Annual Pet Classics radio show returns for fireworks season

The new classical work, written by Classic FM Calm Ambassador Noah Inada-Kim, has been specially composed to soothe pets throughout bonfire weekend

Dan Walker, Aled Jones and Dawn O’Porter will host three special Pet Classics programmes on Classic FM filled with soothing classical music and expert advice from the RSPCA

Thursday 5th to Saturday 7th November, 5pm to 10pm, on Classic FM and Global Player


As the UK prepares to wrap up warm for a long weekend of fireworks and sparklers, Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music brand, has today (Thursday 22nd October) announced that it has commissioned an original piece of pet-friendly music. The new composition marks the return of one of the station’s biggest programmes of the year, Classic FM’s Pet Classics.

When The Night Goes Quiet, written and recorded by Classic FM Calm Ambassador and composer Noah Inada-Kim, commemorates the return of Classic FM’s Pet Classics, the station’s hugely popular series curated to help keep anxious pets – as well as their concerned owners – calm during fireworks season.

When The Night Goes Quiet follows the principles laid out by the University of Belfast and University of Glasgow, whose research suggests that animals respond best to slow tempos, low pitch and little to no percussive elements. Composed as a soft, flowing piano piece, the song aims to bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to pets across the UK on one of the noisiest nights in the calendar. To celebrate the specially commissioned piece of music, the track has been pressed onto limited-edition zoetrope vinyl, depicting quietly snoozing cats and dogs as fireworks explode in the distance.

Now an annual fixture in the calendar for many pets and their owners, Classic FM’s much-loved and essential programme Pet Classics returns for its ninth year, offering three evenings of calming music for pets for the first time. The programmes will air on Bonfire Night, Thursday 5 November, followed by Friday 6 November and Saturday 7 November, each running from 5pm to 10pm. Classic FM Breakfast host and dog-lover Dan Walker, new Mid-Morning presenter Aled Jones and Saturday-afternoon presenter Dawn O’Porter will each host one of the three programmes, helping pets and their owners navigate the fireworks season with five hours of soothing classical music each evening.

Once again, Classic FM is partnering with the RSPCA to provide the ultimate audio sanctuary for animals. Throughout the three programmes, Classic FM will also share practical advice and top tips from the RSPCA to help listeners care for their pets, over what can be a stressful few days in the calendar. Full details are at Global Player and ClassicFM.com.

All Pet Classics programmes have been specially curated to feature the most soothing classical music to calm any nervous pet or anxious owner. Alongside Noah’s original piece, many of the music choices are connected with animals, such as Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals: The Swan, and Elgar’s Mina, his last published orchestral work, which he named after his beloved Cairn Terrier.

“We’re so proud of Classic FM’s Pet Classics. For many pets and their owners, the programme is an essential tool, offering a calming soundtrack and a relaxing sanctuary during the fireworks season.

It’s wonderful to have worked with our Classic FM Calm Ambassador Noah to create a beautiful piece of original, pet-friendly music, as we celebrate our ninth year keeping the nation’s animals relaxed.”

Joseph Zubier, Classic FM’s Managing Editor

“It’s been truly magical working with Classic FM to write and record When The Night Goes Quiet, my first original piece composed to bring a sense of calm to pets across the country.

Fireworks season can be incredibly loud and unpredictable, and I hope that my piece – and all the wonderful music played across these three brilliant shows for Pet Classics – helps to give anxious pets and owners some respite from the loud noise outside.”

Noah Inada-Kim, Classic FM Calm Ambassador and composer

Classic FM’s Pet Classics:

  • Thursday 5th November, 5pm to 10pm, with Dan Walker
  • Friday 6th November, 5pm to 10pm, with Aled Jones
  • Saturday 7th November, 5pm to 10pm, with Dawn O’Porter

Listen to Classic FM’s Pet Classics on Global Player – the official Classic FM app – on your smart speaker, iOS or Android device, 100-102 FM, DAB+ digital radio and TV, and ClassicFM.com.

For listeners who would like to enjoy soothing classical music 24/7, Classic FM Calm, Classic FM’s sister station, is available across the UK on Global Player, on smart speakers, and on DAB+ Digital Radio in many UK locations.

The artwork for the zoetrope vinyl was created by artist Izzie Arrowsmith who has created work for Universal, Sony, BMG and Domino Recordings. All of the assets can be viewed here.