To sing in the New Year with hymns and songs, Sean Fletcher presents a special Songs of Praise from the beautiful Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff. There’s a host of wonderful performers including Katherine Jenkins and Brenda Edwards with a song that means a lot to them both, You’ll Never Walk Alone. New opera star Freddie De Tommaso gives his rendition of Nessun Dorma, and the male Welsh voices of Morriston Orpheus Choir perform World In Union. And of course, there are lots of your favourite hymns to sing along with including Tell Out My Soul, Love Divine, God Is Working His Purpose Out, In Christ Alone and Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.

Claire McCollum visits Olney in Buckinghamshire to celebrate 250 years of one of the most popular hymns in the world, Amazing Grace. On 1 January 1773, John Newton’s now famous words were first performed in the parish church where he was curate. 250 years on, Claire visits that same church to discover the remarkable story behind the hymn, the extraordinary life of its composer and the reasons for the composition’s enduring power. In Olney, Claire meets local experts who reflect on the life of John Newton, from his early years of debauchery as a sailor and then as a slave trader to his later life as a dedicated clergy man, hymn writer and abolitionist. Claire hears how a moment of epiphany at sea sparked a deep Christian that faith helped him to realise the full horror of his actions and compelled him to spend the rest of his life serving others and striving to abolish the evil of slavery. Claire also meets 30-year-old Jordan Hattee, who shares his own experience of God’s amazing gra

Rev Kate Bottley is in Leicestershire to explore how faith and the Bible can help people through one of the greatest challenges in life, the loss of a loved one. She meets Abi May, the founder of 'Living with Loss' Christian retreats which help people go through their journey of grief and find a way forward after bereavement. She speaks to some of those who've attended a retreat to learn how it helped them find comfort and solace after their loss. In Liverpool, Kate hears about GraveTalk, a unique CofE initiative where people can come together to share their thoughts and questions about bereavement, dying and funerals in a friendly helpful space. And Mike Palmer, one of the '3 Dads Walking' tells Kate about how his faith helped him in the aftermath of his teenage daughter’s suicide and the inspirational walk he undertook with two other bereaved fathers across the UK to raise awareness.

The Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year is back, hosted by Mark De-Lisser. In the first of two programmes, five of the best amateur choirs from across the UK take to the stage at The Monastery in Manchester. The choirs have to impress three celebrity judges – TV’s favourite choir master Gareth Malone; actress, performer and queen of soul Mica Paris; and MOBO award-winning gospel artist and Christian rapper Guvna B. This week's five choirs each perform their take on a traditional hymn. Belfast Community Gospel Choir sing Amazing Grace, BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir sing Abide with Me, EAGA Gospel Choir from Leicester sing a medley of In Christ Alone with Tis So Sweet, G Choir from Hull sing Take It to the Lord in Prayer, and Birmingham Community Gospel Choir sing Nothing but the Blood. Five fantastic choirs, but which one will be your favourite?

It’s the final of Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2023, hosted by Mark De-Lisser. Last week, five of the best amateur choirs from across the UK took to the stage at The Monastery in Manchester. This week, they have a second opportunity to impress the three celebrity judges - TV’s favourite choir master Gareth Malone; actress, performer and queen of soul Mica Paris; and MOBO award-winning gospel artist and Christian rapper Guvna B. Each choir performs its own choice of gospel song: Belfast Community Gospel Choir sing Holy, Holy, Holy; BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir have chosen Never Alone; EAGA Gospel Choir from Leicester perform an African Medley; G Choir from Hull sing Blessing of Abraham; and Birmingham Community Gospel Choir perform I Almost Let Go. The judges have a tough decision to make, but only one choir can become Gospel Choir of the Year.

