The final major battle of the English Civil War was fought in Worcester on the 3rd of September 1651.

375 years ago, here in our city, King Charles II was trying to regain the throne after his father, Charles I, had been executed.

He had marched into England with a mainly Scottish Royalist army and was trapped in Worcester. Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian army surrounded the royalists. Thousands were killed or captured.

To commemorate this event, the Battle of Worcester Society (alongside the Sealed Knot, reenactors, commandery staff, cathedral clergymen and volunteers) held several very well attended events.

Over a few short days, I attended some fantastic history talks. I learnt how to fire a musket, how to wield a pike, and how to practise 17th-century medicine.

We also enjoyed a great meal in the Bishop’s Palace, where the dress code was Roundhead, Cavalier or black tie. Thank you to everyone who has worked all year to make the events happen.

My Inaugural Sessions was another event. I got to wear my civic dress and play bass guitar while I did so. My face still hurts from smiling.

It was so wonderful to welcome so many local musicians, people who have played in Worcester many times before and new bands.

It was especially nice to see some of my ex-students take the stage as Director’s Cut.

Thank you to the whole Guildhall team, to Bottles bar, Carl Freeman, Severn Event Services and my wonderful charity: Onside for helping us make history.

Next time for less serious dressing up: Worcester Comic Con.

Although, there were some seriously impressive outfits at the costume competition.

I had an extremely difficult time picking the winners with the other judges. Win or lose, everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time and the whole area was awash with colours, glitter, masks and wild wigs. Thanks to Zoe Crofts and the team for inviting us.

On Tuesday I was back in the robes for the first day of Worcester University graduations.

There were hundreds of students graduating in Worcester Cathedral but it never got less exciting to see each one of them receive their qualification.

Each so filled with joy and eagerness about their future. It is wonderful to think that, no matter where they go, Worcester will still be a part of their journey.

Although, I am selfish and I hope all of these brilliant minds stay right here in our wonderful city.

Thank you to the Worcester University team and the team at the Cathedral for inviting me to the event and for introducing me to the wonderful Toyah Willcox, who received her honorary doctorate. She was an incredibly kind person and an inspiring speaker.