Queen congratulates Songs of Praise on 60th birthday

The Queen has sent a congratulatory message to BBC One’s Songs of Praise as she celebrates her 60th birthday.

The pre-recorded message aired on Sunday’s broadcast, which was filmed at Westminster Abbey.

The Queen praised the show for bringing churches together and showing Christianity “as a living faith.”

“For 60 years, Songs Of Praise has brought together congregations and BBC viewers across the UK in collective worship,” she said.

“During this time, the program showed Christianity as a living faith, not only through hymns and songs of worship, but also by showcasing the many people who have made their faith the center of their lives.

“I congratulate Songs Of Praise and everyone involved with the program on its 60th anniversary.”

Songs of Praise first aired in 1961 and is the oldest religious television program in the world.

The first episode took place in the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cardiff. Since then it has been filmed in churches and cathedrals across the UK and remains a Sunday night fixture.

Current host Aled Jones has been joined by former presenters for the celebratory episode.

Patrick Holland, factual director, arts and classical music at the BBC, said the show became even more important during the pandemic, when churches were closed.

“For 60 years Songs of Praise has held a very special place on BBC One,” he said.

“Never has this been more important than last year – when churches had to close their doors, Songs Of Praise continued to bring together believers across the UK every Sunday.”

He added: “It is a great honor to pay tribute to the world’s oldest religious television program – may this continue for a long time.”