Songs of Praise
Season 2017
Long-running religious programme broadcasting church services and in particular the singing of Christian hymns from a different place of worship each week. Also featuring interviews and news segments of interest to the Christian community.
Where to Watch Songs of Praise • Season 2017
53 Episodes
- Hampton Court
E1Hampton Court2017 is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, so Aled Jones goes behind the scenes at Hampton Court Palace, favourite haunt of Henry VIII and his six wives. It was at Hampton Court Palace that Henry engineered a split with the church in Rome. There is also a look back at the very best of Songs of Praise from the last 12 months. - Escaping Debt
E2Escaping DebtJosie d'Arby meets those whose faith has brought freedom from spiralling debt, and Katie Melua performs Rachmaninov's All Night Vigil. Music: Brightest and Best Are the Sons of the Morning from St Mary-Le-Tower, Ipswich Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here from Green Pastures, Ballymena Siyahamba from St James the Greater Church, Leicester All Night Vigil by Katie Melua and Gori Women's Choir When I Survey the Wondrous Cross from Romsey Abbey, Romsey Better Is One Day by Grey Coat Hospital Gospel Choir Holy Spirit Ever Living from St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen. - Isle of Lewis
E3Isle of LewisDays before Donald Trump enters the White House as president, we find out about his family connections to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Music: I, the Lord of Sea and Sky from St Andrew's Metropolitan Cathedral, Glasgow A Gaelic Blessing by St Albans Abbey Girls Choir Eternal Father Strong to Save from Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Bring Him Home from Morriston Tabernacle, Swansea Spirit Break Out from Birmingham City Church, Birmingham What a Mighty God We Serve from St Germain's Church, Birmingham Spirit of God, Unseen from St Peter's Episcopal Church, Edinburgh. - Hull
E4HullIt's Hull's big year as the UK's City of Culture, and Aled Jones discovers what that means for England's biggest parish church and how Hull's famous sons, from William Wilberforce to the latest BBC Face of Hull, are all getting in on the act. Give Me That Old Time Religion from Hackney Empire, London The King of Love My Shepherd Is from St Mary-Le-Tower Church, Ipswich You Raise Me Up by Celtic Woman Now Thank We All Our God from Warwick Road United Reform Church, Coventry The Power of Love from the Salvation Army, Sale We Shall Overcome by Laura Mvula with Gareth Malone's Voices Choir Angel-Voices, Ever Singing from Romsey Abbey. - Chinese New Year
E5Chinese New YearJosie d'Arby celebrates Chinese New Year at a magic lantern festival and we meet Stella Parton, sister of Dolly, who shows that musical talent and faith run in the family. Plus a performance of the Nunc Dimittis from Alexander Armstrong. Music Let All the World in Every Corner Sing from St-Martin-in-the-Fields, London Christ Be Our Light from All Saints Church, Cheltenham Great Is Thy Faithfulness from New Community Church, Southampton Nunc Dimittis performed by Alexander Armstrong and the Royal Holloway Chapel Organist and Choir 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) performed by Steve Thompson Keep on Walkin' performed by Stella Parton Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies from Trinity Church, Gosforth. - Jane Austen
E6Jane AustenIt's the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen, and Connie Fisher visits the Hampshire house where the celebrated romantic novelist lived to examine her - not always flattering - portrayal of clergymen. Music Lift High the Name of Jesus performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty from Orangefield Presbyterian Church, Belfast At the Name of Jesus from Romsey Abbey Magnificat from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Sutton Coldfield Great Day performed by Noah Stewart I Love You Lord Today from St Germain's Church, Birmingham In Paradisum performed by Huddersfield Choral Society with the BBC Philharmonic To God Be the Glory from Winchester Cathedral. - Welsh Pilgrims
E7Welsh PilgrimsAled Jones visits north Wales to follow the pilgrim trail to Bardsey Island, reputed to be the resting place of 20,000 saints. Kate Bottley is in Dublin to uncover the real St Valentine. Music: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah from Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord from New Community Church, Southampton Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean from St German's Church, Cardiff Sing by Angel Blue, St Jude on the Hill, London I Will Sing the Wondrous Story from St James the Greater, Leicester Nearer, My God, to Thee by Treorchy Male Voice Choir, Morriston Tabernacle Chapel Who Would True Valour See from Manchester Cathedral, Manchester. - Women Priests
