Where the Light Sings will tell stories from six lighthouses around the UK coast as part of the project airing on BBC Radio 3 on Saturday, September 26.
This special day of programming will run from 8am to 8pm, blending music, storytelling, and sound to explore the connection between land, sea, and song.
The broadcast will feature stories from six lighthouses around the UK’s coastline: Dungeness in Kent, Ardnamurchan in Scotland, Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland, Strumble Head in Wales, Longstone Lighthouse in Northumberland, and a mystery location in Cornwall.
BBC will air a programme exploring Longstone Lighthouse, Northumberland (Image: Tripadvisor)
Different hosts will present individual segments, while Petroc Trelawny will close the day’s programming from a yet-to-be-revealed lighthouse.
Throughout the day, listeners will hear a curated soundtrack of music inspired by the sea, islands, and lighthouses, alongside live broadcasts and on-board updates.
The programme will be supported by the UK and Ireland’s three General Lighthouse Authorities – Trinity House, the Northern Lighthouse Board, and Irish Lights – as well as the Association of Lighthouse Keepers, the RNLI, and the RSPB.
Each host will bring their own perspective to the broadcast, exploring the history, wildlife, and cultural traditions of each site.
Longstone Lighthouse (Image: Tripadvisor)
When the programme moves to Northumberland, Kate Molleson will broadcast from St Aidan’s Church in Bamburgh.
She will explore the story of Grace Darling, the famed 19th-century lifesaver, with musician and field recordist Chris Watson.
Sam Jackson, controller at BBC Radio 3, said: “The response to last year’s Train Tracks – a day of live programmes celebrating 200 years of UK railways – and to our Breakfast broadcasts from locations across the country, has shown us how much our listeners enjoy opportunities to celebrate the people, places and stories that shape life across the UK.
“Where the Light Sings builds on that spirit, bringing audiences together through music, conversation, and moments of discovery, while exploring the history, heritage and natural beauty of some of the most inspiring and remote locations along our coastline.”
BBC Radio 3 will build on the success of last year’s Train Tracks, a live relay marking 200 years of UK railways, and its series of live breakfast broadcasts from across the country.
Listeners can tune in to Where the Light Sings on Saturday, September 26, from 8am to 8pm on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds.