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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Millie Reeves

Classic FM sees double the listeners tune in for calming pet show on Bonfire Night

Classic FM has seen listeners to its annual Pet Classics show double compared to last year.

The programme, which takes place on Bonfire Night and is specifically designed to help keep animals calm during the fireworks, is in its fourth year and due to popular demand, began an hour earlier than previous instalments.

There was also a follow up show on November 6 as firework displays continued over the weekend across the UK.

Classic FM reported that the number of households tuning in this year was almost double compared to the previous year. It continues to be one of the station's most popular shows.

As well as listeners, Classic FM reached more than 5 million people on its social media channels - the highest ever social reach for its pets programmes. During Friday’s show, #PetClassics trended at number one on Twitter.

And while many dog owners are the first to praise the soothing effects of classical music on Bonfire Night, it wasn't just pups that tuned in.

Show host, Charlotte Hawkins, heard from owners of cats, rabbits, horses, donkeys, guinea pigs, budgies, ferrets, parrots, chickens, a python, a pigeon and a 26-year-old rescue crow.

During Friday’s programme, the host even heard from an owner whose cat had given birth while the show was on.

Charlotte Hawkins told Mirror Online: “It was a huge privilege for me to host Classic FM's Pet Classics this year.

"It’s such a special show and we were overwhelmed by the response. We received thousands of amazingly heart-warming messages from listeners saying how much the programme and the music helped keep their pets calm, despite the noise of the fireworks.

"As an animal-lover and a fan of classical music myself, I loved bringing two of my favourite worlds together and I'm so thrilled that our listeners - of all varieties - enjoyed Pet Classics so much and it made such a difference for them."

If you are still experiencing fireworks in your area both programmes are available to listen again via Global Player. There is also Classic FM’s Music for Pets - a playlist of peaceful, pet-friendly music - available on Global Player.

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