Aled Jones uncovers hidden gem churches in London with historian and tour guide Joanna Bogle. Starting in Holborn, Aled, along with a small group, is guided down the narrow pathways of the City of London to Fleet Street to hear the fascinating link between the church and journalism. We discover how one church became known as 'the Jerusalem of London', and another, a memorial for the RAF, resonates with tour guide Joanna as she shares the story of her uncle, a pilot who lost his life in the Second World War. Laura Wright visits a recording studio inside the walls of a beautiful church in Mayfair, where daily meditations are recorded and broadcast to over 100,000 people worldwide. Laura also learns how an app has been designed for busy commuters to help fit in time for prayer and reflection on the Gospels. One Grade II listed chapel hidden in the heart of a new property complex in Chelsea is home to an exhibition space for the Prince's Foundation, which offers students the opportunity

Claire McCollum visits Gretna Green in Scotland as she explores different expressions of God’s gift of love. Looking forward to St Valentine’s Day, Claire discovers the extraordinary 275-year history of love and marriage at Gretna Green, from young lovers eloping in the 18th century through to the 3,000 couples who still get married in the tiny border village each year. She meets one of the team of local ministers who conduct hundreds of weddings each year and tries her hand at sugar craft with a Christian wedding cake designer. Claire also meets the parents who made history as the first same-sex couple in Scotland to be approved for adoption. Together they reflect on how becoming a family of five has deepened their understanding of love and faith. With hymns and songs from across the UK, all celebrating God’s gift of love.

Sean Fletcher is in Lincolnshire to hear how people are preparing for Lent. He joins a group of children from a local Catholic primary school on a visit to Lincoln Cathedral to learn more about the Stations of the Cross, which mark Jesus’s last journey to his crucifixion. Sean helps them get creative with their idea to spread the message of Jesus’s love by painting 'positivity pebbles'. At St Giles Methodist Church in Lincoln, he meets volunteer Cay Sherlock and hears how vital the warm spaces initiative is, and the free bacon rolls! The Rev Kate Bottley meets Deirdre Speed from Gainsborough, who not only took in a Ukrainian couple fleeing the war but also welcomed their pet pooch too.

With St David’s Day around the corner, Katherine Jenkins visits Pembrokeshire to meet pilgrims following the ancient trail to St Davids Cathedral. Katherine meets Janet Ingram, who has been leading pilgrimages along the coastline of Wales for over a decade, and finds out how the diocese is celebrating 900 years since the route was officially recognised by Pope Callixtus II in 1123. The group stops at places of significance to Wales’s patron saint, including the well where David was baptised as a baby. Along the way, Katherine meets Daniel Jervis, an Olympic swimmer and Christian, who talks about how faith has helped him overcome challenges in sport and his personal life. Also, James Lusted visits one church further north on the pilgrim path, which is undergoing an impressive restoration part-funded by the National Churches Trust. With hymns new and old from St Davids Cathedral and across Wales - and a special performance from Welsh actor and Hollywood star Luke Evans.

To mark International Women's Day, Claire McCollum visits Glasgow to uncover stories of women of faith throughout the ages, including Glasgow's very own St Enoch. Claire traces the roots of the saint, visiting the St Enoch shopping centre in the heart of the city and meeting theologian Helen Bond to find out how Enoch, a Scottish princess in the 6th century, survived attempted murder and rape before giving birth to Glasgow's founder, Saint Mungo. Claire and Helen visit an impressive mural of St Enoch in the city and discuss why more is not known about women of faith in Christian history. Helen talks about fascinating stories of female biblical figures who played a fundamental role in the church's foundation but of whom little or nothing is known. Laura Wright meets Glaswegian women who are putting their faith into action, including Baylie Adeoti, the creator of a social enterprise that helps women overcome the boundaries to success in business. Also, on Glasgow's south side, Laura me

The Rev Kate Bottley is in Gloucester Cathedral’s Workshop of St Peter to explore the work of its stonemasons throughout its long history, even learning some of their traditional skills herself. The cathedral’s stained-glass windows add to the magnificence of the building, and leading artist Thomas Denny reflects on his installation in one of the chapels. Elsewhere in the city, Gemma Hunt meets a woman whose recovery from addiction led her to find faith, which she now relies on to support those in need in the community. With hymns and songs from across the UK that speak of the foundations of faith.

