On Sunday 17 August at 5.30 pm the singing and music of Ampleforth will be celebrated among a wider congregation than usual when a special Songs of Praise episode will air on BBC 1.
Presenters David Grant and Sally Magnusson will be exploring the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey and learn about the Benedictine traditions of the monastic community who live there. The Choirmaster, Fr Alexander, will be teaching David about Gregorian Chant, the music used to accompany the monks in their daily prayers.
Sally explores the Abbey’s famous orchard, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and enjoys some cider tasting with orchard manager, Cameron Smith. The orchard has some 2,000 trees and more than 40 varieties of apples which have been used to produce its famous, multi-award winning Ampleforth Abbey Cider for the last 10 years.