Songs of Praise

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 grace - when finding faith rescued him from addiction and despair.

And Mark DeLisser meets fellow choir master Craig McLeish, who has formed a new gospel choir especially for the Amazing Grace anniversary. Around a piano, they discuss the enduring power of Newton's words and the mystery of what tune they may have first been set to. Mark then joins the gospel choir rehearsing in Newton's church and hears why it is so special to sing the hymn in the place where it was composed, exactly 250 years on.

With hymns and songs from around the UK celebrating the grace of God.

Music featured
1. Amazing Grace – Albert Hall, Nottingham
2. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – St Patrick's Church, Dungannon
3. Amazing Grace (He Looked Beyond My Faults) – Brenda Edwards, Llandaff Cathedral
4. This Is Amazing Grace – Aberystwyth Arts Centre
5. There Is a Wideness in God's Mercy – St Elizabeth's Church, Reddish
6. And Can It Be – St Pol De Leon, Penzance

The 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 to study the ancient art of iconography. Irina Bradley, a tutor in traditional arts, explains the symbolism of icons and that she believes God healed her cancer after she prayed before an icon of Mary.

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.

With hymns to sing along to from Lincoln Cathedral, including All My Hope on God Is Founded, O Jesus I Have Promised, and Father Hear the Prayer We Offer. Other hymns are There Is a Green Hill Far Away, Brother, Sister Let Me Serve You, and Raise a Hallelujah. There's also a special performance from youth choir Perfect Pitch.

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. They 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 Bayile Adeoti, the creator of a social enterprise that helps women overcome the boundaries to success in business. Also, on Glasgow's south side, Laura meets Audrey Flannagan, the manager of a Trussell Trust food bank, and finds out how faith drives her passion for social justice.

Hymns feature congregations across Scotland.

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.

With hymns and songs from the Guild Hall in the heart of Derry, that's Songs of Praise for Mothering Sunday.

Music featured:

1. Now Thank We All Our God – Guild Hall, Derry/Londonderry
2. O Brother Man – Guild Hall, Derry/Londonderry
3. Come to Jesus – New Irish Arts
4. Make Me a Channel of Your Peace – Downpatrick Cathedral
5. The Gift Of Music – Margaret Keys
6. He Will Hold Me Fast – Guild Hall, Derry/Londonderry
7. Be Thou My Vision – Guild Hall, Derry/Londonderry

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.

As well as housing, the family invested in schools, recreational centres and places of worship, including a stunning Serbian Orthodox Church, funded in part by the Cadburys for Serbian workers, many of whom were World War II refugees. Aled speaks to Natasha and her grandmother Biserka, a former refugee, about what it meant to the community to have their very own Orthodox church – and the first ever in the UK – built in Bournville.

Also, James Lusted meets David Stretton-Downes, a Christian entrepreneur and creator of 'Bobbies Brownies', a start-up founded with the vision to help elevate children out of poverty. They get stuck in making a brownie tray as David tells James about the motivation behind his philanthropic enterprise, viewing his business as an opportunity to help others and his belief that everyone can practice mission work in their everyday lives.

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 Abbey about the spiritual and sacred symbols which will be used in the coronation ceremony.

Katherine Jenkins celebrates the coronation of King Charles III in the magnificent surroundings of 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.

With favourite hymns from across the UK to celebrate the occasion.

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, and which was 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, 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.

Finally, on the banks of Strangford Lough, Claire meets a local Christian artist whose work reflects themes of faith, the beauty of God's creation and the human experience.

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 finding 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. With hymns new and old from congregations across the UK and to celebrate Pentecost Sunday Gospel Singer of the Year, Patrice Campbell performs a special hymn invoking the power of the Holy Spirit.

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 1,400 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 1,000 people.

With music from across the UK, including Katherine's favourite hymns and an exclusive performance from Hollywood star Luke Evans.

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.

As well as housing, the family invested in schools, recreational centres and places of worship, including a stunning Serbian Orthodox church, funded in part by the Cadburys for Serbian workers, many of whom were World War II refugees. Aled speaks to Natasha and her grandmother Biserka, a former refugee, about what it meant to the community to have their very own Orthodox church – and the first ever in the UK – built in Bournville.

Also, James Lusted meets David Stretton-Downes, a Christian entrepreneur and creator of Bobbie's Brownies, a start-up founded with the vision to help elevate children out of poverty. They get stuck into making a brownie tray as David tells James about the motivation behind his philanthropic enterprise, viewing his business as an opportunity to help others and his belief that everyone can practise mission work in their everyday lives.

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.

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 Stellina at Blenheim Palace.

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 to Pam's heart.

Claire McCollum visits the Corrymeela Community, Northern Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation.

Sean Fletcher visits St Bartholomew's church in London, the UK's oldest hospital, to discover how it began life as a monastery, and finds out how faith is still at work today in the church.

Claire McCollum visits the historical and religious sites of Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town since its foundation during the Roman occupation over 2,000 years ago.

Aled Jones is in the Welsh valleys, discovering their rich history of Christian faith and revival and meeting local people whose faith inspires and motivates them today.

Three hundred years after the death of Sir Christopher Wren, the Rev Kate Bottley is in London to explore some of the city churches designed by this master architect.

Aled Jones explores some of the extraordinary history and inspirational stories from Canterbury Cathedral, with rousing hymns from a packed congregation.

Sean Fletcher is at a beach mission in north Wales, exploring how young people use music, sports and chat-making activities in the great outdoors in a combination of fun and faith.

Rev Kate Bottley celebrates the 50th anniversary of Greenbelt Christian Arts Festival, joining 12,000 people gathered for its unique mix of artistry, faith and activism.

Katherine Jenkins meets organist Anna Lapwood in Cambridge to explore the sacred sound of the church organ and finds out why many are at risk of being destroyed.

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.

To mark National Adoption Week, Aled Jones hears inspiring stories of faith and family, and former world champion javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread shares how adoption changed her life.

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 discovers some of Edinburgh's fascinating religious places with a tour of some of its oldest churches to see why and how they inspire our faith to this day.

Aled Jones finds out how Christian faith helped one mother cope after the tragic loss of her two daughters. Plus, the extraordinary story behind the hymn It Is Well with My Soul.

Katherine Jenkins marks Remembrance Sunday at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, the oldest air academy in the world, while Sean Fletcher visits the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial.

Aled Jones hosts the junior semi-final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year, with judges Laura Wright, Ken Burton and Wynne Evans.

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.

On the first Sunday in Advent, Aled Jones and Rev Kate Bottley host the final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year, with judges Laura Wright, Ken Burton and Wynne Evans.

Pam Rhodes discovers the fascinating stories behind some of our most-loved Christmas carols, and the Songs of Praise presenters reveal their own personal favourites.

Kate Bottley visits County Durham to see how a primary school has teamed up with residents from a local care home to perform a church nativity play.

Aled Jones is in Sheffield City Hall for a celebration of carols, with guests Katherine Jenkins, Strictly's Tommy Blaize, the BBC Young Choristers of the Year and Michael Ball.

Katherine Jenkins is joined by special guests Aled Jones, The Gospel Choir of the Year and classical soprano Carly Paoli as they sing the New Year in from Sheffield City Hall.