
The Rev Kate Bottley travels to Lincolnshire to meet Christians dedicated to alleviating loneliness, bringing communities together and ensuring church doors remain open. \n\nHer journey begins at the nursing station in Louth Livestock Market, where she meets the Rev Alan Robson. It was originally set up to check farmers for physical signs of ill health but has increasingly focused on supporting their mental wellbeing too. With over 25 years as Lincolnshire’s rural chaplain, Alan shares the unique challenges of ministry in the countryside and explains how his role helps farmers navigate today’s pressures. \n\nNext, we hear from the owners of Daisy the 4x4 - a Land Rover converted into a mobile cafe known as the Coffee Ark. It's all the brainchild of the Rev Becky Dyball as a way of reaching people in rural communities who might feel lonely or isolated. She travels around her local area, serving up coffee and conversation at regular stopping points. Becky shares the inspiration behind the project, while barista Kara and regular customer Sid describe the positive impact the Coffee Ark has had on their lives. \n\nOut in the glorious Lincolnshire countryside, Kate learns about Ride and Stride, a nationwide initiative that raises money to help keep rural churches open. It’s run by the National Churches Trust and takes place this year on Saturday 13 September. Sarah Crossland, who leads the engagement programme, explains why keeping churches open is so vital. Kate also meets Erica and her horse Cassie, who will be riding to their local church to raise funds as part of the event. \n\nThroughout the episode, we also hear hymns celebrating the beauty of the countryside: \n\n1. All Creatures of Our God and King – The Church of St Cross, Winchester \n2. Jesu, Lover of My Soul - St Mary's Church, Scarborough \n3. Oceans - Sarah Class \n4. The King of Love My Shepherd Is - Fisherwick Presbyterian Church, Belfast \n5. We Plough the Fields and Scatter - All Saints' Church, Northampton \n6. Jerusalem - Castle Park Bandstand, Colchester
Source: BBC 1
Advent Peace
On the second Sunday of Advent, Claire McCollom continues a series unpacking the themes of the season. On a visit to Coventry Cathedral, she explores peace – from its rich ...
07-12-2025
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
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
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
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 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
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
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