Songs of Praise

Claire McCollum joins a Devon farm where five generations of faith and farming converge, helping with the harvest and sharing beloved harvest hymns. As an episode of a BBC One East HD series, this documentary drama offers UK television and British TV viewers a warm, entertaining glimpse at rural tradition – a programme highlight perfect for a quick overview at a glance in any television guide.

Programme overview Harvest on the Farm is a new documentary series that follows presenter Claire McCollum as she joins a multigenerational farm in Devon to bring in the autumn harvest. The programme blends the rhythms of rural life with the spiritual heritage of five generations of faith‑filled farming, offering a gentle yet compelling portrait of a community that lives by the land and the church calendar. Each episode runs for an hour on BBC One East HD, positioning the series as a flagship entry in the network’s seasonal slate of British TV entertainment. What to expect from the content Viewers can expect an in‑depth review of the practical tasks that make up a traditional harvest – from sorting wheat and barley to loading tractors and sharing a communal cider press. Interwoven with the agricultural narrative are favourite harvest hymns, performed by local choirs and the farm family, which underscore the deep connection between worship and work. The series balances observational documentary style with occasional interview segments, giving full details of the farm’s history, the seasonal calendar, and the personal stories of the people who keep the tradition alive. Key features and highlights Each episode highlights a different aspect of the harvest cycle, such as the early morning threshing, the midday market stall, and the evening hymn sing‑along around a bonfire. The programme’s cinematography captures the Devon countryside in crisp, golden light, while the sound design foregrounds the rhythmic clatter of machinery and the resonant chords of organ and voice. Special features include a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the farm’s chaplain selects the hymns, and a short segment on sustainable farming practices that link modern environmental concerns with age‑old stewardship. Why this programme appeals to UK audiences Harvest on the Farm taps into a growing appetite for authentic, locally rooted storytelling on UK television. The blend of drama and documentary offers both emotional resonance and educational value, satisfying viewers who seek entertainment that reflects their own rural heritage or simply a soothing escape from urban bustle. By celebrating community, faith, and the cyclical nature of the British agricultural calendar, the series resonates with a broad cross‑section of UK viewers, from city dwellers curious about countryside life to farming families who see their own experiences reflected on screen. Context within BBC One East HD programming The series forms part of BBC One East HD programming’s commitment to regional content that showcases the diversity of life across England. Positioned alongside other flagship documentaries and drama series, Harvest on the Farm reinforces the channel’s reputation for high‑quality, home‑grown entertainment. Its timing in the autumn schedule aligns with the seasonal themes that often dominate the BBC’s calendar, making it a timely addition that will likely become a staple in the television guide for audiences seeking a comprehensive guide to the harvest season.