This August, BBC Radio 3 Breakfast is hitting the road once again, bringing a week of live broadcasts from the beautiful counties of Gloucestershire and Somerset. Hosted by Tom McKinney, the program invites listeners to experience a rich blend of nature, history, and music, culminating in a vibrant weekend of BBC Proms concerts in Bristol.
Drawing inspiration from Tom’s deep passion for nature and birdlife, each morning features a carefully curated selection of music alongside immersive sounds of wetlands, forests, and countryside. The journey traverses iconic locations such as the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge, the majestic treetop walkway at Westonbirt National Arboretum, Bath’s historic Grand Pump Room, the serene Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, and the stunning Victorian estate of Tyntesfield near Wraxall.
Throughout the week, local musicians and experts in natural history and heritage join Tom to share their knowledge and performances, enriching the broadcast with stories from the region’s cultural past and vibrant present. Listeners will enjoy unique moments like a canoe trip along the River Severn Estuary, a stroll through botanical wonders up high in the tree canopy, and a visit to the former home of astronomer William Herschel in Bath.
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Tom McKinney expresses his excitement: “Presenting my first Breakfast road trip is a wonderful opportunity to blend gentle morning sounds with the rich cultural tapestry of Gloucestershire and Somerset. It’s a truly sensory experience that I can’t wait to share with our audience.”
Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms, emphasizes the event’s broader significance: “Our road trips have always celebrated local culture, history, and natural beauty. This week promises a compelling journey through some of England’s most cherished landscapes, leading into a packed weekend of exceptional music performances at the Bristol Beacon.”
The week’s live broadcasts culminate in a special BBC Proms weekend from 22 to 24 August at Bristol Beacon, featuring an impressive lineup of concerts broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds. Highlights include performances by the Paraorchestra with The Breath, a special edition of Late Junction presented by Verity Sharp, the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, Britten Sinfonia under the direction of Tess Jackson, and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera exploring Italian composers.
Join BBC Radio 3 Breakfast and Tom McKinney for an unforgettable week of exploration, music, and discovery right from the heart of Gloucestershire and Somerset.