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Author: Mayor Dr Matt Lamb

MAYOR’S WEEK: 22 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 22 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

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This week has been one of extraordinary range – from stepping back two thousand years into the past, to celebrating the vibrancy of our present-day communities, and pausing together to reflect on a defining moment in modern European history.

First, I was delighted to attend the Living History event here in Worcester. It was a truly head-turning experience, bringing to life two millennia of history – from the Romans who once marched through our city, to the courage and endurance of explorers in the frozen wastes of the Antarctic.

What struck me most was the enthusiasm of the re-enactors and volunteers, whose passion made history tangible and immediate.

Events like this remind us that Worcester is not only a city with a rich heritage, but one that knows how to share it in engaging and imaginative ways. Seeing families, children and residents of all ages interacting with the displays demonstrated the power of history to inspire curiosity and civic pride.

Cllr Matt Lamb with at the Living History event

I then had the great pleasure of joining celebrations for Chinese New Year. This was a joyful and colourful occasion, marked by warmth, generosity and a strong sense of community.

Worcester is strengthened immeasurably by its diversity, and occasions like this give us an opportunity both to celebrate cultural traditions and to deepen understanding between communities.

The performances – particularly the traditional lion dance – were a real highlight, full of energy and symbolism. It was a privilege to welcome guests and to reflect on the contribution that our Chinese community makes to the social, cultural and economic life of our city. At a time when the world can often feel divided, these shared celebrations are powerful reminders of unity and friendship.

Finally, I attended an event marking four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. This was a much more solemn occasion.

We gathered in reflection and solidarity – remembering lives lost, families separated, and communities devastated by war. It was deeply moving to hear members of Worcester’s Ukrainian community speak with such dignity and resilience.

While the conflict continues to cause immense suffering, the strength and determination shown by Ukrainians, both at home and abroad, remain extraordinary. As a city, Worcester has stood in support of Ukraine over these past four years, and it was important to reaffirm that commitment.

Taken together, these three events reflect the breadth of civic life in our city: honouring our past, celebrating our diversity, and standing in solidarity during times of hardship. It has been a week that encapsulates what public service is truly about – community, remembrance and hope.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 15 – 21 FEBRUARY 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 15 – 21 FEBRUARY 2026

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Four people standing in front of a University of Worcester sign
Dr Rachael Paige, Interim Head of the Institute of Education at the University of Worcester; Professor David Green, University of Worcester Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive; the Mayor; and the Mayoress

It has been another wonderfully varied week serving Worcester, highlighting the talent, generosity and community spirit that define our city.

I was delighted to tour the University of Worcester, joined by my Mayoress, Cllr Zoe Cookson. We were shown around by Dr Rachael Paige, Interim Head of the Institute of Education, and Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive. It was a pleasure to see the facilities across the various campuses and to witness first-hand the continued investment in teaching spaces, specialist laboratories and student support services. The energy and ambition across the university are impressive. I was also pleased to record a short reflection for the university’s Early Career Teacher Podcast, speaking about my own career in education and the transformative power of learning. Worcester is fortunate to have such a dynamic institution at its heart.

Community action was equally evident at the fantastic Repair Café, held at the university. This initiative invites residents to bring broken items – from bikes to lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners to clocks, televisions to clothing – and work alongside skilled volunteers to restore them. These enthusiastic volunteers generously give up their Saturday mornings to share their expertise, helping people save money while reducing waste and supporting our environment. I even benefited personally when a loose button on my coat was expertly sewn back on. With homemade cake, tea and coffee on offer, the atmosphere is warm, friendly and welcoming – sustainability in action, rooted in community spirit.

On a more intergalactic note, I was thrilled to attend Worcester Comic Con in the university area. As a lifelong fan of science fiction and comics, it was a joy to see so many families embracing creativity and imagination. I had the honour of helping judge the “Tiny Tots” costume competition – no easy task given the high standard on display. I even came face to face with the Daleks from Doctor Who – thankfully, they behaved themselves.

Finally, I was proud to formally open the newly refurbished gym and fitness suite at Perdiswell Leisure Centre. Operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Worcester City Council, the upgraded facilities provide a modern, welcoming space for residents of all ages and abilities. Investment in leisure is an investment in public health and wellbeing, helping residents stay active, connected and healthy throughout their lives.

I look forward to hosting my Masquerade Charity Banquet on Friday 20 March at the historic Worcester Guildhall in support of Acorns Children’s Hospice. It promises to be a wonderful evening of community, celebration and fundraising for a truly vital cause. Tickets are available here.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 8 -14 FEBRUARY 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 8 -14 FEBRUARY 2026

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This week has been a joyful reminder of the richness of Worcester’s cultural life, the strength of our community, and the importance of civic engagement at every level – local and national.

