BBC Offers Diverse Easter Programming Across Multiple Platforms

Bristol, England – The BBC is set to celebrate Easter and various key religious festivals this spring with an expansive range of programming across TV, iPlayer, radio, and BBC Sounds. The Faith and Hope season includes live worship events, inspiring discussions, and special documentaries designed to resonate with a diverse audience.

The highlight of the Easter celebrations will be “Easter Live Worship” from St Mary Redcliffe Church in Bristol, airing on BBC One and iPlayer. Additionally, BBC Radio 4 will broadcast Easter Sunday Worship live from Canterbury Cathedral, featuring the Right Reverend Rose Hudson Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, as she delivers a message of hope and resurrection.

This year also introduces “Gareth Malone’s Messiah,” a new series where Malone, a choirmaster, stages a performance of Handel’s famous choral piece at Cardiff’s Llandaff Cathedral. The series aims to showcase the dedication of non-professional singers who will undertake this musical challenge for the benefit of BBC Children in Need.

“Songs of Praise” will feature three special episodes during Easter: the Rev. Kate Bottley will present on the women of the Easter story, and Aled Jones will host a collection of hymns from St George’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Southwark. A gospel music celebration will be introduced by Mark De-Lisser, promising to uplift spirits as part of the Easter lineup.

In connection with the season, BBC Radio 4’s Lent Talks will delve into the Nicene Creed, commemorating its 1700th anniversary. Additionally, the Rev. Kate Bottley will reflect on issues of loss and recovery during a special Good Friday edition of “Good Morning Sunday” on BBC Radio 2.

“Our programming aims to inspire, move, and provide comfort during a significant time of the year,” said Daisy Scalchi, BBC Television’s Head of Commissioning for Religion and Ethics. “We cater to a wide audience, whether they are religious or not, by presenting diverse reflections and music that can resonate deeply with everyone.”

On BBC Radio 3, expect an assortment of musical offerings, including Sir Simon Rattle conducting a performance of Bach’s “St Matthew Passion.” Meanwhile, the documentary series “Pilgrimage” will follow celebrity pilgrims hiking through the Alps, exploring their spiritual journeys along the way.

The programming associated with the Faith and Hope season also includes a focus on Passover and Wesak Day. “Celebration Kitchen” will share the cultural significance and culinary traditions of these festivals, hosted by Matt Tebbutt and featuring celebrity chefs.

In anticipation of Eid, the BBC will offer two special programs, “Eid Live” and “Celebrity Eid,” both originating from Bradford, UK’s City of Culture for 2025. This live broadcast will provide a unique perspective on the observance of Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, with contributions from well-known figures in the community.

Amol Rajan‘s documentary, “Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges,” will explore the Maha Kumbh Mela Festival in Northern India, the world’s largest religious gathering that occurs every 12 years. Rajan’s personal connection to the festival, combined with the unprecedented gathering of millions, promises to offer profound insights into faith and community.

With an impressive lineup of programming, this year’s Faith and Hope season seeks to engage audiences with reflective content that emphasizes the importance of spirituality and community during Easter and beyond.