Aled Jones: Still Walking in the Air

Forty years after “Walking in the Air” became a surprise chart hit, Aled Jones reunites with musical arranger John Altman to reflect on the song that changed his life. Originally composed by Howard Blake for Channel 4’s 1982 animation The Snowman, the haunting melody was first performed by St Paul’s Cathedral chorister Peter Auty.

This documentary traces how the song found a second life when Altman was asked to re-record it for a Toys “R” Us advert in 1985. Enter Aled: a 14-year-old Welsh chorister whose soaring vocals turned the track into a festive phenomenon. Together, Aled and John recall the whirlwind that followed—from recording sessions to a Top of the Pops appearance that cemented the song’s place in Christmas history.

We hear from the animators behind The Snowman, explore Howard Blake’s inspiration for the piece, and speak to Peter Auty about his original performance. Altman reveals how he adapted the song for the charts, and Aled reflects on the enduring emotional pull of a track that has become synonymous with the season.

EMI executives share how they spotted the song’s potential and helped propel it into the UK charts, turning a seasonal jingle into a cultural touchstone. With rare archive, personal memories, and musical insight, this is the definitive story of how a simple melody took flight—across rooftops, generations, and hearts

Presenter John Altman
Producers Ashley Byrne and John Altman
An MIM Production for BBC Radio Wales