On Saturday morning, the Mayoress, Zoe Cookson, and I were delighted to take part in the parade launching the Great Recitations Festival, celebrating Worcester’s literary heritage and our special connection with Charles Dickens.

We gathered in the Cornmarket, near the site of the former Public Hall, where Dickens once read A Christmas Carol to a Worcester audience. It was a powerful thought – imagining his voice bringing those immortal characters to life in our city.

It felt especially fitting that the festival began on February 7, Dickens’ birthday. Literature is not confined to the page; it is something to be shared, recited and enjoyed together.

Leading the parade to Script Haven was symbolic – carrying stories from the past into the present and into the heart of Worcester’s creative life.

We were honoured to welcome Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, the author’s three-times great-granddaughter, alongside Professor Christine Skelton. My particular thanks go to Leena at Script Haven, whose vision and determination made this wonderful festival possible.

We also attended the official opening of Indya, the new restaurant on Friar Street – a fantastic addition to Worcester’s growing dining sector. It is always encouraging to see new independent businesses choosing to invest in our city centre.

The evening was held in support of Sensory Matters, and we had the pleasure of spending time with Collette Bedford, who shared more about the charity’s inspiring work.

Sensory Matters supports children and young people with sensory processing differences and additional needs, offering practical support, specialist resources and a welcoming community for families navigating often complex challenges. It was heartening to see a local business launch aligned with such a meaningful cause.

The Mayoress and I were also honoured to visit the House of Lords as guests of Lord Faulkner of Worcester. We enjoyed lunch in the historic dining room, observed Question Time, and – of particular interest to us as councillors – watched the committee stage of the English Devolution Bill.

The legislation will have significant implications for the future shape of local government and decision-making in cities like Worcester. It was fascinating to see the legislative process up close and to reflect on how national decisions will impact our local communities.

From celebrating Dickens in the Cornmarket, to supporting a new restaurant on Friar Street, to observing debate in the House of Lords, this week has reflected the breadth of the mayoral role – championing culture, supporting enterprise and good causes and engaging with the future governance of our city.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 1 – 7 FEBRUARY 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 1 – 7 FEBRUARY 2026

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The Mayor and a group of people inside The Hive building in Worcester
The Mayor and other dignitaries and guests at the opening of the Between Life and Death: Holocaust Rescue Stories in The Hive

This week I had the privilege of attending, and helping to open, the powerful exhibition Between Life and Death: Holocaust Rescue Stories, now on display at The Hive in Worcester.

The exhibition opened just a week after Holocaust Memorial Day, a time when we pause to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered in the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime. That timing is significant. Remembrance cannot be confined to a single day; it must be something we continue, deepen and renew through learning, reflection and dialogue.

The opening event itself reflected that shared commitment. Speeches were given by several attendees, including the organisers of the exhibition, Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, Louis Stephen, Chair of Worcestershire County Council, and myself as Mayor of Worcester. We were also honoured to be joined by Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, whose address underlined the vital role of education and research in challenging distortion, denial and hatred.

It was particularly special to welcome Beata Drzazga, one of the exhibition’s organisers, who flew from Warsaw to attend the opening in person. This exhibition exists in only two versions worldwide: the other is currently displayed at the United Nations in New York. Worcester is only the second location in the UK to host it, which is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Another deeply moving contribution came from Samantha Lewkowicz, Holocaust Education Officer at the Union of Jewish Students. She spoke powerfully about the challenges still facing those working to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, especially as the number of survivors and direct witnesses continues to decline. Her words were a stark reminder that remembrance cannot be taken for granted.

In my own remarks, I reflected on my personal connection to this history. I studied History at the University of Worcester, and the Holocaust has been an enduring interest of mine since childhood. One of the books that left a lasting impression on me was The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer, which opens with George Santayana’s warning: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” That sentence has stayed with me ever since.

What makes Between Life and Death especially compelling is its focus on rescue. Spanning 14 European countries, it tells the stories of individuals who, in the darkest of times, chose humanity over fear. These were often ordinary people faced with extraordinary moral choices, whose actions meant the difference between life and death.

The exhibition is free to visit at The Hive until 28 February, and I would strongly encourage residents and visitors alike to engage with it thoughtfully. By remembering stories of rescue, we honour those who survived, those who helped them, and the enduring importance of never forgetting.