Songs of Praise joins London and Jamaica in a celebration of Christmas. Jamaica was the first Caribbean member of the Commonwealth to achieve its independence and as everybody of Jamaican origin in the UK will tell you, this year is the 25th anniversary of that event. The year's celebrations are to be rounded off with a special link-up edition of Songs of Praise in which Christians from many churches in Kingston join in singing their favourite carols with relatives, friends and well wishers in London.
Roger Royle introduces the London end and meets Christians of Jamaican origin who talk about their experiences of living in Britain.
In Jamaica Leonie Forbes tours round the island and tells something of its history including 'Jonkunnu', the carols and dance performed each year at Christmas by wandering bands of musicians.
Joy to the world (Antioch); No snow on our Carib island; Island in the sun; Sing de chorus, clap yu han; Silent night; And the glory of the Lord (Messiah); The Virgin Mary had a baby boy; Mary's boy child; Isaiah cried; Rejoice my soul Conductors
RICHARD BECKFORD, NOEL DEXTER, THE CHALK FARM BAND OF THE SALVATION ARMY
Assistant producer SIMON HAMMOND
Producer CHRISTOPHER MANN
Editor STEPHEN WHITTLE
Records and cassettes: 'Songs of Praise Vol 2' REC/ZCM 338; 'Your Songs of Praise Choice' REQZCM 469; Top Ten Hymns: the most popular hymns from BBCtv Songs of Praise REQZCM 556, from retailers
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