E8Women PriestsMarking the 25th anniversary of the Church of England's vote in favour of women's ordination, David Grant meets the first female Anglican priest and the next generation of women preparing for the priesthood. Music: My Jesus, My Saviour from St Germain's Church, Birmingham Come Down, O Love Divine from St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen When Love Was King from St Sepulchre-without-Newgate, London Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire from Auckland Castle, County Durham I Stand Amazed from William Booth College, London We Believe from Orangefield Presbyterian Church Take My Life and Let It Be from Romsey Abbey. - City Farmers
E9City FarmersJosie d'Arby is down on the farm in Dartmoor, joining girls from inner-city London who are being given a taste of rural life. And the famous bells of Southwark Cathedral are hoisted back up their tower. Music: For All the Saints from St Padarn's Church, Aberystwyth Father, Hear the Prayer We Offer from St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich Angel-Voices Ever Singing from Southwark Cathedral, London Waiting for the Word by Peter Skellern O Come, Let Us Sing by Twyford Church of England High School Let All Things Now Living from St German's Church, Cardiff Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, Our Blessed Redeemer! from Hackney Empire, London. - Zeebrugge Anniversary
E10Zeebrugge AnniversaryThirty years after the Zeebrugge ferry disaster, which resulted in the loss of 193 passengers and crew, Aled Jones is in Dover to hear first-hand accounts from survivors and precious memories from people who lost loved ones. Music: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story by Keith and Kristyn Getty and the congregation of Orangefield Presbyterian Church, Belfast Dear Lord and Father of Mankind from St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Faryl and the International Harp Ensemble Sing of the Lord's Goodness from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Sutton Coldfield Eternal Father, Strong to Save from Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff The Peace by Graham Kendrick and the congregation of All Saints Church, Sheffield All My Hope on God Is Founded from St James the Greater, Leicester. - Housing Crisis
E11Housing CrisisWith Britain facing a housing crisis, Josie d'Arby visits the Lake District to see how the church can make a difference. And to mark the season of Lent, Dr John Sentamu, the archbishop of York, discusses the subject of forgiveness. There is music to celebrate St Patrick's Day and a performance by flautist Sir James Galway. Music: Here I Am To Worship from Hackney Empire, London There Is A Hope from Keswick Convention, Keswick Come People Of The Risen King from Ballydown Presbyterian Church, Banbridge Ag Críost An Síol by The Priests from Mount Stewart House, Newtownards The Lord's My Shepherd by Sir James and Lady Galway When I Needed A Neighbour from Romsey Abbey Let Us Build A House from St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen. - Mothering Sunday
E13Mothering SundayFor Mothering Sunday, David Grant meets a mum who became a boxing coach to help youngsters in her community and a foster mum who took in three young asylum seekers from Afghanistan. The archbishop of York continues his special interviews for Lent, and there is music to lift the soul. Music: For the Beauty of the Earth from St Alban's Church, Bristol Might to Save from City Gates Church, Ilford Praise Is Rising by Paul Baloche Chariot's Comin' and Swing Low from St Colmcille's Holywood, Holywood In Christ There Is No East or West from St James the Greater, Leicester Make Me a Channel of Your Peace from St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen. - Peterhead
E14PeterheadJosie d'Arby visits the fishing port of Peterhead and meets the trawlermen whose job is one of the most dangerous in Britain. Plus a look back at a music revolution in the church 50 years ago. Music: Eternal Father, Strong To Save from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth When Morning Gilds The Skies from St Aidan's Church, Leeds Praise Him from All Saints Ecclesall Parish Church, Sheffield When I Survey The Wondrous Cross from Morrison Tabernacle Chapel, Swansea Spirit Of The Living God from St Nicholas's Church, Nottingham Lord, You Have Come To The Seashore from St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow Good, Good Father from City Gates Church, Ilford. - The Yorkshire Dales
