Worcester uni awards singer Toyah Willcox honorary doctorate

Singer-songwriter Toyah Willcox has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Worcester.

During a career spanning more than four decades, Willcox recorded 25 albums, achieved 13 Top 40 singles, appeared in more than 20 feature films and over 40 stage productions.

Alongside her artistic achievements, she has been a patron of the Avon Navigation Trust since 2024, supporting environmental education and youth programmes.

Speaking at the ceremony at Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday, she said: "I'm so proud and it's such an honour to be asked by Worcester University because I live within this area."

She added: "The area means everything to me. My friends [and] my family all love Worcester and where I live.

The Birmingham-born singer, who now lives in Pershore, said she had been "very surprised in a very pleasant way" to open the letter confirming her honorary title.

"It's fabulous to have this and to be seen and heard."

But she said she felt "pretty terrified" to address the students at their graduation.

"There's a huge gap in age between me and these students," Willcox said.

"I'm 68, they will be around the age of 20, and everything that influenced me is not in their sphere.

"So I wanted to talk to them in a way that I thought would help them, but it's about communication, it's about kindness, it's about friendship, it's about revision and always learning.

"I tried to find stories from my past that I know will resonate with them when they step into the outside world."

One of the artist's main messages was the importance of networking and creating contacts in a specific industry.

She said: "It's so important to be... I hate to say it, but gregarious, because some people are really shy.

"But... letting people know you are a good supportive friend, that you can be part of a team and you're brilliant in an ensemble - that will bring you so much work. "

Other notable names to receive an honorary doctorate in Worcester, include journalist Helen Lewis, internationally-renowned historian Prof Dame Linda Colley, and sports stars Dawn Scott and Lark Atkin-Davies.

About 2,500 students are expected to graduate during three days of ceremonies, celebrating achievements across subjects including health, education, business, science, humanities, sport and the arts.

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