8th-11th December 2025
Join us at the University of Gloucestershire for a series of talks and discussions about the festive season. Our academic experts will be covering a wide variety of topics across the week, taking a deep dive into our winter traditions and how they have evolved over time.
Join us at the University of Gloucestershire for a series of talks and discussions about the festive season. Our academic experts will be covering a wide variety of topics across the week, taking a deep dive into our winter traditions and how they have evolved over time. This event is open to school and college groups, as well as members of the public. Lecture topics will be released nearer the time, but early booking is recommended.
Date: Tuesday 9th December
Time: 18:00-19:30
Location: University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close Hall Campus
Winter Wildlife at Christmas
Professor Anne Goodenough
Winter can be an amazing time to watch wildlife, and many Yuletide events include an element of nature. Why do we have Christmas trees and wreaths? Why are robins such a prominent feature of Christmas cards? What is a Yule log? Why is Santa’s sleigh pulled by reindeer? What species are named after Christmas? This talk will explore the facts and fiction of winter wildlife at Christmas
Soaring, Luminous, Mysterious: The Gothic Vision in Architecture
Dr Yvette Putra
We’ll explore how the intricate stonework, luminous stained glass, and soaring heights of the Gothic style changed the skyline and spirit of medieval Europe. Born in twelfth-century France, this fusion of engineering brilliance and spiritual aspiration transformed architecture into visions of heaven on earth, leaving behind monuments that still inspire us today.
To register your interest please visit the website.
https://www.glos.ac.uk/event/winter-wisdom-a-festive-lecture-series/