To celebrate Mothering Sunday, Claire McCollum is in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, to meet remarkable women inspiring the next generation through their faith and devotion. At the Sunday School of St Columb’s Cathedral, Claire finds out about the remarkable 'adopt a granny' project, where children are building relationships with elderly parishioners. She joins the children as they prepare special Mothering Sunday goodie bags and hears from the ‘grannies’ who so look forward to the children’s visits. Claire meets the family of Sister Clare Crockett, whose extraordinary story is inspiring millions around the world. Sister Clare was an ordinary Derry girl who became a nun and was tragically killed in an earthquake in 2016 whilst teaching children in Ecuador. Her sisters reflect on her life of devotion and her legacy. And Claire meets two mothers whose firm friendship is inspiring peace and reconciliation across religious and political divides.

The Rev Kate Bottley is at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, described as 'the most perfect English house to survive from the Middle Ages’, to explore its hidden treasures, including a 12th-century chapel, medieval kitchen and Elizabethan long gallery. Kate meets some of Haddon’s Christian tour guides to hear about the history of the hall and how their faith influences their work. In the wider Derbyshire area, JB Gill visits a farm run by a Christian charity that helps children, young people and families in need. He speaks to the founder about her inspiration for setting up the charity, and also to some of the dedicated staff and students working at the farm. JB also meets a West African chef to hear how faith in God has helped guide her to set up a restaurant in her Peak District farmhouse.

Sean Fletcher celebrates Palm Sunday at Kensington Temple in London and hears how a spirit of welcome is at the heart of their Christian ethos. He joins members of the temple’s welcome team on the streets of Notting Hill, where they share news of the church’s plans and activities during Holy Week. Sean also discovers the 150-year history of Kensington Temple and the story of the foundation of the Elim Pentecostal movement in the early 20th century. Laura Wright meets a star of stage and screen, Adjoa Andoh, to hear how faith has influenced her life and work, particularly in her role as a lay reader at her church in Herne Hill in London. And Sean joins members of Kensington Temple’s Filipino community for a special lunch of their traditional food and hears how important the church has been to their lives and the faith of people from over 100 nations who make up its congregation.

To celebrate the holiest day of the Christian year, Katherine Jenkins is at Chester Cathedral for Easter Sunday to meet the dean of Chester, who explains how they mark this special time of Jesus’s resurrection. At the Cathedral’s Song School, Laura Wright hears about Handel’s famous visit to the city, where today the choristers are rehearsing the composer’s Easter anthem Hallelujah! We meet some of the team working on the Chester Mystery Plays and share one woman’s story of rediscovering her faith through her involvement. And back at the cathedral, Katherine meets deaf Christians to learn about their experiences of accessing worship and creating positive change in their community. With new music that celebrates the season of hope from an enthusiastic congregation in Chester Cathedral.

Aled Jones travels to the garden suburb of Bournville to explore the faith and philanthropy of the Cadbury family, whose Quaker beliefs inspired the design of their revolutionary factory village. Aled meets heritage manager Daniel Callicott and takes a tour of the original workers' houses and their long and productive gardens, designed to encourage healthy living and to contrast with the squalid inner-city Victorian workhouses of the time. Along the way, Aled meets Caroline Cadbury, the great-granddaughter of the co-founder of Bournville, George Cadbury, and finds out why she believes Quakerism created a spirit of peace and tranquillity

To celebrate St George's Day, Laura Wright heads to the capital to join families uncovering the legendary story of England's patron saint on a dragon-finding walking tour. Later, Laura enjoys a quintessentially English afternoon tea with Chris Brown, a traditional town crier. Plus another chance to catch Aled Jones's interview with D-Day veteran Harry Billinge, who sadly passed away in April 2022. With hymns throughout the programme honouring England's patron saint and a special performance from St Paul's Cathedral Choir.

Ahead of the coronation, Aled Jones visits Highgrove House, the country residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla, to explore the magnificent gardens, a testament to Charles’ lifelong desire to champion causes close to his heart, especially the importance of protecting the natural environment. Royal biographer, broadcaster and friend of the royals Gyles Brandreth tells Aled about some of the key events that have shaped the life and faith of the new King. Aled hears about the pioneering work of The Prince’s Trust, a charity founded by the King when he left the navy. He also meets a Christian florist to hear how the trust helped her change her life around after serving time in prison. Aled hears from the Dean of Westminster about the spiritual and sacred symbols which will be used in the coronation ceremony.

