Silent Night has been named the UK’s favourite Christmas carol – ousting O Holy Night from the top spot after a twelve year run.
It’s said that Silent Night was written to help fill a gap in an Austrian midnight mass service after nibbling mice had put the church organ out of action!
First translated into English in 1863, the beautiful carol was sung between the trenches in the famous Christmas truce of 1914, which may help explain its return to number one as the country commemorates the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. The hugely-popular O Holy Night had previously held top spot for twelve years.
Thousands of Classic FM listeners voted in the radio station’s annual poll and the the full Top Thirty countdown will be broadcast on Christmas Day from 1pm in The Nation’s Favourite Carol.
I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of the programme, but completing the top five are Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, In The Bleak Midwinter and O Come All Ye Faithful!
Whats your favourite Christmas song? Let us know!
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