| 00:00 | 00:00The latest news and weather forecast from BBC Radio 4. 00:15President Milei promised to hack Argentina's state and budget, what's the impact? 00:45Bells on Sunday comes from St Sepulchre without Newgate in Holborn, London 00:48The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
| 00:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4 00:154/6In a damp caravan at a music festival, everyone can hear you complain. 00:301/5Historian Sarah Clegg introduces the ghoulish creatures from ancient winter folklore. 00:48The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
| 00:48The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
| 00:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4 00:15A reflection on the meaning of Christmas with poet, priest and writer Malcolm Guite. 00:303/5Haunting ‘Hoodenings’ and horrible happenings with horses’ heads. And people. 00:48The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
| 00:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4 00:155/6Marber and Curran muse on the advantages of having once been 'Big in the 1990s'. 00:304/5We encounter the terrifying Krampus performers who roam the Christmas streets of Salzburg. 00:48The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
| 00:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4 00:152/8Harry Shearer describes his extraordinary life as a Hollywood child star. 00:305/5We follow a procession of the candle-crowned young witches of Finland's St. Lucy Festival. 00:48The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
| 00:00The latest news and weather forecast from BBC Radio 4. 00:15James Crawford speaks to writer Nick Harkaway about his new book and its three influences. 00:48The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping
| |
|---|
| 01:00 | 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| 01:00BBC Radio 4 joins the BBC World Service.
| |
|---|
| 02:00 | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| 03:00 | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| 04:00 | | | | | | | | |
|---|
| 05:00 | 05:20The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4 05:43A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Canon Ann Easter. 05:45No specific funding allocated in the NI budget to address pollution in Lough Neagh. 05:57Weather reports and forecasts for farmers
| 05:20The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4 05:43A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Canon Ann Easter. 05:45A remote community in Northumberland is about to get connected to the national grid.
| 05:20The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4 05:43A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Canon Ann Easter. 05:45Farming in an an international dark sky reserve: Cranborne Chase National Landscape.
| 05:20The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4 05:43A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Canon Ann Easter. 05:45Solomon - the bull who's hired out to crofters.
| 05:20The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4 05:43A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Canon Ann Easter. 05:45Twenty historic Lakeland barns are being saved for the nation's rural cultural heritage.
| 05:20The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4 05:43A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Krish Kandiah. 05:45Jack Boswell explores Sweden's Fika, a tradition of taking breaks with others.
| 05:20The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 05:30The latest news from BBC Radio 4 05:43Bells on Sunday comes from the Breslin Tower, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee 05:45In Touch celebrates Christmas Eve with two very special guests.
| |
|---|
| 06:00 | 06:00News and current affairs, including Sports Desk, Weather and Thought for the Day.
| 06:00Frank Cottrell-Boyce, author and UK Children's Laureate, guest edits Today.
| 06:00Cerys Matthews steps into a world of Christmas tales written through the eyes of a child.
| 06:00Radio 4’s continuity announcers invite you into their world.
| 06:00Sir Sajid Javid, former Conservative Chancellor, guest edits Today.
| 06:00The latest news headlines. Including the weather and a look at the papers. 06:07Actor Martin Clunes tells Martha Kearney what the natural world means to him. 06:30Bog restoration in the Flow Country - a peatland which is now a World Heritage Site. 06:57The latest weather reports and forecast
| 06:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4 06:05Do religions do enough for those grieving at times of collective merriment? 06:35A love affair with raising goats has become a big business producing kefir. 06:57The latest weather reports and forecast
| |
|---|
| 07:00 | | | 07:00A feast of festive music, readings and reflections recorded at the Royal Albert Hall. 07:57Sir Michael Palin brings to Tweet of the Day a seasonal story of the robin.
| 07:00The UK's Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, guest edits Today.
| | 07:00Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of the University of Oxford, guest edits Today.
| 07:00The latest news headlines. Including a look at the papers. 07:10A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with Emily Buchanan. 07:54Jennifer Saunders makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of The Mango Tree 07:57The latest weather reports and forecast
| |
|---|
| 08:00 | | | 08:00Kirsty Wark and guests recall the making of the popular 90s sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.
