The Home of Christmas Worship 2022?

The BBC has just unveiled its Christmas programming with the announcement that Blackburn Cathedral will be the home of Christmas worship this year.

Blackburn Cathedral revealed as home of Christmas worship on BBC One this year.

It will begin with the traditional celebration of the First Mass of Christmas and Blessing of the Crib, broadcast live on BBC One from Blackburn Cathedral at 11.45pm on Christmas Eve.

BBC Two brings viewers the traditional Carols from King’s, with a feast of music and spoken word from the magical, candlelit Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, directed by Daniel Hyde.

And then we return to Blackburn Cathedral for a lively Christmas Day Morning Family Eucharist with a specially composed fanfare – expect donkeys!

The Dean of Blackburn, the Very Revd Peter Howell Jones said:

“We’re delighted to be the home of Christmas on BBC One this year and very much looking forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus and the hope we find in the Christmas story.”

Later on Christmas Day, Aled Jones will present the Christmas Day edition of Songs of Praise from Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff, packed with favourite carols and seasonal music.

A specially commissioned new piece of music for the BBC centenary from Belfast-based composer Paul Campbell reimagines the story of the Journey of the Magi on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle. BBC Radio 4’s A Festival Of Nine Lessons And Carols presents a service of carols, hymns, and readings live from the candlelit Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge.

The Christmas Service this year comes from Bath Abbey, led by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, The Rt Revd Michael Beasley.

In addition, there will be further special programming across BBC Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and on local radio.

Find out more about Christmas Religious Programming on the BBC 2022.