These are some of the festive programmes that you can hear on Radio Warneford today!
12 midnight
THE A-Z OF A VERY 80’S CHRISTMAS
Richard Smith chooses a selection of festive tracks from the 1980’s for each of the letters in the alphabet. From Lynn Anderson to “Wonderful Christmastime”, the show features songs from The Jackson Five, Johnny Mathis, The Beatles, Bing Crosby, Showaddywaddy, Wham, The Pogues, David Bowie, Shakin’ Stevens and, of course, Cliff Richard!
1.00am
THE ADULT CONTEMPORARY EASY LISTENING SHOW
Cliff Proctor introduces some fantastic easy listening fare, from classic artists like The Seekers, The Carpenters, Herb Alpert, Bert Kaempfert and James Last to modern “adult contemporary” artists like Rumer, Dido, The Lighthouse Family and Michael Bublé.
2.30am
ORIGINAL COVERS
More little-known original recordings of some classic songs along with some striking cover versions. Andy Dowell plays you the original versions of The Only Way Is Up, Saving All My Love For You and Wind Beneath My Wings and covers from Tony Hadley, Annie Lennox and Hollywood actress Mae West.
3.30am
FEMALE VOICES OF THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES
Sara Lister introduces a selection of fantastic songs by some of the great female voices of all time, from Lena Horne to Barbra Streisand.
4.30am
HOW THE WAR WAS WON – WITH MUSIC HALL OF COURSE
This Radio Warneford Players production looks at the role of the music hall during World War One, including songs, comedy monologues and short sketches from the era.
5.00am
FEELING GOOD WITH RADIO WARNEFORD
Andy Dowell counts down the Top 10 “feel good” songs of all time including classic tracks by The Beach Boys, ABBA, Whitney Houston and Gloria Gaynor.
6.00am
MORE CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
Some more musical hot toddies from the 1950’s and 1960’s to melt your snow cone! You’d better deck the wards, spike the eggnog – you’re in Yulesville with Ley Bricknell.
7.00am
SONGS FOR THE SOUL
George Matts introduces his choice of soul classics to lighten the heart including Curtis Mayfield, Otis Redding and Adele.
7.30am
DICK WHITTINGTON
The Radio Warneford Players proudly present their unique adaptation of the story of Dick Whittington, a boy from Gloucester who makes his way to London with his cat to seek his fortune.
8.30am
MY FAVOURITE SONG
More famous faces tell us all about their favourite songs. Today we hear music from Elton John, Carol King, George Michael and the Rolling Stones as chosen by singer Ronan Keating, entrepreneur Deborah Meaden and weather presenter Carol Kirkwood amongst others.
9.30am
NIL BY MOUTH
Cliff Proctor and Tim Wallace bring you a mix of classic tunes from Jean Michel Jarre, Sky, Booker T & The MGs and a few surprises. All the tracks have one thing in common – there isn’t a voice to be heard!
11.00am
THE RADIO WARNEFORD PLAYLIST
More Christmas favourites with Andy Dowell including songs from Boney M, Jona Lewie, Chris Rea, Cliff Richard and Mariah Carey.
12 noon
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
The Birlings are celebrating their daughter’s engagement when a police inspector arrives with questions about their relationships with a young woman who has committed suicide. Written by J. B. Priestley and performed by The Radio Warneford Players.
1.00pm
CHRISTMAS EASY
Christmas is here and it’s the perfect time to play all those superbly cool and smooth tracks from the likes of Nat King Cole, Kay Starr, Eartha Kitt and of course Frank Sinatra. Snuggle down and listen to some of the best Christmas “easy” tracks ever with Ley Bricknell.
2.00pm
THE CHRISTMAS STORY
John Glare tells the greatest of stories in words and music.
3.00pm
NOW: A RADIO WARNEFORD CELEBRATION
The Now albums have been a fixture of the music scene since Christmas 1983. Andy Dowell tells the story of the most successful series of compilation albums in history along with some of the hits of the last 37 years from Culture Club, Wet Wet Wet, Kylie Minogue and Phil Collins. Written by Stephen Height.
4.00pm
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Radio Warneford takes a look at food traditionally associated with Christmas. Linda Ashworth, Margaret Legge and Valda Reid help you to sharpen your taste buds ahead of the Christmas dinner, all wrapped up in a medley of festive music and readings.
5.00pm
A WINTER COLLECTION
Andrew Preshous introduces a selection of music on the theme of winter, maybe with the word “winter” in the title, related to the winter months or linked to winter themes. How many of them do you recognise?
6.00pm
TUESDAY TEATIME CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Stephen Height and Tom Dibble are live in the studio this evening with their Christmas special! The boys will be showcasing some of the UK Singles Chart Christmas Number Ones of the past, plus a countdown of The Official Top 20 most-streamed Christmas Songs. Stephen and Tom will be taking requests from listeners, playing a couple of songs especially for the children and young people, and playing a few tracks to thank listeners for tuning in to Radio Warneford throughout this year and to thank NHS staff for their continued hard work especially during this difficult time. Don’t forget you can send a message to the studio during the show here.
8.00pm
THE RADIO WARNEFORD PLAYLIST
Andy Dowell brings you another selection of Christmas songs past and present including Doris Day, Celine Dion, Andy Williams, Neil Diamond and Stevie Wonder.
9.00pm
MUSIC AND MEMORIES
A very special programme from July 2021. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales pays tribute to hospital radio volunteers for the important work they have done for patients throughout the pandemic and reveals some of his favourite songs including tracks from Barbra Streisand, Peter Skellern, Dick Powell and the Three Degrees.
10.00pm
THE QUEEN’S SMILE
Another production from the Radio Warneford Players! The Queen is sad and the Princess needs to marry a prince, but only when her mother smiles again. The King finds a prince but is he all he makes out to be? Will there be a happy ending and does love conquer all? Starring: Linda Ashworth, Valda Reid, Nigel Dyer, Paul Sawtell, Dave Harris, Sarah Harris and Lily Harris. Written by Jenny James. Produced and directed by Sue Dolman and Lynn Fairbairn. Recorded and edited by Andrew Barker.
10.30pm
THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914
Sara Lister and Margaret Legge remember the famous Christmas Day truce on the frontline during World War One when British and German troops met in No Man’s Land for a festive football match.
11.00pm
THE A-Z OF A VERY 60’S CHRISTMAS
Richard Smith chooses a selection of festive tracks from the 1960’s for each of the letters in the alphabet. From The Allisons to What Christmas Means To Me, the shows feature songs from Connie Francis, Roy Orbison, Jim Reeves, The Ronettes and Elvis Presley!