Katherine Jenkins celebrates the coronation of King Charles III at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace and explores how his faith and spirituality will shape his reign. Inside the Great Hall, Katherine talks to royal historian Dr Tracy Borman to discover how echoes of the past still resonate in our monarchy and nations today. Pam Rhodes visits broadcaster and friend of the King, Jonathan Dimbleby, to find out more about His Majesty’s deep Christian faith and how this, along with his interest in- and respect for other faiths, will influence his role as monarch. Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church also shares personal insights into the King’s care and support for different Christian traditions and persecuted communities.

On Songs of Praise, ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, Sean Fletcher explores Christian wellbeing. He meets a couple whose own mental health challenges led them to set up an organisation inspired by kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of highlighting and celebrating imperfections rather than hiding them. The organisation offers training to churches to become mental-health friendly spaces and to run wellbeing groups in their communities. We also revisit the time Kate Bottley put on her trainers to join a group of Christian runners interested in physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, and we look at the legacy of the 2021 Chelsea Flower Show Garden inspired by Psalm 23. The programme includes a performance from last year’s BBC Young Chorister of the Year as well as music from around the UK that reminds us, whatever challenges we may face, that God is always with us.

Claire McCollum follows in the footsteps of Saint Patrick and joins two nuns who lead a pilgrimage dedicated to the patron saint, which even involves kayaking, in and around County Down in Northern Ireland. The pilgrimage takes in some of the area’s most sacred sites, including Saul Church, known as the Cradle of Christianity for Ireland, built on the site of Saint Patrick's earliest known act of Christian worship. Claire also visits one of Ireland’s most impressive examples of early gothic architecture, the 12th-century Cistercian priory, Grey Abbey, and hears the story of its fascinating founder, Princess Affreca, noted for the strength of her religious patronage in the very male-dominated environment of the time. She also experiences one of the jewels of the abbey, the reconstruction of its original physic garden, which offers an insight into medieval medicine and the folklore surrounding many of the herbs that have grown there for centuries. And on the banks of Strangford Lough,

Sean Fletcher visits St Margaret’s Church in Westminster, popularly known as a place of worship for MPs and members of the House of Lords. Sean finds out what role the church plays in the day-to-day life of politicians and during significant moments in parliamentary history, including VE Day in 1945, when Winston Churchill led MPs from the House of Commons to St Margaret’s for a unique thanksgiving service to mark the end of the war. Sean also gets an exclusive insight into the workings of Parliament, meeting the chaplain to the speaker of the House of Commons and finds out about the daily tradition of opening prayers inside the chamber. Pam Rhodes meets members of Christians in Politics, an organisation that actively seeks to bring together Christians from different political parties for prayer and fellowship. Pam also talks to Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse who, helped by the strength of their faith, campaigned for a change in legislation after the tragic death of their daughter. W

The Rev Canon Kate Bottley is at the Angel of the North for its 25th anniversary to discover the inspirational power of this spectacular sculpture. We meet the artist who designed the piece, Sir Antony Gormley, to hear about his process and intent for the project. The former Bishop of Jarrow tells Kate how the Angel offered a place of prayer and worship and shares his belief in the hope that angelic figures can offer. Before joining a local family on an angel adventure, Kate finds out about the original Angel of the North, Sister Winifred Laver, who dedicated her life to helping others.

Katherine Jenkins visits Syon House in west London to discover its rich Christian history and to look back on some of her favourite moments on Songs of Praise. In the grounds of Syon House by the Thames, Katherine hears about the enormous medieval abbey that once stood on the site and the radical community of priests and nuns that lived there. Katherine recalls her trip to Caldey Island off the coast of south Wales, one of Britain’s most ancient holy sites where one of the monks, Brother David, tells her about the spiritual heritage of the island which stretches back over 1400 years. There is another chance to see Katherine’s visit to the chapels within the iconic Tower of London when she met the first female Beefeater. Then, from the ancient to the modern, Katherine recalls her time in the thriving Gas Street Church in Birmingham, home to a congregation of over 1000 people.

