Mayor of Worcester

Last weekend Worcester once again took its rightful place at the heart of our nation’s story as the city marked its central role in the English Civil Wars with two very special events.

On Saturday, I had the honour of joining the Commemorative Parade and Drumhead Service, organised by the Battle of Worcester Society, the Worcester Re-enactors and the Sealed Knot. I led a parade of re-enactors in authentic 17th century costumes from the Guildhall to the Cathedral, where we took part in a moving drumhead service. From there we marched to Copenhagen Street to review the civil war banners hanging there.

Standing among them, I reflected on Worcester’s central role in the English Civil Wars. Our city was not on the margins of that conflict – it was at its very heart. From the first clash at Powick Bridge in 1642 to the final great battle here in September 1651, Worcester was the stage upon which the struggle for the future of the nation was played out.

Few cities can claim such a central place in the history of our country, and we should be rightly proud of that heritage. The banners now hanging proudly on Copenhagen Street are more than works of art – they are recreations of the colours under which regiments marched, fought, and died. By bringing them back to life, students from Worcester Sixth Form College, Royal Grammar School Worcester and Heart of Worcestershire College have given us a living memorial that connects today’s generations with those who lived through those turbulent years.

The commemorations continued on Sunday and Monday with Worcester Under Siege at Bennetts Willow Barn. Families were transported back to the 17th century with living history camps, artillery, cavalry, and a full battle re-enactment staged on the very soil where history was once made. The mayoress and I were given a fascinating guided tour of the event and, at the culmination of the battle on Monday, I was proud to receive a wonderful flag bearing the city’s coat of arms on behalf of Worcester.

Both events reminded us that Worcester is truly the Faithful City – faithful in war, and faithful in peace – and that our heritage lives not just in books and museums but in our streets, our schools, and our communities.

Last week, Worcester came together to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day – the day the Second World War finally came to an end. It was an honour and privilege to attend three very moving commemorations that reminded us of the courage, sacrifice, and endurance of those who fought in the Far East.

In the morning, I spoke at the Guildhall at the official VJ 80th anniversary commemoration. In my speech, I reflected on how, when we think of the Second World War, while many of us think first of Normandy, the Blitz or the liberation of Europe, the war in the Far East was equally brutal and even more prolonged. Men from across the Commonwealth fought in jungles, mountains and monsoons against a determined enemy. Among them were the men of the Worcestershire Regiment – the 2nd and 7th Battalions who endured terrible conditions in Burma, and whose service and sacrifice Worcester remembers with pride.

At lunchtime, I joined the Act of Remembrance at the Worcestershire Regimental Stone in Gheluvelt Park where we joined in the national two-minute silence. Standing before that memorial, with veterans, families, and representatives of our armed forces, we remembered those from Worcester who never returned. Their legacy lives on – not just in history books, but in the values of duty, resilience, and sacrifice that continue to shape our city.

The next day, I attended the VJ Day service at Claines Parish Church, organised so thoughtfully by the Royal British Legion. It was a moving occasion of prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving.

At these commemorations, I was joined by representatives of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association, the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, the High Sheriff, representatives of the armed forces, and many local dignitaries. Their presence was a reminder of the deep respect our county continues to hold for all who served.

For many, the Far East campaign was known as the ‘forgotten war’. But here in Worcester, we will not forget. As I said in my speech, let us honour them not just in remembrance, but in our actions – by standing up for peace, by working together as a community, and by passing on their stories to future generations. We will remember them.

As Mayor it is always great to celebrate and encourage the links between Worcester and other cities both near and far. Therefore, it was a great honour to attend the formal opening service of the 2025 Three Choirs Festival at the magnificent Hereford Cathedral.

Accompanied by the Mayoress, the macebearers and the sword bearer I joined other dignitaries in a formal procession to the cathedral. The service was a fitting and uplifting start to this historic festival that dates back to 1715 and which brings together the musical talents and shared heritage of Worcester, Gloucester, and Hereford. The Festival Chorus and Hereford Cathedral Choir performed a beautiful programme of sacred music, including Gibbons’ O Clap Your Hands, Palestrina’s Jubilate Deo, and Stanford’s Te Deum in B flat. The stunning acoustics of the cathedral and the quality of the music created a truly moving atmosphere.

Did you know there are at least 10 cities and towns called Worcester around the world? This week, I met online with representatives from Worcester, Massachusetts and Worcester, South Africa to explore how we can strengthen our connections and work together for mutual benefit.

I’m keen to renew ties with our twinned cities and forge new ones. These relationships offer exciting opportunities for cultural exchange, education partnerships, economic links, and lasting friendships. By sharing ideas and celebrating our shared heritage, we can enrich life in our city and build a global Worcester community rooted in understanding, respect, and collaboration.

I was also deeply honoured this month to be made an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Worcester. Rotary is a global movement, but its values are rooted in local action — and the Worcester branch exemplifies everything that’s best about civic life in our city. With a motto of “Service Above Self,” the Rotary Club works tirelessly to support those in need, foster youth development, and promote peace and understanding — both locally and internationally. Their commitment to education, humanitarian aid, and community service reflects the very ethos I’ve seen across Worcester during my time as Mayor. I’m grateful for this welcome, and I look forward to supporting Rotary’s inspiring work in the months ahead.