Midwinter Messages from Afar

It’s the 70th anniversary of this unique BBC radio programme aimed at just a few dozen listeners: The team of scientists and support staff isolated at British research stations in the Antarctic midwinter.

Hosted by Cerys Matthews, the show features messages from family and friends at home, music requests from Antarctica and a specially recorded message from His Majesty The King.

For decades this show has been part of the traditional midwinter celebrations and has also been enjoyed by listeners around the world.

Midwinter celebrations at the British research stations include a feast, exchange of presents, watching the 1982 horror film The Thing (where an alien monster terrorises an Antarctic base) and listening - on short wave - to the BBC’s Midwinter Broadcast.

Producers: Martin Redfern and Richard Hollingham

An EcoAudio certified Boffin Media production