E15The Yorkshire DalesThe Reverend Kate Bottley is in the Yorkshire Dales for lambing season, and the archbishop of York meets the mother who forgave those responsible for the death of her son. Music: Lord Of The Dance from St Aidan's Church, Leeds Now Thank We All Our God from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth All To Jesus I Surrender from All Saints Ecclesall Parish Church, Sheffield The Lion And The Lamb from City Gates, Ilford Ride On! Ride On In Majesty! From St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich For The Beauty Of The Earth by the BBC Radio 2 Young Choristers of the Year 2015 There Is A Green Hill Far Away from St Albans Cathedral, St. Albans. - Easter Sunday
E16Easter SundayFor Easter Sunday, Sally Magnusson discovers how the people of Greater Manchester have come together to stage an ambitious outdoor performance of the greatest story ever told - Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Music: See What a Morning from All Saints Church, Ecclesall When I Survey the Wondrous Cross from Romsey Abbey Trust Me by Manchester Inspirational Voices with Wayne Ellington This I Believe from City Gates Church, Ilford There Is a Redeemer by Kathryn Scott with The Belfast Opera Community Chorus Jesus Christ Is Risen Today from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth Thine Be the Glory from St Albans Cathedral. - RSPCA
E17RSPCADavid Grant visits Leybourne Animal Centre in Kent, run by the oldest welfare organisation in the world - the RSPCA - founded nearly 200 years ago by a Church of England vicar. Hymns/Music All Things Bright and Beautiful from St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich How Great Thou Art from Orangefield Presbyterian Church, Belfast Praise Him by Paul Lee with Adventist Vocal Ensemble Let All the World in Every Corner Sing from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth Jerusalem from St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle Morning Has Broken by Jules Knight Holy, Holy, Holy from City Gates Church, Ilford. - Cornwall
E18CornwallJosie d'Arby celebrates 30 years of saving lives with the Cornwall Air Ambulance, and we visit the church service in London that is bound to put a smile on your face! Hymns/Music O Praise Ye the Lord from St James the Greater, Leicester Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth Here for You from City Gates Church, Ilford Precious Lord from Saint Jude-on-the-Hill, London Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean from Ballydown Presbyterian Church, Banbridge Sing Hosanna from Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle upon Tyne How Shall I Sing That Majesty from St German's Church, Cardiff. - Gurnsey
E19GurnseySally Magnusson visits Guernsey as its people approach the anniversary of the liberation of the island from German occupation in May 1945. She hears from a woman who lived under Nazi rule and how, even today, a community café run by ex-offenders is still liberating people. Music: All Hail the Power of Jesus Name by Keith and Kristyn Getty Thy Hand, O God, Has Guided from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth Happy Land by Bel Canto Choir Father Hear the Prayer We Offer from All Saints Church, Cheltenham Locus Iste by The Templar Scholars Choir Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) from City Gates, Ilford Jesus Shall Reign Where're the Sun from St Albans Church, Bristol. - The National Trust
E20The National TrustPam Rhodes explores how a tiny island in the Lake District inspired a Victorian clergyman to become one of the founders of the National Trust. Music: O Jesus I Have Promised from All Saints Church, Ecclesall For the Fruits Of His Creation from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth Bring Us Closer by Manchester Inspirational Voices It Is a Most Wonderful Thing from St Aidan's Church, Leeds Sweet Is the Work from St German's Church, Cardiff A Living Prayer by Ward Thomas Lord, For the Years from All Saints Church, Cheltenham. - Modern Nuns
E21Modern NunsJosie d'Arby meets nuns behind the scenes at a convent in Pembrokeshire and hears how they dedicate themselves to life in a closed community. Church detective Richard Taylor explores the history of Baptists in the UK. Music: King of Glory, King of Peace from St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich As the Deer Pants from St Aidan's Church, Leeds The Lord's My Shepherd from St Germain's Church, Birmingham O Sanctissima Maria from St Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty Christ Be in My Waking from All Saints' Church, Cheltenham Before the Throne of God Above from City Gates Church, Ilford. - Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
