aled performs Pie Jesu with the current BBC Young Chorister of the Year and launches the search to find the next winner of the competition.

On Pentecost Sunday, Sean Fletcher learns about life in a monastery at the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. He meets older and younger brothers who have committed themselves to a simple life of daily devotion and prayer. Sean discovers more about the story of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit empowered the first Christians to share their faith 2,000 years ago. Also in the programme, Pam Rhodes joins musician Pete James and actor Martha Shrimpton, who have helped to create Cheeky Pandas, a cartoon series teaching children about the Bible. Ultra-marathon runner Rohan Kallicharan explains how a simple but profound encounter brought him a life-giving faith in Jesus, enabling him to overcome major mental health battles. Hymns and songs with a Pentecost theme come from across the country: Breathe on Me Breath of God, Come Down O Love Divine, The Lion and the Lamb, What a Beautiful Name, One More Step, and O Thou Who Camest from Above. Worship leader Philippa Hanna also performs a new song, Trust.

Aled Jones visits Newstead Abbey in Nottinghamshire to explore its 850 years of history. Curator Simon Brown explains how the abbey began as an Augustinian priory and it is thought one of the priests was Friar Tuck, one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men. Recently, Newstead Abbey has looked into its 19th-century links to black history and the connection to the sugar plantations in Jamaica. Aled talks to two women whose faith has motivated them to bring to light this little-known, difficult chapter from the abbey's past. Aled also meets volunteers who work in the house and gardens to hear how their faith inspires them. Meanwhile, YolanDa Brown meets Emerald O’Hanrahan, who plays Emma Grundy in BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, to hear about her personal prayer space. There is music from Nottingham’s Albert Hall, Margaret Keys performs Ave Maria, and Aled performs one of his favourite hymns, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, in Newstead Abbey’s Japanese garden.

Katherine Jenkins visits Salisbury Cathedral to celebrate the power of music in our lives and in our worship. At the cathedral's grand piano, she is joined by renowned composer Howard Goodall to share some favourite hymns and explore why they continue to move and inspire each new generation. Laura Wright meets a new generation of Christian musicians honing their skills at the Nexus Institute of Creative Arts in Coventry. She joins a group of musicians experimenting with harmonies on a classic hymn and speaks to staff and students about the importance of pursuing excellence in the context of their Christian faith. Back at the cathedral, Katherine goes back to her chorister roots to celebrate 30 years since Salisbury became the first English cathedral to introduce a full girls’ choir, separate but equal to the boys. And the director of the Royal School of Church Music talks about celebrating church worship on their Music Sunday.

The Rev. Canon Kate Bottley heads off to the north east of England to join pilgrims on one of six new walking routes to Durham Cathedral and to hear about the many ways the experience can enrich people’s lives. The Bishop of Durham and the Bishop of Jarrow explain why this particular pilgrimage route is called the 'Way of Learning’ and is one of the new Northern saints trails that celebrate the lives of local saints such as Cuthbert, Hilda and Bede. The group stop for lunch at the Refuse cafe in Chester-Le-Street, where their Christian ethos means you can pay for a meal not just with money but also by donating your time and skills. Along the route, they also stop at Finchale Priory, where Kate finds out from fellow pilgrim, writer and broadcaster Sheridan Voysey, how pilgrimage helped him to make sense of his life after he and his wife tried unsuccessfully to have a child. The pilgrims are welcomed at their final destination by Durham Cathedral’s Rev Canon Charlie Allen, who presents them with a special token to mark their journey. There’s music from around the country on the theme of pilgrimage, and Aled Jones performs a song he has written called Believe.

To celebrate Father’s Day, Aled Jones meets inspirational fathers who are trying to show their paternal love to their children, whatever it takes. He visits Liberty Fam in Staffordshire to find out about its work with men who have left prison or who are at risk of going there. MOBO award winning Christian rapper Guvna B tells Radzi Chinyanganya how the death of his father affected him emotionally, spiritually and musically, as well as talking about how he tackles being a dad. We meet the pastor from Peckham who is going the extra mile to help his teenage daughter achieve her cycling dreams. There is congregational music old and new from across the country, plus a special performance by singer songwriter Steph Macleod of his composition “O Perfect Father”.

