by Obianuju Mbah, Christian Today
The BBC’s long-running religious programme ‘Songs of Praise’ is marking its 65th anniversary with a special episode celebrating its history and changing place in British broadcasting.
First aired on October 1, 1961, the programme has since produced over 3,240 episodes, recording hymns and worship songs in more than 2,000 churches, chapels and cathedrals across the UK, as well as in locations ranging from beaches and stadiums to concert halls and cruise ships.
The anniversary programme, presented by Aled Jones and Pam Rhodes, will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday.
It was filmed at St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square, which is itself marking 300 years since its founding.
The church also has a long association with broadcasting, having hosted the BBC’s first live church service in 1924.
The episode will look back at some of the people, music and communities featured on ‘Songs of Praise’ over the past six-and-a-half decades while also considering how the programme is reaching new audiences.