
Mark De-Lisser celebrates how hymns sung in childhood can inspire us throughout our lives, and he launches a very special vote to find the nation’s favourite school assembly song. \n\nIn this special celebration of the power of music in childhood, Mark meets music teacher James B Partridge, who has been catapulted to unlikely fame by playing school assembly hymns. Mark hears James’s remarkable story, from going viral on social media to taking his School Assembly Bangers show on tour and even to Glastonbury Festival. James explains how the joy of singing when we’re young can shape us in later life. \n\nMark then introduces the Rev Kate Bottley to launch a new and exciting Songs of Praise event... the Big School Assembly Singalong, which begins with a nationwide online vote to find the ultimate school assembly hymn. \n\nThe vote opens on Sunday 31 August and closes at 6pm on Saturday 20 September. Visit bbc.co.uk/songsofpraise to find all the terms, privacy notice and the all-important list of 50 school day favourites from which to choose. \n\nAlso in the programme, celebrated composer Adrian Snell shares how he gave up a life touring the world to become a music therapist. For Adrian, music can help students create, communicate and connect with others, and he tells us how it has had a profoundly positive impact on his own life. \n\nMark then meets gospel singer Seth Pinnock, founder of Symphony Co - a faith-based social impact charity empowering young people through music. Seth describes how sacred music has shaped his faith and life, and how he now uses it to inspire the next generation. Drawing on the melody, structure and chords of the beloved hymn Be Thou My Vision, Seth leads a songwriting workshop. \n\nThe programme is filled with music that captures the joy of singing together. \n\n1. God Is Love, His the Care – The Albert Hall, Nottingham \n2. Every time I Feel the Spirit – Perfect Pitch \n3. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – Hereford Cathedral \n4. Blessed Assurance – Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh \n5. Total Praise – The Kingdom Choir \n6. How Shall I Sing That Majesty? – St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
Source: BBC 1
Advent Hope
On Advent Sunday, Sean Fletcher begins a series of programmes exploring some of the themes of the Advent season, beginning with stories and hymns celebrating hope. \n\nSean mee ...
30-11-2025
BBC 1
The Big School Assembly Singalong
Aled Jones and Kate Bottley host a joyful singalong of school assembly hymns from Victoria Hall, Bolton.\n\nTens of thousands of votes were cast to find the nation’s favou ...
23-11-2025
BBC 1
Bear Grylls's Faith Journey
Sean Fletcher is in London to meet world-renowned adventurer, TV star and best-selling author Bear Grylls, who reflects upon his faith and favourite hymns. \n\nWhilst Bear is of ...
16-11-2025
BBC 1
Remembrance Sunday
Aled Jones visits Aldershot Garrison, known as the home of the British Army, to mark Remembrance Sunday and to hear stories of faith, courage and thanksgiving. \n\nAt the Cathed ...
09-11-2025
BBC 1
All Souls' Day
All Souls’ Day is traditionally a time in the church calendar dedicated to remembering those who have died, and on this Sunday, the Rev Kate Bottley visits Christians in t ...
02-11-2025
BBC 1
Muyiwa Olarewaju's Faith Journey
Sean Fletcher is in London to join singer, songwriter, broadcaster and Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year judge Muyiwa Olarewaju to learn about his extraordinary and eye-o ...
26-10-2025
BBC 1
1700 Years Of The Nicene Creed
Pam Rhodes celebrates the 1700-year anniversary of the Nicene Creed and explores why this ancient declaration of beliefs is so important in the history of Christianity. \n\nAt t ...
19-10-2025
BBC 1
Young Chorister Of The Year - Final
Aled Jones and the Rev Kate Bottley host the final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester. Three junior choristers aged 11 to 13 and ...
12-10-2025
BBC 1
Young Chorister Of The Year - Junior Semi-final
Aled Jones presents the junior semi-final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from the prestigious Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester. Five singers aged 11 to 13 have be ...
05-10-2025
BBC 1
Young Chorister Of The Year - Senior Semi-final
Aled Jones presents the senior semi-final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from the prestigious Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester. Five of the very best singers aged ...
28-09-2025
BBC 1
The Big School Assembly Singalong
Aled Jones and Kate Bottley host a joyful singalong of school assembly hymns from Victoria Hall, Bolton.\n\nTens of thousands of votes were cast to find the nation’s favou ...
23-11-2025
BBC 1
Bear Grylls's Faith Journey
Sean Fletcher is in London to meet world-renowned adventurer, TV star and best-selling author Bear Grylls, who reflects upon his faith and favourite hymns. \n\nWhilst Bear is of ...
16-11-2025
BBC 1
Young Chorister Of The Year - Final
Aled Jones and the Rev Kate Bottley host the final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester. Three junior choristers aged 11 to 13 and ...
12-10-2025
BBC 1
Celebrating 60 Years
Marking the year Songs of Praise turns 60, Aled Jones celebrates at St George’s Chapel in Windsor with Christian stories that exemplify the spirit of the series. Aled and ...
24-01-2021
BBC 1
New Beginnings
The Rev Kate Bottley celebrates spring on a farm run by Christians in Derbyshire. Owners Roger and Beryl have offered a fresh start to local young people for 40 years by giving ...
18-03-2018
BBC 1
Celebrating Gospel Music Today
Renowned choir director Mark De-Lisser celebrates gospel, his favourite genre of music, by meeting Christians at the heart of the gospel community and exploring the message behi ...
13-10-2024
BBC 1
Gospel Choir Of The Year 2024 Final
Music to lift the spirit and stir the soul… it’s the final of the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2024, hosted by Mark De-Lisser.\n\nIn the previous progra ...
21-01-2024
BBC 1
Gospel Choir Of The Year Part 1
David 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 ...
26-11-2017
BBC 1
Big Sing: The Uk's Top Ten Hymns
The results of a nationwide vote are sung by five thousand people in the Royal Albert Hall in this Big Sing special, with guests including Russell Watson.
06-07-2014
BBC 1
St George’s Day
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.\n\nLa ...
23-04-2023
BBC 1