Classic FM’s Pet Classics night returns for 2026

Classic FM will broadcast Pet Classics across three evenings for the first time, with five hours of calming music each night.

The ninth annual series runs from Thursday 5 November to Saturday 7 November, between 5pm and 10pm each evening, with Dan Walker, Aled Jones and Dawn O’Porter each presenting one programme.

The station has also commissioned an original piece of music specifically designed to help anxious pets cope with fireworks.

When The Night Goes Quiet has been written and recorded by Classic FM Calm Ambassador and composer Noah Inada-Kim, following research from the University of Belfast and University of Glasgow suggesting animals respond well to slower tempos, lower pitches and minimal percussion.

The resulting piano composition has also been pressed onto limited edition zoetrope vinyl, featuring images of sleeping cats and dogs while fireworks explode in the distance.

Classic FM is once again partnering with the RSPCA, providing practical advice throughout the broadcasts to help owners care for animals affected by fireworks.

The programmes will feature classical music selected for its calming qualities, including Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals: The Swan and Elgar’s Mina, his final published orchestral work, named after his Cairn Terrier.

Joseph Zubier, Classic FM’s Managing Editor, said: “For many pets and their owners, the programme is an essential tool, offering a calming soundtrack and a relaxing sanctuary during the fireworks season.”

Noah said: “Fireworks season can be incredibly loud and unpredictable,” adding that he hopes the new composition and the music featured throughout the programmes will help anxious pets and their owners.

Dan Walker will host the Bonfire Night programme on Thursday 5 November, followed by Aled Jones on Friday 6 November and Dawn O’Porter on Saturday 7 November.

All three programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, with further details available on Global Player and ClassicFM.com.