Night Waves - Free Thinking 2010 - What Does Britain Do Best: Sport or the Arts?

A historic first: BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 5live join together for a live debate broadcast simultaneously on both stations. In front of an audience at the Sage Gateshead, a team of well-known 5live sports fans battle with a panel of regular Radio 3 arts lovers to debate the question: What Does Britain Do Best: Sport or the Arts? After a summer of sporting failures at the World Cup and Wimbledon, is it time for true patriots to transfer their affection to the Tate, the Edinburgh Festival and the Royal Shakespeare Company? Who really is the best of British: Gormley or Beckham, WG Grace or Charles Dickens? This unique programme is chaired by two presenters - one from each station: 5live's Eleanor Oldroyd and Radio 3's Rana Mitter. Can they hold things together as contributors and audience compare their achievements? The debate is taking place as part of BBC Radio 3's Free Thinking festival of ideas 2010 which takes place at the Sage Gateshead, 5-7 November. Producers: Claire Burns and Kirsty Pope.