| | | | 08:00The latest news headlines. Including a look at the Sunday papers 08:10The Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley celebrates the remarkable renaissance of Notre-Dame Cathedral. 08:48Megan Nolan reflects on New Year's Resolutions, after rediscovering a childhood diary. 08:58Broadcaster Anneka Rice enjoys watching geese near her home.
| |
|---|
| 09:00 | 09:00Adam Rutherford with Simon Armitage, Amorina Kingdom and Christian Rutz. 09:45Jules Montague and William Miller meet Susan, who has a rare type of dementia called PCA.
| 09:00Natalie Haynes celebrates Saturnalia with guests André Vincent and Llewelyn Morgan. 09:30How nostalgia shapes our feelings and behaviour, and how we can harness it for wellbeing.
| 09:00Kirsty Young asks food writer Nigel Slater what advice he would give his younger self. 09:30A musician's-eye view of classical music's best-loved works.
| 09:00Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the eighteenth century mania for classical vases. 09:45Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis break down the political language of 2024.
| 09:00Gareth Southgate, football manager, shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren Laverne.
| 09:00Tiffany Murray on the rock stars, from David Bowie to Freddie Mercury, who shared her home
| 09:00The Education Secretary says the upcoming VAT rise has been welcomed.
| |
|---|
| 10:00 | 10:00The Strictly dancer on her cancer recovery and upcoming new tour
| 10:00The bestselling author on her new historical novel The Players
| 10:00Christmas Day edition on 'Comfort'. Co-presented by Nuala McGovern and Anita Rani.
| 10:00Anita Rani explores the women behind Jenga to World of Warcraft via Agatha Christie.
| 10:00Shazia Mirza on Comedy Queens and growing up in a strict religious family in Birmingham.
| 10:00Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain want to know what is the fastest fly? 10:30Greg James is back in the BBC Archives rooting around for audio gems.
| 10:00Marianela Núñez, ballerina, shares the soundtrack of her life with Lauren Laverne.
| |
|---|
| 11:00 | 11:00What happens if a postcode starts to run out of children? 11:451/5Historian Sarah Clegg introduces the ghoulish creatures from ancient winter folklore.
| 11:00A special festive episode, with Amy Harman, Francesca Ter-Berg and Roderick Williams. 11:452/5We’re taken on a hunt as dancing and revelling Christmas monsters go house-to-house.
| 11:00How people are helping others to make Christmas better for their community. 11:453/5Haunting ‘Hoodenings’ and horrible happenings with horses’ heads. And people.
| 11:00Brian Cox and Robin Ince dissect the Royal Society archives with Ed Byrne and guests. 11:454/5We encounter the terrifying Krampus performers who roam the Christmas streets of Salzburg.
| 11:00Dan Saladino explores the impact a Christmas Carol and other novels had on festive eating. 11:455/5We follow a procession of the candle-crowned young witches of Finland's St. Lucy Festival.
| 11:00Celebrating sixty years of On Your Farm. 11:30Steve Rosenberg's song about his Russian friend struck an unexpected chord with Muscovites
| 11:00There’s a Christmas Eve surprise in Ambridge, and Joy has a big question to ask.
| |
|---|
| 12:00 | 12:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 12:04Pete Waterman marks the 75th anniversary of the 7" single. 12:57The latest weather forecast
| 12:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 12:04Exploring ABBA's songwriting and craft on the 50th anniversary of their Eurovision win. 12:57The latest weather forecast
| 12:00Garry Richardson chooses the audio highlights across the BBC over the last twelve months. 12:57The latest weather forecast
| 12:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 12:04Kirsty Wark and guests recall the making of the popular 90s sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. 12:57The latest weather forecast
| 12:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 12:04How will 2025 shape up for the environment and wildlife? 12:57The latest weather forecast
| 12:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 12:04Pets are for life, not just for Christmas, but how much does it cost to care for one? 12:305/5The Naked Week team sticks its hand into Christmas and pulls out a bag of news-giblets. 12:57The latest weather forecast
| 12:15The woman behind the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey. 12:303/6The multi award-winning comedy panel game chaired by Jack Dee. 12:57The latest weather forecast
| |
|---|
| 13:00 | 13:00Government has "absolute resolve" to grow economy after new figures show it is flatlining 13:45Poet Laureate Simon Armitage looks for real foxes as he begins to draft a new animal poem
| 13:00A Nasa spacecraft is attempting to make history with the closest-ever approach to the Sun 13:45The poet laureate, Simon Armitage, meets a tiger - to help inspire a new animal poem.
