Pilgrimage

Sandford St Martin 2026 Special Award winner

“In our increasingly fragmented and fractious times, Pilgrimage has consistently shown how through thoughtful and respectful conversation, strangers from different faith perspectives and with very different world views can still find common ground and friendship.” Dr Tony Stoller CBE

C.S. Lewis described walking and talking as two of life’s “very great pleasures”. Having just completed its eighth series, Pilgrimage is warm and compelling proof that television programmes about walking and talking can be very pleasurable too.

Produced by CTVC for the BBC, Pilgrimage offers something increasingly rare in a media age that thrives on clicks and controversy: space for genuine, reflective conversation. Each year, a group of well-known figures embark on a shared journey, carrying little more than the essentials – along with their beliefs, doubts and personal perspectives on life and what it all means.

Along the way, they open up about subjects that matter deeply: family, love, grief, mental health, trauma and, of course, faith. What emerges is much more han a travelogue. It’s a moving exploration of what it means to listen, to question, to learn and to connect; a shining example of the value of public service broadcasting.

Pilgrimage will be presented with their award by broadcaster and social entrepreneur, Dr Krish Kandiah, on the evening of Tuesday 16 June.

All photos courtesy of CTVC.