Ringing the Bullring

You might know Birmingham's Bullring as one of the UK's premiere shopping destinations, or somewhere to pass through on your way to visit Birmingham's famous Christmas Market. But at the heart of the Bullring is a special church – one of only three churches in the world to have 16 bells. And bells have been rung on this site for almost 500 years.

The bellringers of Birmingham are arguably the best in the world at change ringing. They are preparing to compete at the annual National 12-Bell Striking Contest at York Minster - and they are the team to beat. Will they add to their formidable winning record, or will the York team have enough home advantage to beat them?

Special thanks to all those taking part:
the Bellringers of St Matins in the Bullring and the Birmingham 12-Bell Striking Contest Team - Alistair Cherry, Mike Wilby, Mark Eccleston, Stephanie Warboys, Jimmy Yeoman, Oliver Bates
Bellringing commentator and presenter Matthew Tosh
Judges of the National 12-Bell Striking Contest - Jo Holden and Jennie Earis
Canon Presenter James Milne of York Minster.

Sound recordist; Mike Rucinski
Sound engineer Nigel Appleton
Producer: Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer production for BBC Radio 4