Claire McCollum visits the beautiful and remote Scottish island of Iona and meets HRH the Princess Royal to hear of her interest in the buildings of Iona Abbey. Dr Ian Bradley explains how 1,500 years ago St Columba brought Christianity to Iona, and warden of the Iona community Catriona Robertson tells Claire about her move to live on the island. Prolific hymn writer and broadcaster John Bell describes why Iona will always be special to him, and Glasgow-based singer Unoma Okudo visits Iona for the first time to perform the hymn Here is Love. Hymns and songs are O Worship the King, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Will You Come and Follow Me, Glory Be to God the Father, We Cannot Measure How You Heal, and a new song by John Bell, Love Is the Touch.

Brenda Edwards visits one of England’s finest stately homes, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire. She discovers how some of Chatsworth’s treasures shed light on our royal and religious history, and she finds out what life is like behind the scenes of this centuries-old family home. Sean Fletcher joins walkers to mark the 70th anniversary of the Peak District National Park. He discovers the historic events that led to our national parks being established and meets people who find inspiration for their faith in the varied landscapes of the High Peak. Sean also meets travel expert Simon Calder in the Derbyshire market town of Melbourne to hear the remarkable story of Thomas Cook, who was born there in 1808. Cook’s fervent Baptist faith was the inspiration behind his first offering excursions to the public, which eventually led to him becoming the father of modern travel and tourism. Back at Chatsworth, Brenda speaks to renowned soprano Lesley Garrett, who reflects on her career and her journey of faith before she gives an exclusive performance of a favourite inspirational song. Other special performances in the house and gardens come from the Overtones and Brenda herself, and there are hymns from the Cathedral of the Peak in Tideswell.

Katherine Jenkins is in Arundel in West Sussex, home to the Dukes and Duchesses of Norfolk. She visits the Roman Catholic cathedral built by the fifteenth duke as a statement of his faith, and she explores the stunning castle gardens. Radzi Chinyanganya is invited to the Convent of the Poor Clares in Arundel to hear how they came to top the charts with their classical album, and we find out about Wheels for the World, a Christian project transforming lives by restoring wheelchairs to send to developing countries. Also, stand by fans of gospel music! It’s the launch of the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Singer of the Year competition. Details of how to enter, terms and conditions and privacy notice can be found on the website bbc.co.uk/songofpraise. The deadline for entries is midnight on 15 August 2021.

The Rev Kate Bottley is on the border of Staffordshire and Shropshire to join three generations of the Robinson family, discovering the Catholic history of Boscobel House, where after being defeated in the English Civil War, King Charles II went into hiding in a priest hole As the Catholic Church marks the new World Day for grandparents and the elderly, Kate hears how grandchildren love and appreciate their grandparents, and singer songwriter Mal Pope performs his song Catch You about becoming a grandfather. Clive and Stella Robinson share with Kate how their faith sustained them following the loss of their son Andrew, and how their family set up a trust in his memory to give holidays to young people. Hymns from across the UK are Before the Throne of God Above, I Will Sing the Wondrous Story, On Eagle’s Wings, Be Thou My Vision, and I the Lord of Sea and Sky.

Aled Jones visits the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George to explore the spiritual, symbolic and practical links between feasting and fasting in Coptic Christianity. There’s also another chance to see stories of faith and food that have featured in the past, including a Nottinghamshire charity providing job opportunities at a smoothie cafe for people with learning disabilities. And we revisit the time when the Rev Kate Bottley went to Coventry to meet two Christians whose small bakery business is providing much needed help to their local community.

Aled Jones visits the newly created Fountains Church in Bradford to see how a former nightclub is bringing spiritual refreshment and regeneration to the community. We meet a Salvation Army member who has set up a School Uniform Bank to help parents struggling to pay for expensive new clothes for their children to wear to school. JB Gill joins former Premier league player Bruce Dyer, to find out why he is as focused on his faith as he is on his football. Music comes from across the UK including “Meekness and Majesty” and “Be Thou My Vision”. And Laura Wright performs “How Great Thou Art”.

