Choral Evensong Marks BBC Centenary as Cathedral Music Trust Seeks UNESCO Recognition
This year celebrates the 100th anniversary of choral evensong on BBC radio, which began with its inaugural live broadcast from Westminster Abbey on 7 October 1926. Weekly broadcasts on Radio 3 continue to attract hundreds of thousands of listeners. MP Jonathan Davies highlights the importance of this tradition as a crucial aspect of cultural heritage. In the UK, approximately 3,000 children and young individuals participate as choristers, gaining confidence and skills. While cathedral choirs offer exceptional training and opportunities for social mobility, challenges such as affordability remain. Davies stresses the importance of expanding access and maintaining this tradition. The Cathedral Music Trust is advocating for UNESCO recognition for English sacred choral music as Living Heritage.
Key facts
- The centenary of choral evensong on BBC radio is marked in 2026.
- The first live broadcast was from Westminster Abbey on 7 October 1926.
- Evensong is broadcast weekly on BBC Radio 3 from cathedrals, churches, chapels and abbeys across the UK.
- It is the BBC's longest running outside broadcast, reaching hundreds of thousands weekly.
- Around 3,000 children and young people sing as choristers in UK cathedrals, churches and chapels.
- The charity Cathedral Music Trust is leading a campaign to secure UNESCO status for English sacred choral music.
- MP and former chorister Jonathan Davies authored the article advocating for the tradition.
- Barriers to participation include affordability, access to music tuition and unfamiliarity with cathedral culture.
Entities
Artists
- Jonathan Davies
- Thomas Cranmer
Institutions
- BBC
- Radio 3
- Westminster Abbey
- Cathedral Music Trust
- UNESCO
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Coventry Cathedral
Locations
- Britain
- United Kingdom
- Westminster Abbey
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Coventry Cathedral