To celebrate Father's Day, Sean Fletcher heads to Stockport to visit Heaton's Men in Sheds, an initiative that targets social isolation in men by bringing together people with different skills and hobbies to connect and forge friendships under one roof. The group was launched with the help of the Manchester diocese, which offered the basement of a Grade I listed church in Heaton Moor to become the home of the project. Sean arrives to the sound of drilling and power tools to meet Terry Hewitt, a former university professor who became involved after retirement. Sean learn just how crucial social interaction can be for men who become isolated in later life and how physical work can help them open up and talk. Sean also visits a mother and her children who have spent 12 months in England following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The family prepare a special Father’s Day celebration, connecting over video call with their dad back in Ukraine, praying together and discussing how their faith

Aled Jones is on the Isle of Man to discover how the roots of Christianity stretch back over 1,500 years. He visits Cathedral Isle of Man and learns about the story of Saint German of Man. Aled also discovers how the rich Christian history of the island is portrayed in the cathedral’s unique, interactive gardens. Further afield, Aled meets a Christian shepherdess and her flock to hear about a rewilding initiative in a local church’s grounds. Then at Café Lingo, he learns about an English language teaching enterprise led by a methodist church to help new arrivals to the island, with an ethos inspired by the Bible’s stories of welcome. Back at the cathedral, Aled meets some of the volunteers who tend to the gardens and hears how faith influences their work and what made them to want to help.

Ahead of Alcohol Awareness Week, the Rev Canon Kate Bottley travels to Preston to learn about the temperance movement, which began life in the north west of England in the Victorian era. We join the successors to an original children’s temperance society, who are continuing to bring opportunities to young people through alcohol-and-drugs education courses. In Burnley, YolanDa Brown meets a local pastor, whose journey to sobriety brought her into a deeper connection with her faith. And Kate has a chance to try some alcohol-free cocktails, catching up with the regulars at the country’s oldest surviving temperance bar.

Katherine Jenkins joins celebrations at the Roman Catholic cathedral in Arundel, West Sussex, marking the Feast of Corpus Christi. The festivities include a spectacular carpet of flowers and a procession from the cathedral to the castle. Katherine meets the Duke of Norfolk, who explains the legacy of his relative, the 15th Duke, who introduced the beautiful floral custom to Arundel over 140 years ago. And we hear from the flower carpet designer about the symbols in this year’s display. Bishop Richard Moth explains the spiritual importance of Corpus Christi, which for Catholics is a celebration of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and Katherine meets some of those participating in the procession, including a child who has recently taken her first Holy Communion. At Arundel Castle, we revisit the time Katherine met a gardener whose faith has been instrumental in her life and work. With music that celebrates the Eucharist and an a cappella performance from vocal harmony group St

Pam Rhodes embarks on a personal journey, from the south coast of England to the south Midlands, to reflect on the people, places and pieces of music that have shaped her Christian faith. Beginning in the naval town of Gosport, where she lived as a teenager, Pam reflects on her childhood, the foundations of her faith and the life-long love of hymns inherited from her mother. She is reunited with the sisters whom she mentored whilst teaching dance classes in a Christian Youth Club in the 1970s and returns to St Albans Cathedral, where she recorded her very first Songs of Praise programme in 1987. Pam meets up with her friend, worship leader Dave Bilbrough, to discuss the importance of pilgrimage in her life and how it helped her at a time of heartbreak and difficulty. At home with her family, Pam shares her thoughts on the blessings of grandchildren and the inspiration of those who have demonstrated faith in action throughout her life. With hymns from across the UK that are all close

Claire McCollum visits the Corrymeela Community, Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation. She tours the site and discovers the story of its founder, Ray Davey, and his mission for a more peaceful Northern Ireland. She also meets students from California visiting Corrymeela for the first time, hearing what they’ve learned from their experience, and what they’ll take back to their own communities. A renowned local artist explains how he created Hands of History, a piece of art capturing the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. Claire speaks to the former archbishop of Armagh, Lord Robin Eames, and Methodist Minister Harold Good, both of whom had their hands cast in bronze for their roles in the Good Friday Agreement. Finally, Claire joins a group session at Corrymeela from the Shankill Women’s Centre in Belfast, where she experiences some of the methods used to inspire and promote dialogue between Catholic and Protestant communities.