E23Liverpool Metropolitan CathedralJosie d'Arby is in Liverpool to celebrate the golden jubilee of the city's iconic Metropolitan Cathedral and to share a very special occasion with two of its young parishioners. And there's music to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. Music: Hail Redeemer, King Divine from Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Lord Of All Hopefulness from Lutyens Crypt at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Here Is Love, Vast As The Ocean from All Saints Church, Ecclesall O Thou Who Camest From Above from St. Alban's Church, Bristol Bread Of Life from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Sutton Coldfield Holy, Holy, Holy from St. James the Greater, Leicester What A Friend We Have In Jesus by St. Peter's Church of England School Choir. - Carers Week
E24Carers WeekRadio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker and his wife Tiggy reveal what it is like to become a carer when your partner has to battle cancer. Plus the soldiers preparing for this year's Trooping the Colour. Music: The Summons from St Ninian's Cathedral, Perth You Raise Me Up by Celtic Woman I Vow to Thee My Country from All Saints Church, Cheltenham Make Me a Channel of Your Peace by Tessera Wonderful, Merciful Saviour from St Germain's Church, Birmingham When I Needed a Neighbour Were You There from Romsey Abbey, Romsey Blessed Be the Name of the Lord from City Gates, Ilford. - North Wales
E29North WalesAled Jones takes to the Welsh hills with Mike Peters from the band The Alarm on a walk to raise money for NHS cancer services. The Rev Kate Bottley meets a royal composer at St Asaph's Cathedral and the hospital chaplain who connects with dementia patients by singing like Elvis! - Love, Light and Unity
E31Love, Light and UnityAled Jones is at Southwark Cathedral in London to reveal how people are pulling together in a spirit of love, light and unity after the recent tragic events in the capital. Josie d'Arby finds out how the Salvation Army supports the emergency services and meets Britain's youngest black vicar as he gives his first service. - Celebrating Diana
E35Celebrating DianaTo commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Songs of Praise celebrates how she broke down barriers through her amazing charity work and meets those who benefitted. At the Mildmay HIV Hospital in London, Pam Rhodes talks to a nurse and the mother of a patient who Diana met before he died. Sally Magnusson journeys to Nepal to discover the impact Diana made by shaking hands with patients who had leprosy, and Aled Jones takes a personal tour of the newly created memorial White Garden at Kensington Palace. - Croagh Patrick
E36Croagh PatrickClaire McCollum travels to County Mayo in Ireland to join thousands of pilgrims as they climb Ireland's holy mountain - Croagh Patrick. Sean Fletcher visits another point of major interest for pilgrims, Knock Shrine. Sally Magnusson travels to Nepal to reveal how mountaineer Doug Scott is giving something back to the people. Claire tells the story of the Celtic Christian who became a pirate queen. There is also a spectacular performance of Amazing Grace by Celtic Woman. - Tenby
E37TenbyKatherine Jenkins travels to the monastery on Caldey Island, just off the coast from the holiday resort of Tenby in west Wales, to sample monastic life in the 21st century. This monastery funds itself through its own businesses and small enterprises, and Katherine is guided around the monastery by Brother David, one of the longest-serving monks, who is also a published poet. Josie d'Arby travels to Swansea to meet the father-and-son duo behind the choir Angelicus Celtis, the Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists. With hymns and songs from the beach at Tenby Harbour. - Eastbourne
E38EastbourneAled Jones is in the seaside town of Eastbourne during its famous International Air Show. He takes to the skies with the Blades aerobatic display team and meets a 95-year-old World War II pilot who is supported by their charity work. Aled also meets one of the RAF's first female pilots, who swapped the cockpit for the pulpit, and Pam Rhodes visits a charity making aviation accessible to people with disabilities. Hymns come from the Eastbourne Bandstand with worship leader Lou Fellingham leading the 1,000-strong congregation. - Harvest
E39HarvestAled Jones and JB Gill are at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show to celebrate harvest. Aled tries his hand at herding ducks, while JB Gill finds out about the show's long Christian heritage and meets the world's leading rugby referee, who talks about his faith. With hymns from the sheep-shearing shed. - Mental Health
