SONGS OF PRAISE CELEBRATE 60th ANNIVERSARY WITH SPECIAL EPISODE

A celebratory programme on Sunday 3 October, hosted at Westminster Abbey, will feature special guests and favourite hymns, and a message from Her Majesty The Queen.

Hosted at Westminster Abbey, Aled Jones will be joined by fellow presenters from the past and present, including Katherine Jenkins, Sally Magnusson and David Grant. The programme will feature star guests and favourite hymns, as well as some special musical collaborations.

Also, marking the anniversary, airing this Sunday 26 September, a special episode of Songs Of Praise, Where It All Began, will look back at standout moments across 60 years of Songs Of Praise.

Aled Jones says: “I’ve been a Songs of Praise presenter for over 20 years and it’s one of the biggest joys of my life. It is an honour to be able to share uplifting stories of faith with our dear audience and to gladden hearts with music that means the world to me. Here’s to a future filled with wonderful Songs Of Praise!”

Patrick Holland, Director Factual, Arts and Classical Music, says: “For 60 years, Songs of Praise has held a very special place on BBC One. Never has this been more important than the past year - when as churches had to close their doors Songs Of Praise continued to bring together people of faith across the UK every Sunday. It is a great honour to pay tribute to the world’s longest-running religious television programme - long may it continue.”

Matthew Napier, Songs of Praise Series Editor, says: “Through the singing of hymns and worship songs and by featuring ordinary Christians putting their faith into action in remarkable ways, Songs Of Praise has reached its 60th by continuing to bring joy, comfort and spiritual enrichment to audiences across the UK.”