Sean Fletcher discovers the amazing 900-year history of St Bartholomew’s church and hospital, which began as a monastery. Together, they make up the oldest parish in London and the oldest hospital in the UK. Charlotte Gauthier, historian at the original priory church of St Bartholomew the Great, explains how it all started when one man received a vision from God to build a hospital to care for London's poor and sick. Sean meets some of the staff and patients to find out how the hospital is still a place surrounded by faith and prayer. Also, we revisit the time Laura Wright met two sisters in Birmingham who were the first conjoined twins in the UK to undergo a life-saving procedure. She discovers how they give thanks to God for their lives through their love of singing. Finally, Sean discovers how one of London’s great artistic treasures is used today by doctors as a teaching tool for medical students.

Claire McCollum visits the historical and religious sites of Colchester, widely considered to be Britain’s oldest town since its foundation during the Roman occupation over 2000 years ago. Gaining city status in 2022, Claire takes a tour of Colchester with former mayor Sir Bob Russell and discovers one of the first Augustinian priories in England, its Norman castle, Roman ruins and even the story of a Christian hymn writer, who has gone down in history as the composer of one of the most popular children’s nursery rhymes. Claire also visits the Colchester Garrison, a British army base since the Napoleonic Wars and hears about the role army chaplains play in the spiritual and pastoral wellbeing of soldiers. Further afield, Laura Wright visits the Fellowship Afloat Christian Trust (Fact) and finds out how, using outdoor activities, they provide a space to reach young people who might not come into contact with traditional church life. And we meet a Christian blogger to hear why he swa

Aled Jones travels through the south Wales valleys, meeting locals and uncovering stories of Christian faith in the hills. Aled joins BBC Radio Wales’s Roy Noble on three wheels to explore the landscape by trike. Roy unpacks the links between the people and the landscape, which was an epicentre of mining in the 19th century and the birthplace of the Welsh revival, a dramatic Christian movement that swept across the country and beyond. James Lusted meets a group of South Korean missionaries as they 'pray for Wales', a country they trace their own Christian faith back to through one Welshman, Robert Germain Thomas, who brought the gospel to the shores of Pyongyang in 1866. James follows the missionaries as they visit the town of Pontypridd, praying on the hillside overlooking the valley and going to a school to speak to students. Welsh singer and worship leader Cath Woolridge has been praying with her husband for over a decade to conceive a child. Aled finds out how her faith motivates

The Rev Kate Bottley is in London to mark three hundred years since the death of one of Britain’s most talented and prolific architects, Sir Christopher Wren, who was charged with re-building 52 city churches after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Kate visits some of his early church designs, while Gemma Hunt joins a group of children who are spending the day at one of his churches. And we meet a prayer group, who continue to find a place of worship and meditation at one of Wren’s churches in the middle of the busy capital city. With music from some of Wren’s most iconic landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

Aled Jones explores some of the extraordinary Christian heritage of Canterbury Cathedral, one of the most historic and magnificent buildings in the world, meeting inspirational members of the cathedral community. He discovers more about Archbishop Thomas Becket, whose murder in the cathedral in 1170 made Canterbury one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage sites. YolanDa Brown gets up close to some of Canterbury’s 800-year-old stained glass in the cathedral’s own conservation workshop, and sees the lives and faith of medieval pilgrims come to life. In the cathedral crypt, Aled discovers a chapel given to refugees in the 16th century and meets the Rev Kirrilee Reid, who has dedicated many years to working with refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, Calais and nearby Dover. Aled also hears the testimony of Torin Brown, one of the cathedral ‘shepherds’ who maintain the ministry of welcome that began 1,400 years ago.

