15
December 2026

THAT PRETTY GERMAN TOY: MUSINGS ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Welcome to The Arts Society Eastbourne
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 - 14:00
East Dean & Friston Village Hall
Village Green Lane, East Dean Eastbourne BN20 0DJ
Online Event

The origins and history of the Christmas tree

The Christmas tree is arguably the most iconic aspect of our midwinter celebrations, yet how much do we actually know about its origins and history. Peter Medhurst delves into the past – as far back as the Book of Genesis – in order to tell the story of this remarkable ‘German toy’, as Dickens described it. Music performed includes: Adam lay ybounden, Jesus Christ the Apple Tree – Elizabeth Postern, O Tannenbaum, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Holy Night – Adolphe Adam.

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr Peter Medhurst

Peter appears in the UK and abroad as a musician and scholar, giving recitals and delivering illustrated lectures on music and the arts. He studied singing and early keyboard instruments at the Royal College of Music and at the Mozarteum in Salzburg.