| 13:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4 13:14Ian Sansom goes into intensive training for the 2024 World Paper and Comb Championships 13:43The poet laureate, Simon Armitage, meets some molluscs, to help inspire a new animal poem. 13:57Sir Michael Palin brings to Tweet of the Day a seasonal story of the robin.
| 13:00Aviation experts say passenger plane may have been hit by Russian air defence systems. 13:45The poet laureate, Simon Armitage, meets horses, to help inspire a new animal poem.
| 13:00The ex-justice secretary is reviewing sentencing for the government. 13:45The poet laureate, Simon Armitage, meets some spiders, to help inspire a new animal poem.
| 13:00The latest national and international news and weather reports from BBC Radio 4 13:10Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson look back at the year with Today presenters past and present.
| 13:00Is Donald Trump's return to the White House an opportunity or a threat to the UK economy? 13:30Is the Scotch whisky industry on the rocks? Kirsty Wark investigates.
| |
|---|
| 14:00 | 14:00Eddie has his eye on the prize 14:152/6To work out their imaginary friendship, Guy and Hennikay seek relationship counselling. 14:453/3As Felix battles writer's block, he starts to suspect something is going on at the villa.
| 14:00Plans are coming together for Kate 14:15A medieval twitter spat translated by poet Simon Armitage.
| 14:00There’s a Christmas Eve surprise in Ambridge. 14:1510/10Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis travel from flying reindeer to eternity with Zoe Lyons.
| 14:00Joy has a big question to ask. 14:15John Finnemore returns to Radio 4 with a one-off edition of his Souvenir Programme.
| 14:00There’s a Boxing Day challenge for Paul. 14:151/5Gripping psychological thriller set in the world of competitive gaming. 14:45Jack Boswell explores Sweden's Fika, a tradition of taking breaks with others.
| 14:00Brian Cox and Robin Ince dissect the Royal Society archives with Ed Byrne and guests. 14:45Jolene puts her foot in it.
| 14:00Peter Gibbs digs through the GQT archives in this festive edition of the programme. 14:45John Yorke takes a look at Rumer Godden’s children’s book Miss Happiness and Miss Flower.
| |
|---|
| 15:00 | 15:00The Royal Ballet's Lauren Cuthbertson on quintessential British ballerina Margot Fonteyn. 15:30A reclusive young woman embarks on a perilous rescue mission
| 15:00A service of carols, hymns and readings live from the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge.
| 15:00The King's Christmas message to the Commonwealth and the nation. 15:05The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4. 15:15Adrian Scarborough reads John Finnemore's specially-commissioned short story for Christmas 15:30A vibrant, poignant, often witty play about the lives of a group of retired actresses.
| 15:00Actor Martin Clunes tells Martha Kearney what the natural world means to him. 15:27Mollie Pearce makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of ERIC 15:30A special edition featuring the winners of Feedback's Interview of the Year.
| 15:00Peter Gibbs digs through the GQT archives in this festive edition of the programme. 15:45It’s 27 December, and while spirits are high, bank balances are low.
| 15:002/22/2 The Passion. The Archers present a magical version of the medieval dramas.
| 15:00Dramatisation of Rumer Godden’s beloved children’s Christmas classic about two lost dolls.
| |
|---|
| 16:00 | 16:00All accused of raping a woman sedated by her husband who had invited them. Only in France? 16:306/6Jay Rayner and the panel are answering questions from a hungry audience in Walthamstow.
| 16:30Do religions do enough for those grieving at times of collective merriment?
| | 16:00What threats and opportunities does the Arctic face? 16:30This festive season we unravel the science of games - and, of course, play some ourselves.
