O Holy Night has long been one of the UK’s most popular Christmas carols, with Classic FM radio listeners declaring it their favourite for eight years in a row. But what is its magic?

In this montage of voices from singers and musicians, a priest, a Paralympic athlete and a historian, we discover how the tune and lyrics work together perfectly to create a song that is moving, uplifting and liberating in equal measure.

We find out how it originated in France and played a role in the country’s history of abolishing slavery – and why it still means so much to the descendants of slaves today.

And we hear why singing it at Christmas time has brought so many people so much joy.

Contributors whose voices you will hear in the podcast include:

Azariah France-Williams, priest of the Ascension Church in Hulme, South Manchester;

Elaine and Kevin Simpson, co-founders of the As One Community Choir, and members of the choir;

Karé Adenegan, Paralympic wheelchair racer who won two silver medals in Paris 2024;

Dr Helen McKelvey, historian and lecturer in French at the University of Glasgow.