Britain's Christmas Story

Gareth Malone and Karen Gibson reveal the stories and legends behind some of Britain’s Christmas traditions, unwrapping the surprising ways that the festive season was marked in the past, and, with their shared passion for music, exploring what the nation has sung at this time of year across the centuries. Today, they follow the story of Christmas on these shores from its origins, through the lavish partying of Elizabethan times, to the banning of the celebrations in the 17th century. Along the way they discover that carols were once as much about dancing as singing, and they find out why a holy site in Norfolk, known as England’s Nazareth, once rivalled Jerusalem and Rome as a destination for pilgrims. And in Cambridge, the pair come together for a beautiful performance of a much-loved carol.

Gareth Malone and Karen Gibson conclude their special series exploring how the season has been celebrated in Britain across the centuries. They discover why a ban on Christmas led to rioting in the streets, and how the festivities were revived with a vengeance in Victorian times. As they trace the stories behind now-common traditions – and take part in less familiar ones such as pub carolling - the archbishop of Canterbury explains how he celebrates Christmas, and why its meaning remains so relevant today. Plus, with their shared passion for music, Gareth and Karen orchestrate a rousing musical finale, putting a twist on a familiar favourite to celebrate the season.