2021

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and their dynamic new principal conductor, Maxim Emelyanychev, kick off the BBC Four Proms 2021 season with a night dedicated to Mozart.

Every early spring since the 8th century, Buddhist monks at Nara Prefecture's Todaiji have practiced the Shuni-e ceremony. A series of esoteric rituals, including prayers to Kannon to protect humankind from disaster and disease, it also offers a window into Tang dynasty China. But in 2021, the COVID pandemic threatened to bring a halt to this uninterrupted tradition. Aided by an infectious disease specialist, the monks go to great lengths to hold this ancient practice for the 1,270th time.

In February 2021, orbiters from China and the UAE settled into their positions above Mars, and Nasa’s Perseverance rover touched down on its surface. Maggie Aderin-Pocock reviews the astonishing footage the rover has already sent back, and talks with its legendary chief designer Adam Seltzer about the challenges of missions to the red planet.

The history of Oman's dramatic rise and fall as a trading and imperial power, its role in the Gulf and its regional diplomacy today.

Grand Sumo July 2021 Tournament from Nagoya.
Day 1: 50 minutes presented by Murray Johnson.
Day 8: 50 minutes presented by Raja Pradhan.
Day 15: 90 minutes presented by Morita Hiroshi.

The summer 2021 has seen record-breaking temperatures, wildfires, torrential rain and fatal floods. What's causing such extreme weather? And is the UK ready for climate change?

We take a look at the heartwarming and colourful local community and its people whose high-spirited lives intertwine with each other on the sun-soaked Welsh coast. The documentary follows numerous interesting local characters and events, before and during the 2021 summer season. We find out where the town has been, it's present life, and where the future lies for this humble town that is on the rise. A programme that's part of a week celebrating Welsh beaches.

With 2021 set to be one of the hottest years on record, this film reveals how extreme temperatures around the world are wreaking havoc on nature, forcing climate migration, causing water shortages and triggering dangerous health conditions. By following people in seven countries, it also shows the resourcefulness and resilience of many communities as they struggle to adapt and survive

Jimmy Carr quizzes stars including Sarah Millican, James Acaster and Judi Love on the hot topics of 2021, from space travel and sea shanties to shower-averse celebs! With Charles Dance.

Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont host a festive knees-up for their comedy pals Roisin Conaty, Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett, reflecting on 2021 as they eat, drink and get very merry!