| 16:00John Wilson on a poet, a journalist, a model engineer, and a fundraiser. 16:30Poet Emily Berry explores the music and mystery of Connie Converse.
| 16:00A look back at Woman’s Hour in 2024.
| 16:00Take Four Books speaks to writer Rachelle Atalla about her new book and its influences. 16:301/13Paul Gambaccini returns with a new run of the wide-ranging general knowledge music quiz.
| |
|---|
| 17:00 | 17:00Joe Biden has commuted the sentences of most of the federal death row inmates.
| 17:00The latest as demonstrators take to the streets over the burning of a Christmas tree.
| 17:00Comedian Jo Brand chooses favourite pieces of writing, with Alan Davies and Isy Suttie.
| 17:00The latest as the head of the World Health Organisation was at one of the targeted sites.
| 17:00The Parker Solar Probe makes history by surviving the closest-ever approach to the Sun.
| 17:00We hear from Ukrainian POWs who have spent their first Christmas freed in two years. 17:30Can DNA ancestry tests really tell where we come from? 17:54The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 17:57The latest weather reports and forecast
| 17:00The sitcom Dinner for One, recorded in 1963, has become a German New Year's Eve tradition 17:10Helen Mort charts our relationship with running, from prehistoric times to present day. 17:54The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping 17:57The latest weather reports and forecast
| |
|---|
| 18:00 | 18:00The UK economy had no growth between July and September, according to revised figures. 18:151/7The Wombles are happy to be back at home but a surprise visitor seems unusually quiet. 18:303/6The multi award-winning comedy panel game chaired by Jack Dee.
| 18:00The new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said it was his aim to unite and stabilise the country 18:152/7Plans are afoot for Great Uncle Bulgaria's trip to America, but Tobermory is worried. 18:30Pain management takes on tiny beating hearts in a dish and prosthetic legs.
| 18:00National and international news from BBC Radio 4 18:153/7There are Human Beings on the Common, but what are they up to, and where is Wellington? 18:30“Christmas Tree - One Star”
| 18:00The head of the WHO says he was waiting at the country's main airport when it was hit 18:154/7Are you a wolf or a Womble? Wellington's quick thinking saves the day. 18:30Louis Theroux's interview technique ends in glorious tragedy. Sketches.
| 18:00NATO is increasing naval presence in the Baltic, after the cutting of an undersea cable 18:155/7Cousin Botany has something to say about Wellington and Tomsk's oil rig. 18:305/5The Naked Week team sticks its hand into Christmas and pulls out a bag of news-giblets.
| 18:00A rare apology from Vladimir Putin for the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash. 18:15Stuart Maconie and guests with an eclectic mix of conversation, music and comedy.
| 18:00A South Korean passenger jet has crash-landed -- killing almost everyone on board. 18:15A special episode focusing on listeners' highlights of the year, presented by Anita Anand.
| |
|---|
| 19:00 | 19:00Plans are coming together for Kate 19:15Sir Salman Rushdie on his formative creative influences and experiences.
| 19:00There’s a Christmas Eve surprise in Ambridge. 19:15Violinist Nigel Kennedy reveals his formative cultural influences and experiences.
| 19:00Joy has a big question to ask. 19:15Dame Judi Dench on her pivotal moments performing Shakespeare on stage and screen.
| 19:00There’s a Boxing Day challenge for Paul. 19:15Artist Frank Auerbach talks about his life and some of the influences on his work.
| 19:00Jolene puts her foot in it. 19:15Tess Tyler and Seckou Keita join Anna and Jeffrey to add the next five tracks
| 19:00The woman behind the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey. 19:1510/10Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis travel from flying reindeer to eternity with Zoe Lyons.
| 19:15Illuminated - Radio 4's home for creative documentaries that shed light on hidden worlds. 19:45Why striding out for a walk after rainfall could improve your mood and immune system!
| |
|---|
| 20:00 | 20:00President Milei is cutting inflation, government spending and regulations. 20:30What were 2024’s biggest science moments?
| 20:00How people are helping others to make Christmas better for their community. 20:40In Touch celebrates Christmas Eve with two very special guests.
