Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station, today (2nd November) announces the return of one of its biggest programmes, to help keep the nation’s pets – and their owners – relaxed and stress-free during fireworks season.

For the first time in the programme’s four-year history, Classic FM’s Pet Classics will be hosted by the station’s Sunday evening presenter and animal-lover Charlotte Hawkins. Supported by the RSPCA, the two programmes will be broadcast on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th November from 6pm to 10pm – the busiest evenings of the year for fireworks, with 2021 seeing the return of large-scale displays across the country. Due to demand from listeners, both shows will start an hour earlier this year, at 6pm.

While fireworks displays are spectacular events and enjoyed by millions of people, for our furry, scaly and feathered friends, they can be stressful and often traumatic. Classic FM has always been a champion of the positive effect that listening to classical music can have on humans – and this can extend to animals as well. A 2020 study* by The University of Sydney noted that “…animals appear less stressed or anxious when exposed to classical music.”

Across the two evenings, Charlotte will play a selection of the most soothing classical music, featuring pet-related pieces from animal-loving composers. They include Edward Elgar’s last work, named Mina, after his Cairn terrier; the Piano Concerto No.17 by Mozart, who taught his pet starling to sing melodies from the piece; Reverie by Debussy, who had several cats which would wander across the piano when he was working, and Träume from the Wesendonck Lieder by Richard Wagner, whose pets included a Newfoundland called Russ and a King Charles Spaniel called Peps.

Classic FM’s Pet Classics will also be packed with lots of dedications to listeners’ pets and, once again, the station is teaming up with the RSPCA to offer practical advice and tips for owners looking to make their animals as comfortable as possible. Full information is available at ClassicFM.com.

Classic FM presenter Bill Turnbull has hosted the programme since it was launched in 2018. However, as Bill is currently taking some time off from on-air duties, Charlotte Hawkins will host this year’s Pet Classics. Charlotte joined Classic FM in 2018 and currently presents Smooth Classics at Seven, every Sunday from 7pm to 9pm.

“It’s a huge privilege for me to host such a fabulous and much-loved programme on Classic FM for pets and their owners at this time. The classical music that we’ve chosen is super-relaxing and soothing, so I look forward to welcoming everyone to what will be our radio sanctuary.

It will be wonderful to introduce classical music to a whole new audience, especially the four-legged variety! I know there will be one very loyal listener tuning in – my rescue dog, Bailey, who will be 17 years young on Bonfire Night!” - CHARLOTTE HAWKINS, CLASSIC FM PRESENTER

Dr Sam Gaines, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA said: “Fireworks night can be a scary time for animals. Many dogs and cats find it incredibly stressful – as do horses, farm animals and wildlife too. The noises and commotion can leave them feeling distressed and fearful. Playing classical music is one thing that pet owners can do to help calm their animals, while fireworks are being let off, and that is why we are so delighted to be involved with Pet Classics again this year. We play the programme to some of the animals in our care across Bonfire Night to help them to relax and to help mask the sound of fireworks. We are proud to be supporting Classic FM and their focus on helping animals up and down the country.”

Philip Noyce, Classic FM’s managing editor, said: “At Classic FM, we believe that everyone can benefit from listening to classical music, and that goes for our pets too! In just four years, Pet Classics has grown to become one of our most popular programmes of the year so, with support from the RSPCA, we are excited to announce two new and extended shows for 2021. We are also thrilled that Charlotte Hawkins will host this year’s programmes. Charlotte is both passionate about classical music and a dog-owner herself, so we look forward to her presenting the perfect soundtrack to keep pets and their owners chilled and relaxed this weekend.”

Classic FM’s Pet Classics with Charlotte Hawkins: Friday 5th and Saturday 6th November, 6pm to 10pm, on Classic FM – available across the UK on 100-102 FM, DAB digital radio and TV, on Global Player on your smart speaker, iOS or Android device and at ClassicFM.com.

In addition, Classic FM’s Music for Pets, a playlist of peaceful, pet-friendly music is available on Global Player.