E41Mental HealthKatherine Jenkins puts on her walking boots and joins a Christian retreat walk around Winchester that aims to restore mind, body and soul. Sean Fletcher visits Stable Life, the charity using horses to help young people, and he meets the Reverend Richard Coles, who talks openly about the mental health issues he suffered as a teenager. Music: Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation from St John the Baptist, Tideswell Dear Lord and Father of Mankind from Christ Church URC, Port Sunlight We Cannot Measure How You Heal from Stocksbridge Church, Edinburgh I Want Jesus to Walk with Me from LSO St Luke's It Is Well with My Soul from Eastbourne Bandstand Lord for the Years from All Saints' Church, Northampton. - Pontypridd
E42PontypriddAled Jones feels the warm welcome of the valleys in Pontypridd, where he hears how the bridge the town is named after was built by a chapel minister and sees how Syrian refugees are making the area their home. JB Gill finds out how singing and art come together in Christian worship and meets a chapel-inspired contemporary artist. Music: Here Is Love from St Catherine's, Pontypridd The Church's One Foundation from St Asaph Cathedral The Ancient of Days/Since Your Love Gotta Hold on Me from St Catherine's, Pontypridd The Peace from St Catherine's, Pontypridd Beauty for Brokenness from Southwark Cathedral All People that on Earth Do Dwell from Christ Church URC, Port Sunlight You Are Good from St Catherine's, Pontypridd. - Dungannon
E43DungannonClaire McCollum is in Dungannon, County Tyrone, as she introduces music and inspirational stories of faith from across Ireland. She takes to the sea on a tall ship for a voyage designed to bring together teenagers from both sides of the border. Sean Fletcher discovers more about the devastating Irish famine 170 years ago and how a small group of Quakers launched an enormous relief effort. And there's a special performance from Northern Irish singer-songwriter Nathan Jess. - Hereford
E44HerefordThe Reverend Kate Bottley visits Hereford Cathedral and is shown its famous treasure, the mappa mundi, the world's largest surviving medieval map. She also meets a Christian and her family who have farmed the same land for four generations. Top jazz singer Gregory Porter tells JB Gill about his own Christian faith and performs the song When Love Was King. Former military man and bodyguard Stuart Anderson explains how Christianity has impacted his life. Hymns include For All the Saints, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and There Is a Redeemer. - Milton Keynes
E45Milton KeynesSean Fletcher visits Milton Keynes as it celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. He has a kick-about with freestyle footballer Daniel Cutting, whose faith has inspired him to break five world records. Reverend Kate Bottley visits a Christian project restoring broken bicycles while turning around young lives. She also meets award-winning worship leader Noel Robinson and there is music from his band, including We Seek Your Kingdom and Freedom. - Remembrance Enniskillen
E46Remembrance EnniskillenIn a special programme, Claire McCollum is in Enniskillen where, an IRA bomb exploded during a Remembrance Day ceremony 30 years. Viewers will hear inspirational stories of hope and faith, including the story of Gordon and Joan Wilson, whose daughter Marie was the youngest victim. Joan recalls how her husband's deep Christian faith inspired his famous words hours after the atrocity - 'I bear no ill will to anyone' - which many believe helped the peace process. Sean Fletcher reveals how the MOD is helping relatives of servicemen declared missing in action and meets Alma Williams from Cheshire, who is finally able to bury her brother 74 years after his death. Music: O Christ the Same - St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen. Be Still My Soul - All Saints' Church, Cheltenham Jealous of the Angels - performed by Jennifer Bostic O God Our Help in Ages Past - St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen I Vow to Thee My Country - Royal Garrison Church of All Saints, Aldershot Abide with Me - St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen. - Love & Marriage
E47Love & MarriageKatherine Jenkins is in Windsor to mark Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip's seventieth wedding anniversary. She is joined by Prince Michael who, as a five-year-old pageboy, was at the heart of the ceremony. Kate Bottley talks to another couple celebrating their seventieth anniversary this year. And we meet the sculptor who designed the commemorative £5 coin and travel to the Royal Mint to see it being struck. Plus glorious hymns from around the UK, including the Queen's favourites sung at her wedding. Music: Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - St John the Baptist, Tideswell The Lord's My Shepherd - St John the Baptist, Tideswell Great is Thy Faithfulness - St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen Love Divine - St Asaph Cathedral Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Sheffield City Hall How Great Thou Art - Hereford Cathedral. - Gospel Choir of the Year Part 1