Sean Fletcher explores some of the ways that young people across the UK are finding Christianity today and discovers what attracts them to the faith. He visits an Urban Saints summer camp in north Wales to hear how the music, discussion and memory-making activities in the great outdoors bring young people, including those who may not be involved in church communities, to the Christian fold. Further afield, Sean meets an up-and-coming rugby international to find out how his faith has guided his journey from childhood in Africa to international stardom with the Welsh Rugby team. And we hear from an award-winning young garden designer in Sheffield about why his love of the Bible and the natural world inspired him to create a garden based on Psalm 27.

Katherine Jenkins visits Pembroke College Chapel in Cambridge to explore the sacred sound of the church organ and to meet organist virtuoso and star of the Proms, Anna Lapwood. Anna demonstrates the chapel’s 17th-century organ and the rich variety of sound at the fingertips of the player, creating the perfect sound for worship. Katherine discovers the history behind the instrument, when it first entered churches and cathedrals across Europe, and how it influenced and defined church music. A choir directed by Anna at Pembroke College performs for Katherine, and we hear what they love about singing with the organ and how it brings them closer to God.

Claire McCollum celebrates harvest at Hazelnut Community Farm in Bristol and hears how they’ve brought their church into the great outdoors with gardening as an act of worship. She speaks to founder Reverend John White about why he was inspired to set up Hazelnut, the ethos of sharing their harvest with the local community and how teaching sustainable growing techniques is at the heart of their Christian message. She also discovers how over 50% of the Hazelnut community is made up of members originally from Hong Kong and finds out why they wanted to get involved. Further afield, JB Gill is in Cambridgeshire, meeting a farmer from Zimbabwe whose faith has helped him take on a 350-acre farm and to grow white maize, a tropical crop normally never commercially grown in the UK. And back in Bristol, Claire joins in with an innovative project that uses Christianity to inspire children to tend to the land. She speaks to project lead Gigi about why it’s so important to teach sustainable growin

To mark National Adoption Week, Aled Jones is in central London to hear inspiring stories of faith and family. He visits the UK’s oldest and longest-running children’s charity, Coram, to learn about adoption today and to discover the charity’s remarkable Christian origins. Theologian Krish Kandiah explains how the language of being adopted into the family of God is at the heart of the Bible’s message, and Aled visits a young vicar in Kent to explore how the love of his adoptive parents overcame differences of heritage and culture. Gemma Hunt meets former world champion javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread to hear her remarkable story of how being adopted as a teenager changed her life. With hymns and songs celebrating the love of God and the family of faith.

Sean Fletcher joins the congregation at one of Britain’s biggest Baptist churches and finds out how they are celebrating their roots and heritage this Black History Month.

Claire McCollum finds out what makes Edinburgh’s religious buildings and history so special with a tour of some of the city’s churches to see why and how they inspire our faith to this day. She visits St Cuthbert’s Church, believed to be the oldest Christian site in the city before taking a walk up to the world-famous castle and Edinburgh’s oldest surviving building, St Margaret’s Chapel. There she hears from members of a guild who maintain the chapel with fresh flowers and have a very unique membership criterion. On the edge of the city, Claire uncovers the story of the capital’s own ‘secret garden’ in the grounds of an ancient church and how it creates a sense of peace and spirituality. And back in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Claire discovers some of the chapels and churches linked to one of the most influential people in Scotland’s Christian history, John Knox, who changed the face of Christianity in the country with the Scottish Reformation.

Aled Jones visits the coast of Kent to meet Mina Smallman, a mother and former archdeacon in the Church of England, who turned to her Christian faith after the brutal murder of her two daughters in 2020. Mina speaks to Aled about how she feels the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit around her, and of her hope of being reunited with her daughters, Bibaa and Nicole, in heaven. Aled also meets Jude Kelly, a charity director who encouraged Mina to share her story with the world to help others going through similar experiences of suffering. On the 150th anniversary of It Is Well with My Soul, Pam Rhodes meets Lady Djemila Cope, the great-granddaughter of the hymn’s composer, Horatio Spafford, who lost all four of his daughters in a devastating disaster at sea.

