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Songs Of Praise, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One's flagship Christian music programme, will mark its 50th anniversary this autumn with three very special programmes that will culminate in a spectacular celebration from London's Alexandra Palace, where regular television broadcasting began.

Songs Of Praise was first broadcast on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Television on Sunday 1 October, 1961. Fifty years on the programme, the longest running religious TV programme in the world, continues to showcase the very best in congregational hymn singing and inspirational music, featuring the very best choirs and soloists from across the UK and beyond.

In 1961 the first ever Songs Of Praise came from the Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Church in Cardiff. For the first anniversary programme, Fifty Years Ago, Songs Of Praise turns the clock back as Pam Rhodes returns to the Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Church to join the congregation as they sing the hymns chosen for that first broadcast. A children's choir will also recreate the ever-popular All Things Bright And Beautiful and guest soloist Elin Manahan Thomas will perform the anthem originally sung by soprano Heather Harper. Former presenter Geoffrey Wheeler talks about his role and Sir Cliff Richard recalls life in the Sixties when Songs Of Praise was in its infancy.

For the second programme, Aled Jones introduces a special edition that features many of the magic moments from half a century of Songs Of Praise. Fifty Amazing Yearswill be a fascinating look at the most inspiring music, the most surprising places, the most extraordinary people and the most incredible stories of personal faith – a unique snapshot that illustrates why Songs Of Praise is a television institution that means so much to so many.

And the third programme, Celebrating Fifty Years, will be a magnificent musical birthday party – introduced by Aled Jones, with Pam Rhodes, Sally Magnusson and Diane Louise Jordan. Former presenters, celebrity interviewees, faith leaders and representatives from many of the locations the programme has visited worldwide, will join 7,000 Songs Of Praise Viewers for a sing-along celebration that will reflect the best hymns and worship songs, past, present and future – all in the glorious setting of London's Alexandra Palace (full details of the line up will be announced nearer the time).

Danny Cohen, Controller of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One said: "Songs Of Praise has reached an incredible milestone, and this is a great moment for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ to celebrate its contribution to broadcasting and the affection many viewers feel for the programme."

Aaqil Ahmed, Head of ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Religion and Ethics, and Commissioning Editor for Television said "Songs Of Praise is a broadcasting institution and is truly unique. For an incredible 50 years the programme has delighted and inspired generations and it continues to do so today. I hope that viewers will enjoy our special programmes to mark and celebrate half a century of broadcast history and join us to wish Songs Of Praise a very well deserved 50th anniversary."

David Taviner, Series Editor, Songs Of Praise said: "It is good to look back and celebrate this significant milestone but we also want to look forward as Songs Of Praise continues to change with the times and reflect the rich variety of musical expressions of worship and faith. I like to think that Songs Of Praise is 50 years young."

Notes to Editors

These 50th Anniversary programmes will be broadcast on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One on three consecutive Sundays from mid September.

The recording at the Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Church in Cardiff will take place on Saturday 25 June.

Details of how to apply for tickets for the Celebration Event at London's Alexandra Palace will be announced on Song Of Praise on Sunday 10 July. Information will also be available from this date on the Songs Of Praise website: bbc.co.uk/songsofpraise.

JP2