Pet Classics returns to Classic FM for fireworks season

As fireworks season approaches, Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station, has confirmed the return of one of its most beloved annual programmes — Classic FM’s Pet Classics.

Now in its eighth year, the special two-part series is designed to help keep pets – and their owners – calm and comforted amid the noise of fireworks. This year, Classic FM Breakfast host and dog lover Dan Walker will present the first programme on Bonfire Night, Wednesday 5 November, from 5pm to 9pm. He’ll be followed by Pet Classics favourite Charlotte Hawkins, who returns to host the second show on Saturday 8 November, the busiest evening for fireworks displays across the UK.

Building on the show’s enduring popularity, Charlotte is also fronting a brand-new weekly Pet Classics series, airing every Friday at 9pm until 31 October. Each episode offers a soothing start to the weekend, featuring music inspired by animals and the natural world.

For 2025, the Pet Classics series welcomes a new sponsor, Go.Compare Pet Insurance, marking the first partnership of its kind for the programme.

Once again, Classic FM is teaming up with the RSPCA to deliver this special broadcast, creating the ultimate audio sanctuary for animals. The collaboration follows an RSPCA survey showing that almost two-thirds (62%) of pet owners said their animals are distressed by loud fireworks, with 36% turning to calming music to help them relax. Throughout the programmes, listeners will hear expert advice and tips from the RSPCA on supporting pets during the season.

Each Pet Classics programme has been thoughtfully curated to feature soothing and animal-themed classical music, from Saint-Saëns’ The Swan from Carnival of the Animals to Elgar’s Mina, written for his beloved Cairn Terrier.

Since its launch in 2018, Pet Classics has grown into one of Classic FM’s most popular annual events. Last year, #PetClassics trended at No.2 on X (formerly Twitter), reaching more than 12 million users, with listeners sharing thousands of photos and videos of their relaxed pets — from dogs and cats to rabbits, horses, tortoises, and even snakes.

Dan Walker said:

“I am so excited to be joining Charlotte and the Pet Classics team again this year. It’s such a special programme to present. It’s always lovely to hear what our listeners and their pets are up to, but it’s also about the calming classical music and the practical advice for anyone who might be struggling. We know that fireworks can be a problem for pets and animals, so we created Pet Classics to provide the perfect sanctuary for them. I’m looking forward to hearing from all our dedicated fans and any first-timers too. Everyone is welcome!”

Charlotte Hawkins said:

“It’s a joy to present Classic FM’s Pet Classics again this year and to welcome all our furry, feathered, and scaly friends to our oasis of calm. It is one of my favourite shows of the year to present. We know that classical music has a positive and calming effect on humans and animals, and I can’t wait to see that in action, through the thousands of photos and videos we receive of listeners’ pets relaxing to the programmes.”

Joseph Zubier, Classic FM’s Deputy Managing Editor, said:

"Pet Classics is one of our most popular shows of the year on Classic FM, bringing the perfect mix of music, comfort and community to listeners and their pets. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the RSPCA and – for the first time – to welcome our brand-new sponsor, Go.Compare Pet Insurance, who both share our mission to make fireworks season a more relaxed experience for pets and animals across the UK.”

Classic FM’s Pet Classics will air:

• Wednesday 5 November, 5pm–9pm, with Dan Walker

• Saturday 8 November, 5pm–9pm, with Charlotte Hawkins

Available on Global Player (the official Classic FM app), smart speakers, iOS and Android devices, 100–102 FM, DAB+, digital TV, and ClassicFM.com.

For listeners seeking calm all year round, Classic FM Calm, the station’s dedicated sister service, offers 24/7 soothing classical music via Global Player, smart speakers, and on DAB in Greater London.