I'm conscious that a note of highlights over the Christmas fortnight could go on and on, so I’ve decided to pick just one highlight a day for the next two weeks which is going to be tough but here it goes…
On Monday 22nd, the highlight has to be an hour of music from the number one ranked brass band in the world, Rhondda’s Cory Band with Beverley Humphreys for Christmas with the Coryat 4.
Tuesday 23rd at midday - Ever wondered what Jason Mohammad’s programme would sound like on the morning the world ends? Neither have I. But the makers of The Leak have, and went a step further too. Hear the results in Jason Mohammad versus The Apocalypse at midday, as part of Jason’s programme.
On Christmas Eve, the amazing story of the day when our very own Carolyn Hitt won BBC TV’s annual Christmas carol writing competition. Why is it amazing? Because the person she beat into second place went on to become the lynchpin of Britain’s favourite pop group. Take That Gary Barlow! Christmas Eve at 6.30.
There are so many things to write about on Christmas Day. And I’m conscious I may make my way through this blog without mentioning Dylan Thomas. However, spending Christmas morning with Owen Money has become a real tradition. Join him, and the rest of Wales on the phones, at 10am.
Boxing Day is all about the sport. Join the Radio Wales Sport team at 12.30 for live coverage of Charlton v Cardiff, Cardiff Blues v Newport Gwent Dragons, Swansea v Aston Villa, Newport v Plymouth and Southport v Wrexham. Plus there’s a chance to Call Rob Phillips at 5.30.
On the evening of Saturday 27th, the presenters are in charge of the music for SIX WHOLE HOURS! Join Ollie, Eleri, Steffan, Lynn, Sue Charles amongst others for The Radio Wales Mega Christmas Party Mixtape from 7.30.
On Sunday 28th, if the thought of more football sends you running for the door, it might be a good time to catch up on all the things you’ve missed over Christmas via the Radio Wales Website: including Carols for Christmas (Christmas Eve 9am), A String of Christmas Pearls (Christmas Day, 1pm) or Michael Sheen’s rather splendid production of Under Milk Wood (Christmas Day, after The Queen).
(Was that last bit breaking my own rules? Possibly! Anyway, on we go…)
Monday 29th sees the start of the station’s annual set-piece review of the year. However, due to a terrible clerical error, this year we’ve handed the responsibility to Gareth Gwynn. He’ll take it seriously, won’t he? He won’t try to subvert history, will he? Hmmm… Gareth Gwynn’s Twisted 2014, starts at 4pm.
On Tuesday 30th at 10, for the next two mornings, The Chain Gang is going to be a bit of high wire act that requires your help. Wynne Evans, Siriol Jenkins and Euron Griffith will play a song, then you have to pick the next one, making sure that it’s linked in some way. And so on. It can’t be that difficult, can it?
On New Year’s Eve, head off to your party accompanied by Mike Peters and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales performing the songs of the Alarm (7pm). It’s my personal highlight of 2014. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Get your 2015 off in style with Wynne Evans at 9 and Owen Money at 11 on New Year’s Day. (It’s nearly the end of the note and I have definitely now decided to break my own rules!)
And as we all contemplate getting back to work on Friday 2nd January, do clear an hour at 9 to listen to Gone to Earth, in which Horatio Clare walks with former soldiers to see the Brecon Beacons through the eyes of people trained, challenged and shaped by the mountains. It’s Jeremy Grange’s programme making at its very best.
I could go on but there's enough there to prove that BBC Radio Wales really is your home for Christmas.
Have a great Christmas.
Steve
