No autographs please…!

I had the great honour of both opening and closing the 10th anniversary Realtime International Film Festival last weekend – a truly global celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community, which we were proud to welcome to Worcester for the second time.

Over three inspiring days, the festival brought together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals from across the world, showcasing Worcester as a city alive with imagination and cultural energy.

This milestone year featured 200 films from 51 countries and concluded with a glittering awards ceremony where 30 awards were presented to filmmakers and artists whose work moved, challenged, and inspired audiences.

I was even fortunate enough to make a very brief cameo appearance in one of the films – Ambient Nemesis – proving that Worcester not only hosts talent but occasionally produces it (though I promise not to start demanding my own trailer just yet!).

It was wonderful to see Worcester’s streets buzzing with visitors, conversation, and creativity, and I offer heartfelt thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, and filmmakers who made this landmark year such a success.

It was also a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2025 Our Cultural Heritage Celebration at Worcester’s historic Guildhall.

Now in its third year, this vibrant event continues to celebrate the incredible skills, talents, and contributions of the Black African and Afro-Caribbean community to our city’s cultural life.

This year’s theme, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” invited empathy, understanding, and solidarity – reminding us that by seeing the world through the eyes of others, we can better appreciate both their challenges and their achievements.

The day featured poetry, music, art, and discussion, including the presentation of the Benjamin Zephaniah Trophy, honouring the legacy of the late poet and activist.

It was a privilege to welcome two of Benjamin’s sisters to Worcester for the celebration. My thanks go to the Worcestershire Black Cultural Association for their dedication and passion in organising this powerful and uplifting event.

Finally, I was delighted to attend a Parliamentary reception at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Faulkner of Worcester, to celebrate the remarkable work of New College Worcester, which provides outstanding education and support for young people with visual impairments.

The event shone a light on the college’s transformative impact, with inspiring contributions from staff, students, and alumni – including BBC North America correspondent Gary O’Donoghue, whose story exemplifies the confidence and opportunity the college fosters.

It was also a pleasure to meet local MP Tom Collins, who joined us in recognising the college’s vital role in empowering students to achieve their full potential and continue Worcester’s proud tradition of inclusion and excellence.