BBC Radio reveals literary festive line-up

An all star radio adaptation of Neil Gaiman's Anansi Boys (Headline), a reading of David Attenborough's memoirs and a performance of "Scrooge - The Musical" are among the literary highlights from BBC Radio for the festive period.

BBC Radio 4 will broadcast an adaptation of Gaiman's Anansi Boys starring Lenny Henry, Jacob Anderson and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett. The station will also broadcast Attenborough reading his own memoirs Adventures of a Young Naturalist (Two Roads) as well as actor Derek Jacobi reading Village Christmas by Laurie Lee (Penguin Classics).

Also on Radio 4, Prince Harry, Baroness Trumpington, Tamara Rojo, Benjamin Okri and Artificial Intelligence will guest edit the "Today" programme. Radio 4 Extra will broadcast Michael Palin’s "Radio Adventures" as well as "Scrooge – The Musical".

On Radio 3, writer Horatio Clare will reimagine Bach’s famous journey across Germany from Arnstadt to Lübeck in The Bach Walk in its "most ambitions Slow Radio broadcast yet". BBC Singers will be joined by actor Simon Callow for a concert of festive readings from Dickens paired with carols from the era.

Bob Shennan, director of BBC Radio and Music, said: “During the festive season millions of listeners who tune in to BBC Radio can enjoy their favourite programmes as well as some great Christmas treats. Whether you want to soundtrack Christmas Eve with musical delights curated by our fantastic DJs, listen to a Christmas Day drama or reading, or spend Boxing Day with live sport rather than relatives, the BBC has something special for you. Our teams have put together brilliant schedules for our different stations with the many talented musicians, actors and presenters we have across BBC Radio.”