Claire McCollum visits Crediton, nestled in the heart of Mid Devon, to find out why church weddings are so important to Christians. There’s another chance to see marriage stories featured on the series in the past, including a couple from West Sussex with a happy and successful marriage despite having wildly different perspectives on faith. And we revisit the time when Aled Jones met a woman whose faith was reawakened in the most moving and unlikely of circumstances, during a traumatic experience in her married life.

Claire McCollum explores stories of fossils, faith and science along the beautiful Jurassic Coast that spans 95 miles of Devon and Dorset and reveals 185 million years of history. In Lyme Regis, Claire hears the story of Mary Anning, the 19th-century Christian fossil hunter who revolutionised palaeontology. Following in Mary’s footsteps, Claire joins a fossil walk along Lyme Regis beach with renowned botanist Sir Ghillean Prance, to hear how science and faith can live in harmony. Gemma Hunt meets a geologist whose childhood holidays on the Jurassic Coast inspired her vital work on climate change. She speaks about the importance of studying the natural world and about feeling the presence of God on expeditions to the wilderness of Antarctica. And the first Songs of Praise congregation in more than 18 months sings favourite hymns by the seaside in Swanage.

The Rev Kate Bottley visits Noah’s Ark Farm Zoo in Bristol to hear how the Christian faith of many of its staff impacts their work. Owner Larry Bush tells Kate how the zoo started as a Christian-run farm, and she helps clear up some of the 150kg of daily elephant dung! The zoo’s curator Chris Wilkinson explains what it is like to live with his family on site, and his daughters describe their favourite animals. Kate also recalls fun moments from the series, including her ride down a helter skelter in Norwich Cathedral and JB Gill’s visit to a Christian surfing community at Fistral Beach in Cornwall. Hymns old and new include O When the Saints, All Creatures of Our God and King, All My Hope on God Is Founded, and When We All Get to Heaven. The worship team from Soul Survivor, led by Tom Smith, perform Never Gonna Stop Singing, duo Our Atlantic Roots sing Build My Life, and gospel choir IDMC perform Lord I Lift Your Name on High.

Aled Jones is in London to investigate why the act of forgiveness is at the heart of the Christian faith. He visits Saint Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in Bishopsgate, which exists to transform conflict and division into new relationships and peaceful communities. He also hears the story of a father whose spiritual awakening occurred during the most tragic of circumstances, when his teenage daughter died from a sesame seed allergy on a holiday flight to France. Ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Pam Rhodes meets a Christian musician whose father was killed in the attack, to hear how his faith helped him through the aftermath.

Sean Fletcher heads to the top of Pendle Hill in East Lancashire to discover the story of George Fox who began the Quaker movement. He’s part of the area’s new Radicals Trail which encourages people to find a series of plaques dedicated to free thinkers and non-conformists. The trail also takes Sean to the only remaining Inghamite Church established by Benjamin Ingham in 1750. James Lusted meets pastor Mick Fleming in nearby Burnley who is carrying on the tradition of radical Christianity in the area. Whilst in the beautiful countryside surrounding Pendle that’s so popular with walkers, Sean hears how one man’s faith motivates him to volunteer for the local Mountain Rescue team. There’s music from around the country, including both traditional and contemporary hymns.

The Rev Kate Bottley joins Christians in Hackney giving thanks for the fruits of creation, as churches prepare to celebrate their harvest festivals. She meets head gardener Mel Zulu, who tends the land around the church of St John at Hackney, where a new orchard and rooftop beehives provide fresh fruit and honey for the local community. Radzi Chinyanganya meets members of Bible Society, who, with an award-winning creator, are preparing a brand new Christian garden design for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, inspired by Psalm 23 and with the aim of encouraging others to start their own community gardens. Young Christian couple Pip and Will Campbell-Clause, who run a sustainable food venture in Bristol, explain what harvest means to them. And in Hackney, Kate joins Shana Dawn Lewis, a Christian who bakes cakes for others despite the challenges of a complex health condition. There are hymns, old and new, celebrating harvest: We Plough the Fields, Great Is Thy Faithfulness, The Lord’s My Shepherd, Come Ye Thankful People, Indescribable, You Restore My Soul and All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Aled Jones introduces highlights from 60 years of Songs of Praise from Cardiff, where the first programme was made, and meets Rosalyn Bormann, who took part in the oldest surviving complete episode of the series from the 1960s. He also looks back at how Songs of Praise has been a part of our favourite national events, sharing in the joy of some memorable occasions, including when the series filmed a special church service attended by the Queen. The archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, reflects on how Songs of Praise has also been there at times of national crisis and loss. There’s plenty of singing too, as Aled is joined by vocal coach and fellow presenter Mark de Lisser to discuss the wide range of congregational singing shown on the programme, and we hear from one of the many families who enjoy singing along at home. There are some favourite stories and moments that viewers have asked to see again, and memorable recordings of familiar hymns including Love Divine, All Loves Excelling and Guide Me Oh Thou Great Redeemer.

