This is a list of events from British radio in 1947.
Events January 2 January – Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh, starring Kenneth Horne and Richard Murdoch, having started out as a recurring sketch in the wartime comedy-variety show Merry-Go-Round (from 31 March 1944), debuts on the BBC Light Programme, continuing in various formats until 1954.
February 21 February – Two issues of Radio Times are missed due to the winter 1946–47 fuel shortage greatly exacerbated by severe weather. (BBC television is suspended 10 February–11 March.)
March 28 February – The UK version of Twenty Questions is launched on BBC radio, originally presented by Stewart MacPherson with a panel comprising Richard Dimbleby, Jack Train, Anona Winn and Joy Adamson and with Norman Hackforth as the mystery voice.
April 9 April – How Does Your Garden Grow? debuts on BBC radio; as Gardeners' Question Time it will still be running more than 65 years later.
May 30 May – The BBC Light Programme broadcasts a special evening of programmes in honour of the eightieth birthday of Queen Mary, including the premiere of Agatha Christie's play Three Blind Mice,Radio Times 25–31 May 1947. later adapted as a television play, short story and the stage play The Mousetrap.
June to September No events.
October 6 October – Philip Odell, a fictional detective created by Lester Powell and played by Canadian actor Robert Beatty, is heard for the first time on BBC radio in Lady in a Fog. 24 October – Francis Poulenc's Sinfonietta receives its world premiere in a broadcast concert from London having been commissioned by the BBC for the first anniversary of their Third Programme.
November 18 November – The BBC links up with stations around the globe in the programme BBC Covers the World. 20 November – The Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth II), daughter of George VI, marries The Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey, London.. The service is broadcast on BBC radio. Gracie Fields hosts Our Gracie's Working Party on BBC radio; in the series, she visits twelve towns (beginning with her native Rochdale), compering and performing in a live show of music and entertainment, with local talents on the bill.
December No events.
Debuts 28 February – Twenty Questions on the BBC Home Service (1947–1976) 9 April – How Does Your Garden Grow? on the BBC Home Service (North Region) (1947–Present) 27 October – PC 49 on the BBC Light Programme (1947–1953) 2 November – Round Britain Quiz on the BBC Light Programme (1947–Present)
Programme endings 26 December – The Happidrome (1941–1947)
Continuing radio programmes 1930s In Town Tonight (1933–1960)
1940s Music While You Work (1940–1967) Sunday Half Hour (1940–2018) Desert Island Discs (1942–Present) Family Favourites (1945–1980) Down Your Way (1946–1992) Have A Go (1946–1967) Housewives' Choice (1946–1967) Letter from America (1946–2004) Woman's Hour (1946–Present)
Births 1 March – Mike Read, DJ 28 March – Peter Hennessy, constitutional historian and broadcaster 29 April – Susie Mathis, pop singer and radio presenter 28 June – Gerry Northam, radio presenter 10 May – Laurie Macmillan, Scottish-born radio newsreader and continuity announcer (died 2001) 20 May – Greg Dyke, journalist and broadcaster, Director-General of the BBC 15 September – Mike Sweeney, DJ 20 September – Jeremy Nicholas, writer, actor and broadcast presenter 5 November – Steve Hodson, actor 20 November – Marilyn Imrie, Scottish theatre and radio drama director and producer (died 2020) Alistair Beaton, Scottish-born satirist, scriptwriter and radio presenter Natalie Wheen, arts presenter Peter White, blind radio presenter
Deaths 11 March – Victor Hely-Hutchinson, composer and conductor, BBC Director of Music (born 1901) 24 July – Ernest Austin, composer, arranger and songwriter associated with the Proms (born 1874)
See also 1947 in British music 1947 in British television 1947 in the United Kingdom List of British films of 1947
References