E48Gospel Choir of the Year Part 1David Grant hosts the competition to find the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2017. Five leading amateur choirs take to the stage of Central Hall Westminster in London to compete for the prestigious trophy. The judges are singer-songwriter Seal, broadcaster and worship leader Muyiwa Olarewaju, and award-winning gospel specialist Karen Gibson. Music: The BIG Sing: Gospel Voices perform Praise the Lord Oxford Gospel Events Choir perform Glory Glory Hallelujah LCCM Choir perform Total Praise Royal Voices perform What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Singology perform Steal Away The five choirs together sing Oh Happy Day. - Gospel Choir of the Year Final
E49Gospel Choir of the Year FinalDavid Grant presents the final of the annual Gospel Choir of the Year competition, as five leading amateur choirs take to the stage of Central Hall Westminster in London to raise the roof with the glorious sound of gospel. Deciding which choir will win are three judges - singer-songwriter Seal, broadcaster and worship leader Muyiwa Olarewaju and award-winning gospel specialist Karen Gibson. Music: LCCM Choir perform Hosanna Royal Voices perform Glory to Glory Oxford Gospel Events Choir perform Faith Singology perform Born to Die The BIG Sing: Gospel Voices perform Souled Out Rachel John performs I Look to You. - Preparing for Christmas
E50Preparing for ChristmasJosie d'Arby celebrates Advent by following the journey of a Christmas tree from a Devon forest to a village church, while its farmers share their own deeply held Christian faith. In Plymouth, a church minister with cancer describes how God is helping him look forward to Christmas. JB Gill meets B Positive, a new choir founded by the MOBO Awards and the NHS to encourage people from all different backgrounds to give blood, and he donates his own for the first time. Songwriter Matt Redman performs a Christmas song - How Far, while the Hereford Cathedral Choristers sing The Truth from Above. Plus there are hymns and carols both old and new, including Hills of the North Rejoice, Christ Be Our Light, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Here I Am to Worship and The First Nowell. Music: Hills of the North Rejoice led by BBC Philharmonic with Huddersfield Choral Society Christ Be Our Light sung in St Patrick's Church, Dungannon How Far, written and performed by Matt Redman O Come O Come Emmanuel sung in Hereford Cathedral Here I Am to Worship led by Noel Robinson at Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes This Is the Truth Sent from Above performed by Hereford Cathedral Choristers The First Nowell sung in Romsey Abbey. - Christmas in Winchester
E51Christmas in WinchesterSongs of Praise presenters each choose their favourite carol, and some are sung by candlelight in Winchester to celebrate Christmas. Sean Fletcher visits the Hospital of St Cross to find out about their tradition of giving food to pilgrims, and he catches up with former presenter Debbie Thrower, now a lay canon in Winchester Cathedral. Music: Once in Royal David's City - Church of St Cross, Winchester O Little Town of Bethlehem - Church of St Cross, Winchester It Came Upon the Midnight Clear - Romsey Abbey When a Child Is Born - Hackney Empire Away in a Manger - Church of St Cross, Winchester In the Bleak Midwinter - Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day - Winchester Cathedral Choristers O Come All Ye Faithful - Church of St Cross Winchester. - The Big Sing: Christmas Eve
E52The Big Sing: Christmas EveKatherine Jenkins and JB Gill celebrate Christmas with 5,000 Songs of Praise viewers by singing carols in the Royal Albert Hall, including Ding Dong Merrily on High and The Twelve Days of Christmas. Katherine and JB also give their own special performances and reveal the story behind Trafalgar Square's Christmas tree. Music: Ding Dong! Merrily On High 12 Days of Christmas Angels from the Realms Silent Night Hark the Herald Angels Sing. - The Big Sing: New Year's Eve
E53The Big Sing: New Year's EveClaire McCollum travels by boat from the London Eye to the Greenwich prime meridian to find out what New Year means to Christians. 5,000 Songs of Praise viewers raise the roof of the Royal Albert Hall with glorious hymns including Let All the World in Every Corner Sing, Crown Him with Many Crowns and Over All the Earth. Plus there are special performances from Westlife's Shane Filan, Mary Jess and all-boy choir Libera.
