Black Country Xtra Radio’s much-loved Sunday Morning Show, presented by Ian Henery, returns with a festive special that blends music, poetry, education and Black Country identity, bringing Christmas traditions firmly into the modern age.

Broadcasting from Wolverhampton, the programme features an engaging line-up of live poetry, original music and thoughtful discussion, anchored by the question: What does Christmas really mean in 2025 – here in the Black Country?

At the heart of the show is a bold reimagining of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous 1823 poem A Visit from St Nicholas. Nearly 200 years after it first introduced Santa’s reindeer and chimney-based antics, the poem is given a contemporary Black Country makeover – complete with smoke-free zones, missing chimneys and reindeer redirected to Dudley Zoo.

Modern Christmas Meets Local Voice
Actor and performer Barry “the actor” Harper delivers The Night Before Christmas on Cygnet Street, a Wolverhampton-set version read in authentic Black Country dialect, blending humour, warmth and social commentary. The performance follows the success of Barry’s earlier work, Wolverhampton Covid Christmas 2021, also featured on the show.
The programme also welcomes Serena Fiore (pictured)  performance poet, musician and owner of Swift Tutors Wolverhampton, one of the city’s highest-rated tutoring providers based in Tettenhall. Serena brings poetry, music and educational insight to the broadcast, alongside original songs and newly written poems created especially for the show.
Poetry, Education and Wellbeing

Throughout the programme, Serena discusses:
How she discovered poetry and its role in her life
The importance of poetry within the educational curriculum
Poetry’s impact on emotional wellbeing, cultural identity and holistic development
A critical and creative response to Clement Clarke Moore’s original poem
How she would reimagine A Visit from St Nicholas for modern Wolverhampton students
The discussion highlights how storytelling, rhythm and imagination can build confidence, deepen learning and strengthen community identity.

A Celebration of Black Country Talent

The show also features music from:

ABC – “Viva Love” (opening track)

Original songs by Linda Harper Hocknull and Serena Fiore

A reflective festive close with Whitesnake – “We Wish You Well”

Ian Henery is joined by co-host and producer Linda Harper Hocknull, creating a relaxed, conversational atmosphere that celebrates local voices, lived experience and creativity.

More Than a Christmas Show
“This programme isn’t just about Christmas lights and presents,” says Henery.
“It’s about hope, kindness and the belief that small acts – a poem, a song, a warm voice on the radio – can still matter.”

The broadcast concludes with a reflection on Christmas as a time for connection, generosity and shared humanity, reinforcing the show’s commitment to community wellbeing.

About Swift Tutors Wolverhampton
Swift Tutors Wolverhampton, led by Serena Fiore, provides professional one-to-one and small group tuition for GCSE, A Level, KS2, KS3 and 11+ students. Known for outstanding results and strong local recommendations, Swift Tutors combines academic excellence with confidence-building and a love of learning.

More information: www.swifttutors.co.uk