| 20:00Victoria Wood’s audio diaries with never-before-heard material.
| 20:00Comedian Jo Brand chooses favourite pieces of writing, with Alan Davies and Isy Suttie.
| 20:00Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson look back at the year with Today presenters past and present. 20:50Megan Nolan reflects on New Year's Resolutions, after rediscovering a childhood diary.
| 20:00Paul Merton looks back at the concept, challenges and legacy of the Millennium Dome.
| 20:00A special edition featuring the winners of Feedback's Interview of the Year. 20:30John Wilson on a poet, a journalist, a model engineer, and a fundraiser.
| |
|---|
| 21:00 | 21:00Adam Rutherford with Simon Armitage, Amorina Kingdom and Christian Rutz. 21:45Rhianna Pratchett is in Wales to meet the giant of Cader Idris.
| 21:00The ghosts haunting Ukraine's relations with Poland - and the killers some see as heroes. 21:30Short festive documentaries and adventures in sound. Presented by Josie Long.
| 21:00Count Binface resurrects the mighty Ceefax. With one small hitch. It’s on the radio. 21:30How nostalgia shapes our feelings and behaviour, and how we can harness it for wellbeing.
| 21:00Clive Anderson and guests with a festive mix of conversation, music and comedy. 21:45Rhianna Pratchett visits the Scottish coast to hear stories about a seal-like creature.
| 21:00Ian McMillan presents new work from six poets with music from the BBC Symphony Orchestra
| 21:00Garry Richardson chooses the audio highlights across the BBC over the last twelve months.
| 21:00Pets are for life, not just for Christmas, but how much does it cost to care for one? 21:25Jennifer Saunders makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of The Mango Tree 21:30Steve Rosenberg's song about his Russian friend struck an unexpected chord with Muscovites
| |
|---|
| 22:00 | 22:00We speak to a death row prisoner who's sentence was commuted today 22:451/5Mackintosh is forced to be Walker's assistant in the Samoan islands, a man he despises.
| 22:00We speak to a Syrian Christian amid fears that religious minorities might be vulnerable. 22:452/5Alban Torel thinks his posting in Sondurah secure until there is a sudden local uprising.
| 22:00A special festive episode, with Amy Harman, Francesca Ter-Berg and Roderick Williams. 22:453/5A local woman threatens to disrupt the marriage of Guy and Doris in a Malay outpost.
| 22:00Has Israel opened a new phase of Middle East war? 22:454/5Warburton's tidy and precise world is upended by the arrival of an uncouth assistant.
| 22:00Kamal Adwan is one of the last functioning hospitals in northern Gaza 22:455/5On the eve of his retirement, George Moon is asked to opine on a highly personal matter.
| 22:00The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4 22:15Dan Saladino explores the impact a Christmas Carol and other novels had on festive eating.
| 22:00Josie Long presents short documentaries that rise up from the soil. 22:30An elephant destined for fame, and a legacy that will echo in time.
| |
|---|
| 23:00 | 23:005/8Hancock is looking forward to Christmas, but then his call-up papers arrive... 23:30Marian Keyes and Tara Flynn try to tackle their listeners' problems.
| 23:00A composition for voices and harp, written on a cargo ship on the Atlantic in 1942. 23:30The traditional Christmas Eve celebration of Midnight Mass, live from Leeds Cathedral.
| 23:00Danny Robins ventures to the Scottish Highlands for this special Christmas episode.
| 23:00Petty? Please. Alison Spittle has a long-held nativity grudge, and needs to get closure. 23:30Natalie Haynes celebrates Saturnalia with guests André Vincent and Llewelyn Morgan.
| 23:00Stuart Maconie showcases some of the best music performances from Loose Ends this year.
| 23:004/4Amy Hoggart and Thomas Mayo improvise for Alasdair Beckett-King in Wing It. 23:30Russell Davies hosts the final in the 2024 season of the classic general knowledge quiz.
| 23:00Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the eighteenth century mania for classical vases. 23:45It’s 27 December, and while spirits are high, bank balances are low.
| |
|---|
