Digital radio listeners can get into the festive spirit with special Christmas stations, whilst the BBC has announced highlights for December.
Heart extra Xmas is available now on DAB digital radio throughout the UK. The station is playing favourite Christmas songs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s the only national radio station playing non-stop Christmas hits until the day after Boxing Day.
Heart extra Xmas is also available online at heart.co.uk and the Heart app.
The BBC has unveiled its plans for Christmas, beginning with three weeks of Christmas mixes on BBC Radio 1.
Paul Gambaccini will tell the story of Kenny Everett’s friendship with The Beatles on BBC Radio 2, including how Kenny inspired lyrics to one of the group’s most memorable hits. There will also be an interview with Dave Cash, one of the original Radio 1 DJs who worked with Kenny Everett on pirate Radio London. Dave Cash most recently presented on BBC local radio and died last month.
Choirmaster Gareth Malone will present his favourite choral music on BBC Radio 2 and appear as a festive castaway on Radio 4. Bruce Springsteen has been confirmed as another castaway.
Shaun Keaveny will co-host his breakfast show on Boxing Day with Brian Eno and Brian Cox as they “celebrate music, science, discovery and inquisitive minds”. Natasha Khan, also known as Bat For Lashes, Laura Marling and Annie Nightingale are confirmed as BBC Radio 6 Music’s Wise Women this Christmas.
As the year draws to a close Radio 1Xtra’s Hot For 2017 list and BBC Music Sound Of 2017 will try to predict the acts set for success next year.
Sir David Attenborough will reveal a side to himself that few know as he tells BBC Radio 3 stories behind music he recorded from his travels around the world. The popular BBC Radio 4 comedian and writer David Sedaris will read his original tales about Christmas in a performance mixing wit, words and music with the BBC Symphony Orchestra on Radio 3.
The Today programme will be guest edited by Carey Mulligan, Helen Morrissey and Dame Sally Davies. Ed Reardon and feline Elgar will take a break from his screen-writing class to consider the role of cats in the radio archives in The Meow Show on Radio 4 Extra.
BBC Radio 5 live will look back at Andy Murray’s year as he reaches world number one, while John Pienaar looks at a historic year in politics and looks forward to what 2017 may have in store.
“During this festive period BBC Radio will remain a crucial and continuous soundtrack to the lives of our listeners. From Radio 1 to Radio 5 live and our digital stations, our teams have created Christmas schedules which will surprise, move and entertain them, with content expertly curated and carefully tailored to their tastes,” said Bob Shennan, Director of BBC Radio and Music.
Scottish Sun Xmas Radio is playing “festive hits all day” on digital radio in Scotland, as well as giving details on how listeners can donate to charities which the newspaper is supporting.
Wave Christmas, Signal Christmas and Pulse Christmas are playing Christmas songs on digital radio in the areas where Wave, Signal and Pulse are available.