On New Year’s Day, BBC Radio 4 will celebrate the centenary of the Shipping Forecast with special programming, including Ruth Jones reprising her beloved character, Vanessa "Nessa" Jenkins, from the hit series Gavin and Stacey. Jones, alongside other renowned figures, will read historical weather reports, marking 100 years of this unique maritime forecast.
The Shipping Forecast, originally aired as a weather bulletin called Weather Shipping on January 1, 1924, and later adopted by the BBC, has become a mainstay of British culture. Its distinctive language and structured delivery have earned it the affectionate title of the "national poem." It distills the essence of Radio 4 and serves as both valuable information for seafarers and nostalgia for countless listeners.
Jones shared her insights on her character's connection to the Shipping Forecast, stating, "Nessa has got quite a colourful history and one of her jobs was on the high seas. The Shipping Forecast was always very important and useful to her." Alongside Jones, the centenary celebration features performances from actors Julie Hesmondhalgh, Stephen Fry, Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar, and sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, all of whom will contribute by reading and reminiscing about past forecasts.
The finale of Gavin and Stacey, which aired on Christmas Day, drew massive viewership, with 12.3 million people tuning in, making it the most-watched program during the holiday period for 16 years. This dramatic finale showcased Nessa’s romantic storyline, linking her narrative from the show to her character's upcoming performance on Radio 4.
“The Shipping Forecast is one of our national treasures,” remarked Mohit Bakaya, the controller of Radio 4, expressing his excitement for the event. He continued, "So I’m delighted we are cracking a bottle against the hull to launch 100 years of the Shipping Forecast on the BBC with this special programming." Bakaya emphasized the dual role of the forecast as both informative and ceremonial for the British public, which aligns with its established history.
The special day will see various celebrities sharing memories alongside the readings, contributing to the cultural fabric surrounding the forecast. Damon Albarn, who previously referenced the Shipping Forecast in his song "This Is A Low," will also take part, lending his musical perspective to the occasion.
For additional programming, BBC presenter Paddy O’Connell will present "A Beginner’s Guide"—a documentary delving deepinto the history of the Shipping Forecast, providing listeners with insights on its impact on British society and maritime governance. Meanwhile, historian Jerry Brotton is set to host "Archive On 4," which will examine Britain’s connection to its maritime heritage.
From its initial broadcasts to being shaped by notable broadcast personalities, the Shipping Forecast has evolved over the decades. It has been produced by the Met Office for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, ensuring its relevance to modern listeners and seafarers alike. Observers recognize the forecast’s poetic structure and rhythmic delivery as significant components of what makes it uniquely captivating.
“On January 1, we will celebrate our ‘national poem’ with fascinating programmes for listeners from Bailey to Viking, Biscay to South Utsire and everywhere in between,” Bakaya added, showcasing the geographical breadth of the Shipping Forecast.
With this upcoming celebration, BBC Radio 4 is poised to honor the legacy of the Shipping Forecast, bringing together new generations and long-time fans alike to reflect on its significance. For both those who tune in for the maritime updates and those who find joy in its poetic form, January 1 will be both a remembrance and celebration of this beloved British institution.
The Shipping Forecast is recognized not only as a technical weather report but as part of the nation's cultural heritage, creating memories and emotions tied to the ebb and flow of life at sea.
