Desert Island Discs listeners to share stories about their coronavirus lockdown music

Listeners will be asked to compile eight tracks they would play on programme if they were guest 

Tom Horton
Monday 11 May 2020 15:16 BST
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The programme’s host Lauren Laverne said lockdown has left us all feeling like we're castaways
The programme’s host Lauren Laverne said lockdown has left us all feeling like we're castaways

Desert Island Discs is asking listeners to send in their stories about a piece of music they have turned to during the lockdown.

The BBC Radio 4 programme, which asks guests to imagine life in isolation away from their families and friends on a desert island, is set to broadcast a special edition featuring music chosen by the public.

Listeners will be asked to compile the eight tracks they would play on the programme if they were a guest and share them on social media using the hashtag #DesertIslandDiscsChallenge.

The programme’s host Lauren Laverne said: “At the moment we all feel a little more castaway than we might like to.

“It seems the perfect time to pass the microphone to our wonderful listeners and invite them to tell us about one special track and why it matters so much to them now.

“I can’t wait to hear what they come up with.”

From 6 June, Radio 4 Extra will also be broadcasting a number of archived programmes featuring guests including Sir David Attenborough, Tom Hanks, Victoria Wood and Ken Dodd.

Mohit Bakaya, controller of Radio 4, said: “One of the reasons Desert Island Discs is so loved is that it invites us all to think about the role music plays in our lives.

“It can be a powerful friend during stressful periods and I want Radio 4 to capture the tunes that have helped the nation get through this crisis so far, whether they’ve provided joy, reflection or comfort, and the stories that accompany that.”

The special edition of Desert Island Discs will air at 9am on 5 June.

Throughout the rest of the day more of the stories can be heard on Radio 4 programmes including Woman’s Hour, Today, World At One and PM.

PA

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