Katherine Jenkins marks Remembrance Sunday at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, the oldest air academy in the world. She meets cadets and the head padre to discover how remembrance plays an important part in daily life and training at Cranwell. At the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, Katherine speaks to retired squadron leader Bob Ankerson, who reflects on those commemorated in the memorial gardens and shares how his faith sustained him as a prisoner of war in Iraq. Sean Fletcher joins RAF personnel at the Commonwealth Air Force Memorial in Surrey. Marking its 70th anniversary, the memorial honours the 20,000 air service men and women from across the commonwealth who gave their lives in World War II but have no named grave. Sean meets Peter Clare, for whom the monument is one of the only connections he has to his father who was killed in action in 1942.

Aled Jones presents the junior semi-final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from the Monastery in Manchester, with judges Laura Wright, Ken Burton and Wynne Evans. Five fantastic singers aged ten to 13 perform a favourite sacred song. Their choices include O For the Wings of a Dove by Mendelssohn, Pie Jesu by Webber, a new setting of Panis Angelicus by Elizabeth Stratford and two works by John Rutter, A Gaelic Blessing and The Lord Bless You and Keep You. Three of the five choristers will go forward to the final.

Aled Jones hosts the senior semi-final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from the Manchester Monastery, with judges Laura Wright, Ken Burton and Wynne Evans. The music featured includes Be Thou My Vision by Chilcott, A Clare Benediction and All Things Bright and Beautiful, both by Rutter, and traditional hymns How Shall I Sing That Majesty and Amazing Grace. Three of the senior competitors will be chosen to go through to the final.

It’s the final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from The Monastery in Manchester, presented by Aled Jones and Rev Kate Bottley. Six of the best choristers in the UK perform a Christmas carol or song in the hope of impressing judges Laura Wright, Ken Burton and Wynne Evans, who will have the difficult decision of choosing one junior and one senior winner. The programme includes a special performance of ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’ with Aled Jones, the winning chorister and all the finalists and semi-finalists.

Pam Rhodes visits St Mary the Virgin church in Turville, Oxfordshire – perhaps better known as the Vicar of Dibley’s parish church – to discover some of the stories behind our favourite Christmas carols. Hymn and carol expert Andrew Gant takes Pam from the church to the village pub to explain how carols historically began as folk songs before becoming a regular part of Christmas church services. We also find out which carol our Songs of Praise presenters have chosen as their favourite.

Rev Kate Bottley visits County Durham to find out why one primary school has joined forces with the residents of a local care home to spread the joy of Christmas through the annual church nativity play. Kate meets headteacher Alison, to explore the reasons behind this novel collaboration, and finds out how it contributes to the town’s status as dementia friendly. As well as meeting the cast, Kate speaks to relatives of the residents from Springfield Lodge care home, who are thrilled to see their loved ones taking part. Laura Wright is in York meeting Jenny Herrera from Acts 435, a Christian charity who’ve created an online fundraising platform for members of church communities to help individuals with specific needs. Jenny explains to Laura how their process of fundraising is based on the biblical principles of the disciples. We also hear the remarkable story of a church, whose prayers were answered through a ‘Christmas miracle’ of a sack of money that turned a dwindling congregation

Aled Jones hosts a festive celebration for Christmas Eve from Sheffield City Hall, featuring favourite carols, including: The First Nowell, The Holly and the Ivy, The Sussex Carol and O Come All Ye Faithful. Aled is also joined by some very special guests: Katherine Jenkins performs Home for Christmas, Strictly Come Dancing’s Tommy Blaize sings Mary’s Boy Child, there’s a beautiful version of Silent Night from the newly crowned BBC Young Choristers of the Year and the UK’s favourite carol O Holy Night is performed by Michael Ball.

Katherine Jenkins hosts a musical celebration for New Year’s Eve from Sheffield City Hall. She’ll be joined by some very special guests, including Aled Jones, who performs a song he co-wrote called Brand New Day, the Gospel Choir of the Year, EAGA Gospel Choir, sing Joyful, Joyful, and classical soprano Carly Paoli performs a song she’s written with a very personal message, Pray. There’ll be favourite hymns to sing along to, including To God Be the Glory, Amazing Grace, Cornerstone and Lord for the Years.