today’s radio

THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

1.30PM, RADIO 4 HHH A pristine white tower sparkles in a field of movable mirrors on the plains of Andalusia. At night, this tower is brightly lit, and can be seen for miles around. James Landale reports on a solar power plant that produces enough energy to power a town – and could herald a drastic change to the economies of the fossil fuel-rich nations.

SOUNDS OF THE 70S

3PM, RADIO 2 HHHH

Joan Armatrading held the crowd spellbound at Blackbushe Festival in 1978. Most of them had come to hear Eric Clapton, Graham Parker and Bob Dylan, but Joan – the only woman on the bill – wowed them with a set that included her big hit, Love & Affection, and ended with the equally brilliant Down To Zero. The singer-songwriter and ace guitarist talks to Johnnie Walker about Blackbushe and her 1970s hits and music memories.

JOHN HUMPHRYS

3PM, CLASSIC FM HHHH It’s a new year and a new job for John Humphrys as he eases himself into the agreeable surroundings of a Classic FM studio for this first show of a new series. The former Today anchorman will be playing some of his favourite classical pieces and sharing stories associated with these works.

JOOLS HOLLAND

11PM, RADIO 2 HHHH

In his first show of the year, Jools Holland picks some of the best of the live music he’s featured over the past months. Rising star Mabel joined Jools and his band in December for a studio performance of John Legend’s Ordinary People. Jools will feature that, plus sessions from the harmonious Wildwood Kin, Jack Lukeman, Dennis Greaves, Rebecca Ferguson and others. SJ

John Humphrys (3pm, Classic FM)