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This Christmas, Cambridge 105 Radio presents a selection of programmes that reflect life in the city and south Cambridgeshire.
Station Manager Tim Willett said: “Once again the 105 family has been able to produce a diverse schedule that reflects the Best of Cambridge. From Tony Barnfield’s tribute to the late Sir Stephen Cleobury through to Chris Brown’s New Year’s Eve soul show the Cambridge 105 Radio schedule really does have something for everyone.”
Classical
John Rutter’s Christmas Hit List
Christmas Eve 10pm-11pm
In conversation with Tony Barnfield, composer, conductor and arranger John Rutter, who is forever linked with Cambridge and Christmas. He talks about growing up in London, his love of Cambridge, Ely Cathedral’s Lady Chapel, Bach, Mozart, Laurence Olivier and Julie Andrews, musicians he has known including Sir David Willcocks, George Shearing and Harvey and the Wallbangers, a “bootleg recording” from the Boris Ord era at King’s College – and reveals his ‘sideline’ as a recording engineer.
Sir Stephen Cleobury (1948 – 2019)
Christmas Day 2pm to 3pm
Tony Barnfield recalls his many conversations with the long-serving former Director of Music at King’s College, who died in November aged 70, illustrated with recordings of Sir Stephen’s choice and significant performances from his 37 years in Cambridge.
Roundabout with Tony Barnfield
Sunday 22 December, 1pm- 2pm
A Christmas edition from the Chapel of St John’s College, where Tony Barnfield meets Director of Music Andrew Nethsingha and members of the choir, with music from their new CD Magnificat. Tony also talks to former Organ Scholar John Challenger, illustrated with recordings on the organ of Salisbury Cathedral, where he is now Assistant Director of Music.
Folk
Cambridge Folk Festival 2019: Highlights
New Year’s Eve 6pm to 8pm
Julian Clover introduces highlights from Cambridge Folk Festival 2019 including Lucinda Williams, Elizabeth & Jameson, Nick Mulvey and Karine Polwart.
ELS Special: Maddy Prior
Christmas Day 5pm to 7pm
Join Mandy Morton as she brings together two giants of music, Steeleye Span’s Maddy Prior and Pentangle’s Jacqui McShee, to discuss and celebrate 50 years of fronting two of the most innovative bands in folk and folk-rock. The two singers engage with Mandy on many subjects including family life, touring and the music that both have embraced for the whole of their adult lives.
ELS Special: KT Tunstall
Boxing Day 1pm to 2pm
Mandy Morton interviews Scottish rocker KT Tunstall, who discusses life on tour, living in California, girl bands, success and the deeply personal themes behind her latest album Wax.
Local Music
The New Music Generator
Christmas Day/New Year’s Day 7pm to 10pm
Tim Willett presents the Unsigned Chart of 2019; featuring the most voted-for tracks of the last 12 months.
Soul & Dance
Chris Brown’s Soul & Dance Show
New Year’s Eve 11pm
The Cambridgeshire legend takes you into 2020 with two hours of classic and contemporary soul and dance.
Events
Midnight Mass – Live
Christmas Eve 11pm-2am
Julian Clover presents live coverage of the traditional service from Our Lady and the English Martyrs Catholic church, Hills Road, Cambridge.
Rotary Christmas Charity Concert
Christmas Day 12 noon to 2pm
The annual Rotary Club of Cambridge Christmas Concert recorded at Great St Mary’s Church, Cambridge. Featuring the choirs of Barton C of E Primary School, Harston & Newton Primary School, St Alban’s Catholic Primary School, St Mary’s Junior School Chamber Choir, The Leys School Chapel Choir and Whitehall School Choir.
Introduced by Neil Whiteside.
Light Up EACH Life: Festive Concert
Christmas Day 7pm to 8pm
A special festive concert featuring the Cambridge musical phenomenon We Are Sound and renowned percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Recorded at Great St Mary’s Church.
Specials
The Cambridge Mayor’s Show
Christmas Day 11am-12 noon
Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Gerri Bird presents a special programme of her favourite music.
Where’s Flossie?
New Year’s Eve 9.30 to 1pm
Tim Willett and Liz Barker set off on the annual treasure hunt across the city. Julian Clover and Lucy Milazzo watch on from the studio.
Community Focus
Saturday 28 December 3pm to 4pm
In a special edition marking 30 years since changes in technologies lead to significant redundancies at the then Cambridge Evening News, Neil Whiteside meets those who were there at the time and joins a reunion of the Class of ’89.
What You Might Have Missed
Saturday 28 December 3pm to 5pm
Kasia Wozniak looks back at the best of Cambridge 105 Radio in 2019.
The Big Band Show at Christmas
Christmas Day 3pm to 5pm
After Her Majesty The Queen delivers her annual Christmas Day broadcast to the nation, John Hammond introduces a special edition of The Big Band Show, playing a mix of big band Christmas tracks as well as some classic favourites.
Ross & Tony’s Christmas Curiosities
Boxing Day 10am to 12 noon
Ross Watchman and Tony Barnfield explore some of the unusual, entertaining and downright extraordinary songs associated with the festive season, from Mr Blobby to Dora Bryan and Ray Stevens to Mel and Kim, with special guest Greg Butler.
Talking Men
Boxing Day 12 noon to 1pm
On this special edition of Talking Men, there’s another chance to hear Matt Webb’s interview with male domestic abuse survivor Alex Skeel that scooped silver at this year’s Community Radio Awards. Plus a look at men’s mental health and some of the local initiatives happening to help stop men from becoming isolated in our community.