Westminster Abbey hosts this 60th birthday edition of Songs of Praise with special guests and favourite hymns. Aled Jones is joined by fellow presenters from the past and present, including Katherine Jenkins, Sally Magnusson and David Grant, and there’s a special performance from Westminster Abbey Choir.

Claire McCollum is in Coventry, the UK City of Culture 2021, to experience Faith, a 24- hour live event featuring music, theatre and art co-produced by Coventry City of Culture Trust and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Claire visits Coventry Cathedral to discover why the city is the ideal setting to explore how Christians and other religions experience faith, both as individuals and as communities. She also meets renowned theatre designer Tom Piper to hear how, using 20km feet of blue ribbon, he has created an evocative visual representation of the ties between the different faith communities in the city. And we reflect on the plight of Afghan refugees as Gemma Hunt hears about one man’s journey from Afghanistan to a new life in Coventry.

To celebrate Black History Month, Brenda Edwards is in Brixton, south London, to hear how people of Caribbean and African descent have shaped the life and faith of the UK. Brenda visits an exhibition of the National Caribbean Heritage Museum with artefacts first brought over by the Windrush Generation that have now become collectors’ items, and she chats to curator Catherine Ross about the importance of faith and worship to those first individuals and families coming from the Caribbean. We hear how one entrepreneur is honouring black history and heritage with commemorative plaques around London, and Brenda explores the 40-year history of the newspaper The Voice, chatting to the writer whose column on the black church community ran for 30 years. Sean Fletcher visits Northampton to discover the remarkable story of footballer Walter Tull. He explores how Walter’s life was shaped by the Christian faith and how his achievements on the football field were matched by his bravery on the battlefield. And there’s a rich mix of music celebrating different traditions, with a special performance by Brenda herself.

Aled Jones comes home to Anglesey in north Wales to visit Church Island, a holy place for over 1,000 years, and talks to members of the congregation who still worship here about the role the historic church plays in the life of the local community. James Lusted meets members of Christians Against Poverty as they celebrate 25 years of helping people struggling with debt, and there are birthday celebrations too in the Min y Don Christian adventure holiday camp, where families come to find faith in an atmosphere of fun and friendship. Aled also meets Brenda Fogg, the 'Angel of Llandudno', who has been helping the homeless for over a decade, and there is specially recorded music as well as some favourite hymns from Bangor Cathedral.

As the nights draw in, Katherine Jenkins is in Blackpool to shine a light on the Christian tradition of All Hallows’ Eve, more commonly known as Halloween. She visits the church of All Hallows in Bispham and speaks to Reverend Jonny Lee to learn about the history of this annual event and how Christians are choosing to celebrate it. Laura Wright meets Sarah Davison from Scripture Union and hears how they are creating 'light parties' for children, which share the Bible’s message of Jesus as the light of the world as an alternative to Halloween parties. And we meet Keith and Jenny Raby, a local Christian couple and professional musicians who use musical ministry and outreach to spread the word of God to those most in need. Katherine also discovers how a group of local churches got together to ensure Jesus and his message are represented in Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations.

