Claire McCollum presents a special episode of Songs of Praise, celebrating the harvest season at Jubilee Farm in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Airing on BBC One at 1:15 PM on Sunday, 6 October 2024, this episode takes viewers to Northern Ireland’s first Christian, community-owned farm.
Jubilee Farm spans 13.5 acres and is home to a diverse array of animals, including pigs, sheep, and goats, as well as fruit trees and vibrant wildflowers. Claire joins the dedicated staff and volunteers during the busy harvest, lending a hand with wellies on. She explores how scripture shapes their approach to working the land through conversations with Dr Matt Williams, the farm’s conservation manager.
The farm has a unique mission, not only nurturing the land but also supporting vulnerable individuals like Sunny, an asylum seeker from Nigeria. Sunny shares how his experience of volunteering at Jubilee Farm has given him a renewed sense of hope and belonging.
Claire also looks into a centuries-old Irish tradition, learning the craft of making a St Brigid’s cross out of rushes. This symbolic cross honours one of Ireland’s patron saints.
The episode features a selection of harvest hymns and music from across Northern Ireland and beyond. The lineup includes “All Things Bright and Beautiful” from Guildhall, Londonderry; “All Creatures of Our God and King” from Our Lady’s Church in York; “We Plough the Fields and Scatter” from Long Melford, Suffolk; “10,000 Reasons” from Pontio Arts Centre in Bangor; the “Aaronic Blessing” by Celtish; “Morning Has Broken” from Down Cathedral in Downpatrick; and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” from St Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen.
Songs of Praise: Harvest at Jubilee Farm airs on Sunday, 6 October 2024, at 1:15 PM on BBC One.
