Why do the same Christmas songs return every year? And what would it actually take for reindeer to achieve flight?
These questions will be answered in a free public talk at The Hive next week, hosted by experts from the University of Worcester.
Lou Aimes-Hill, lecturer in Media and Culture will open the evening with a deep dive into the enduring nostalgia of Christmas pop music.
She’ll be exploring why certain festive hits return to the airwaves year after year, and what makes them so timeless.
“A lot of nostalgic Christmas songs have become like secular carols, as we sing them every year,” said Lou.
She added: “The songs are so popular they’re often covered instead of artists writing new ones; think how many versions there have been of the Band-Aid single, or Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, they’re often covered by the new generation’s artists to make them relevant to younger people.”
“The talk is for anyone interested in Christmas music,” she said. “We’ll chat about our own favourites and what makes them return year after year.”
Dr Kate Ashbrook. Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences, will deliver a talk examining how science can explain the theory of reindeer flight and the formation of snowflakes.
“Have you ever wondered if reindeer could really fly?” said Dr Ashbrook. “I’ll be looking at what might make that possible, from real-life adaptations to some imaginative theories around flight.”
She added: “And while we’re up there in the clouds, we’ll uncover how ice crystals grow into snowflakes and why each one is unique. Their intricate patterns are breathtaking, and we’ll discuss what shapes them. It’s a chance to see the magic of Christmas in a whole new way.”
Book your free place for the talk on December 10 7.00-9.00pm at The Hive by following this link.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email [email protected]