Listeners will be kept company this Christmas with a HUGE line-up from BBC Radio and BBC Sounds, including the Christmas Number one and podcast specials.
This festive season BBC Radio and BBC Sounds will play host to a mega line-up with big names and even bigger shows. From storytelling, best in music and comedy, it’ll be hard to turn your headphones off.
Here we pick our Christmas highlights from BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.
BBC SOUNDS:
Ed Sheeran joins Greg James and Bella Mackie for a very special festive edition of Teach Me A Lesson, only on BBC Sounds. Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is the latest guest on Tony Bellew Is Angry, as he reveals his seasonal annoyances.
Sporting fans can get their fix with MOTD Top 10, That Peter Crouch Podcast and Sport’s Strangest Crimes, which feature alongside a collection of Christmas picks.
Festive specials from Charli XCX, Big Narstie, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Nadia Jae and Baby Queen. The All Day Christmas mix is on hand with an extensive catalogue of classic Christmas songs, while the Christmas Chill series offers listeners an escape with mindful mixes A Winter Walk and A Choral Christmas.
BBC RADIO 1 and 2:
Scott Mills and Chris Stark’s Christmas Number 2s, which will see the duo revisiting some of the greatest songs to narrowly miss out on a coveted Christmas Number 1.
On Christmas Eve Kenny Allstar, Kan D Man and DJ Limelight showcase the best rap from across the UK, simulcast on 1Xtra and Asian Network.
CMA Country Christmas rings in the holiday season annually with a night full of festive classics and one-of-a-kind musical performances.
Mica’s Gospel Christmas, Prepare to have your soul stirred and heart lifted as Radio 2 takes you to church on Christmas morning.
Good Morning Christmas: reverend Kate Bottley brings the cheer on Christmas morning with carol singing, listeners’ Christmas greetings and a joyful Pause For Thought from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Paul O’Grady: Once again, Paul hosts his annual Christmas Day show from his home in Kent with a suitably seasonal playlist.
Richie Anderson’s Festive Boy Bands v Girl Bands is back with another holiday edition of his top pop passion, celebrating the world’s biggest boy bands and girl bands.
Gary Davies – 70 Xmas Number Ones where the presenter takes listeners through the best selling records from the past seven decades.
Westlife’s Christmas Pop Party: Get your Christmas jumper on and cut yourself a chunky slice of the Yuletide log as, for the first time ever, all four members of Westlife takeover BBC Radio 2 for a full two hours, with the perfect Christmas show for all the family.
BBC ORCHESTRAS and CHOIRS:
Christmas Tales with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus: The BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus come together at the Barbican for a festive concert featuring Benjamin Britten’s captivating cantata, recounting St Nicholas’ life from birth to death.
A Roaring 20s Christmas with the BBC Singers: Live at Milton Court Concert Hall and broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 17 December Nikolas Kok conducts the BBC Singers and the GSMD Jazz Band in a concert celebrating the roaring 1920s, embodying the spirit of the jazz age.
Christmas At The Movies with the BBC SSO: The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra perform their annual burst of big screen magic with Christmas at the Movies at Glasgow’s City Halls, with music from Hollywood’s Golden Age, John Williams blockbusters, Disney favourites, and a few surprises.
Carols For Christmas with BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales: The BBC National Chorus of Wales and their Artistic Director Adrian Partington are joined by BBC NOW Brass for a selection of popular carols, plus readings by BBC Wales presenters.
On Christmas Night with the BBC Singers: To mark the 21st anniversary of the reintroduction of the role of Royal Harpist, HRH The Prince of Wales joins Ian Skelly to introduce a special performance of Benjamin Britten’s popular collection of carols for harp and voices, Ceremony Of Carols.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer said: “Our audio content will entertain, surprise and keep listeners company as we mark the end of the year and welcome 2022. With brilliant storytelling, thoughtful moments and the best in music, comedy and sport, BBC Radio and BBC Sounds have the ultimate festive pick ‘n’ mix this Christmas and New Year.”
BBC’s Christmas TV and Audio shows have really set the bar this Christmas and we can’t wait.
