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Flights of Fancy: Pigeons and the British

Timeshift Series 16
Episode 5 of 5

Timeshift ventures inside places of sporting achievement, scientific endeavour and male obsession - the lofts of pigeon fanciers - to tell the story of a remarkable bird.

Timeshift ventures inside places of sporting achievement, scientific endeavour and male obsession - the lofts of pigeon fanciers - to tell the story of a remarkable bird. As racer, messenger and even beauty pageant contestant, the humble pigeon has been a steadfast part of British life for centuries.

Pigeons have served in two world wars, flown over oceans and crossed barriers of age, class and race to take their place as man's best feathered friend. Meanwhile, pigeon fanciers have contrived to make them faster and more eye-catching, using backyard genetics to breed the perfect bird.

Popular affection for pigeons has nosedived in recent decades due to a growing distaste at what they leave behind, and legislation has seen them chased out of public spaces. But as this programme shows, dedicated British pigeon fanciers are determined to keep their pastime alive. So what does the future hold for the 21st-century pigeon?

58 minutes

On TV

Wed 7 Jan 2026 00:40
麻豆社 Four

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Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:03

    Land Observations

    Before the Kingsland Road

  • 00:05

    Public Service Broadcasting

    Qomolangma

  • 00:06

    Yann Tiersen

    Kadoran

  • 00:10

    The Kingston Trio

    Coo Coo-U

  • 00:17

    Land Observations

    Return To Ravenna

  • 00:21

    Land Observations

    Ode To Viennese Streets

  • 00:24

    Yann Tiersen

    Kereon

  • 00:26

    Beth Jeans Houghton

    Nightswimmer

  • 00:32

    Nils Frahm

    For - Peter - Toilet Brushes - More聽

  • 00:41

    Cold Specks

    Winter Solstice

  • 00:53

    Goldfrapp

    Annabel

  • 00:54

    Public Service Broadcasting

    The Other Side

  • 00:56

    Big Deal

    Homework

Credits

Narrator Miles Jupp
Producer Jake Hayes
Producer Merryn Threadgould
Director Jake Hayes
Director Merryn Threadgould
Executive Producer John Das
Series Producer William Naylor

Broadcasts