With the United Nations COP26 negotiations taking place in Glasgow, Claire McCollum joins Christians raising awareness of climate change and urging us all to take action to prevent it. In Gateshead and Newcastle, YolanDa Brown joins pilgrims from the Young Christians Climate Network during their five-month walking relay from Cornwall to Glasgow. Environmental campaigner Laura Young shows Claire a zero-waste shop and explains how the way we buy everyday goods can make a big difference. Glasgow-based artist ID Campbell tells Claire how his Christian faith, and COP26, inspired him to paint three new portraits that he has since partially destroyed as a symbol of the destruction brought about by climate change. The Franciscan community of Hilfield Friary in Dorset show how their sustainable practices and carbon-reducing measures have won a gold award from renowned Christian environmental charity A Rocha UK. Hymns and songs from across the UK reflect the call for Christians to look after God’s Planet: Glory Be to God the Father, Beauty for Brokenness, Way Maker, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace, O Lord the Clouds Are Gathering, Jesus Christ Is Waiting and Father Lord of All Creation.

Sean Fletcher marks Remembrance Sunday at Imperial War Museum North in Manchester. He meets Christian veterans from different conflicts, including the remarkable 97-year-old Bernard Morgan, who shares his experiences of being one of the youngest RAF sergeants on D-Day. Sean also discovers how the unique design of the museum helps visitors to reflect on conflict and visits a new installation under construction. Called Poppies, it is a permanent sculpture made from ceramic poppies that famously adorned the Tower of London in 2014. Pam Rhodes visits the poppy factory in Kent to mark 100 years of the Royal British Legion and its poppy appeal. She explores the origins of the charity and why its purpose in supporting veterans and leading the nation in Remembrance remains so important. And back at the museum, a youth theatre group prepares for a performance exploring why remembrance is relevant for each new generation. With traditional remembrance hymns from across the UK, including a special performance of In Flanders Fields by The Choristers.

Aled Jones presents the girls' semi-final of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition from Salisbury Cathedral with judges Lesley Garrett, Howard Goodall and David Grant. Music includes How Beautiful Are the Feet, from Handel’s Messiah, and O, For the Wings of a Dove, by Felix Mendelssohn. Three of the pieces are by modern composers: John Rutter’s Pie Jesu; Prayer to a Guardian Angel, by Patrick Hawes; and the worship song He Will Hold Me Fast, by Matt Merker. Three of the five choristers will be selected to sing in the final on 5 December.

Aled Jones presents the boys' semi-final of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition from Salisbury Cathedral, with judges Lesley Garrett, Howard Goodall and David Grant. The music featured in the programme includes But Who May Abide from Handel’s Messiah, the Bach/Gounod setting of Ave Maria and Panis Angelicus by Franck. Two of the choristers sing contemporary works: Chilcott’s Be Thou My Vision and Archer’s My Song Is Love Unknown. Three of the five choristers will be selected to sing in the final on 5 December.

It’s the final of the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition, presented Aled Jones. As it’s the second Sunday of Advent, six of the best girl and boy choristers in the UK perform a Christmas carol or song in front of judges Lesley Garrett, Howard Goodall and David Grant before one is crowned the 2021 champion. The programme also includes a performance of John Rutter’s Angels’ Carol by the winning chorister, Aled Jones and all the semi-finalists.

In the third weekend of Advent, the Rev Kate Bottley is in Lincoln to explore its famous Christmas market. She meets Christian stall holders to hear the role that faith plays in their businesses. She also discovers the hidden treasures within the city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, including its unique Nativity scene. Mark De-Lisser meets Sian Wade from Bridge Church and finds out how Lincoln comes together each year to provide Christmas gifts for local people in need through their Christmas Sack Appeal. And Kate meets Aric Prentice, director of music for the cathedral, to learn about the history of Christmas caroling and to hear some of the cathedral choir members talk about the joy they feel to be back singing carols together at this time of year.

Katherine Jenkins looks forward to Christmas with a host of festive favourite carols from Westminster Abbey, including Hark the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful, and there are special performances from the Abbey choir and from Gospel Singer of the Year Monique McKen with Tessera.

Claire McCollum is in Ireland to meet the ever-popular Daniel O’Donnell as he celebrates his 60th birthday to find out how his strong Catholic faith motivates his life and his singing. Daniel takes Claire to Lough Derg, a special place of pilgrimage for him over the years. All the hymns and songs in the programme have been chosen by Daniel, including How Great Thou Art and I Watch the Sunrise, and there are two new performances from Daniel himself of Silent Night and I Will Pray For You.