MAYOR’S WEEK: 27 JULY – 2 AUGUST 2025

MAYOR’S WEEK: 27 JULY – 2 AUGUST 2025

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The Mayor and Mayoress and other dignitaries standing on the steps of an elaborate building with pillars supporting a decorated ceilingAs 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.

MAYOR’S WEEK 20 – 26 JULY 2025

MAYOR’S WEEK 20 – 26 JULY 2025

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WE ARE lucky in Worcester to have a really rich selection of theatres and venues which offer a wide range of different entertainment.

This summer, Worcester’s cultural life is bursting with energy, talent, and variety – and I’ve had the absolute pleasure as Mayor to experience some of the very best it has to offer.

Last weekend, I visited the incredibly talented cast of WODYS (Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society Youth Section) during rehearsals for their upcoming production of Footloose.

Watching their performance of numbers like Let’s Hear It For The Boy and Can You Find It In Your Heart was a real treat – it is a slick, high-energy show, and the cast are giving it everything.

Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Matt Lamb and Mayoress, Cllr Zoe Cookson, with the cast of WODYS (Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society Youth Section)
Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Matt Lamb and Mayoress, Cllr Zoe Cookson, with the cast of WODYS (Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society Youth Section)

Afterwards, they took to Crowngate for a surprise flash mob, stopping Saturday shoppers in their tracks and giving the city centre a burst of joy.

The show runs at the Swan Theatre from Tuesday July 29 to Monday August 3, with a matinee on the final day.

Tickets are selling fast and available at worcestertheatres.co.uk/swan-theatre or by calling 01905 611427. It promises to be a fantastic night out and a wonderful display of young local talent.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Swan Theatre and I attended a performance which celebrated its wonderful legacy.

For six decades, it has stood at the heart of Worcester’s cultural scene, providing a space for storytelling, creativity, and community connection.

Long may that continue. I was also lucky enough to attend an open-air production of Sense and Sensibility at the Commandery.

It was a glorious summer evening, and the period costumes and witty dialogue were perfectly matched by the historic surroundings. There is something truly special about live theatre under the open sky.

Finally, I had the honour of attending a stunning concert at Huntingdon Hall featuring the internationally renowned Polish Violin Duo, Marta Gidaszewska and Robert Łaguniak, accompanied by pianist Artur Haftman.

It was a beautiful evening of music that also celebrated the long-standing friendship between Worcester and Poland.

From youth theatre to classical music, from outdoor drama to historic milestones, Worcester is alive with culture this summer.

These events don’t just entertain – they connect us, inspire us, and make our city a more vibrant place to live. I hope to see you at one soon.

MAYOR’S WEEK 13 – 19 JULY

MAYOR’S WEEK 13 – 19 JULY

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THIS week has been one of great contrasts as the Mayor of Worcester.

I have attended events remembering episodes of great sorrow and tragedy but also attended celebrations of joy and community.

I was honoured to speak at this year’s Srebrenica Memorial Day at the Guildhall. We came together to remember the 8,372 Bosnian Muslim men and boys murdered in July 1995 simply because of who they were.

The genocide in Srebrenica was the darkest chapter of the Bosnian War – a tragedy rooted in hatred, division, and silence.

This year’s theme, “Remember Yesterday, Act Today”, reminds us that remembrance must be active. We must challenge prejudice, educate future generations, and build a city where nobody is dehumanised or left behind.

Worcester is proud of its diversity — let’s protect it with courage and compassion. Never again must truly mean never again.

It was a real joy to open Worcester Carnival 2025 and see our city come alive with colour, music, and community spirit on a beautiful sunny day on Pitchcroft and throughout the city.

This year’s theme, “Myths and Legends,” celebrated the stories that shape Worcester’s identity – from ancient folklore to our rich cultural heritage.

The carnival parade was the highlight of the day – a vibrant, joyful procession of floats, dancers, musicians, and community groups filling the streets with energy, creativity, and pride.

A special congratulations to our Carnival King, Luke Robinson, and Carnival Queen, Beth Smith – two inspiring young people who truly represent the heart of our community through their volunteering and dedication. Worcester Carnival shows what we can achieve when we come together – proud, united, and full of joy.

I was also privileged to visit ASPIE, a remarkable support group for adults with Asperger’s and autism based at Vesta Tilley House in Worcester.

Founded in 2011 by Sarah Micklewright, ASPIE offers a safe, welcoming space where members can connect, rebuild confidence, and feel truly accepted.Three people stood in a line. Councillor Dr Matt Lamb stood in the middle wearing his Mayoral chain

From art therapy and drama to quizzes, workshops, and even their own football team – the ASPIE Avengers – there is something for everyone, with no pressure to take part.

It was inspiring to meet such a warm, inclusive community and see the positive impact this group has across the West Midlands. Worcester should be proud to have such a unique and compassionate organisation in our city.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 6 – 12 JULY

MAYOR’S WEEK: 6 – 12 JULY

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I HAVE always found history fascinating.

As George Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Therefore, I was delighted to open the first Worcester Stuart History Festival at the Old Palace—an exciting addition to our city’s cultural life.

The Stuart age was one of revolution, civil war, and profound political change. Worcester stood at its heart, from the first skirmish of the Civil War in 1642 to the decisive Battle of Worcester in 1651.

These events shaped modern Britain and still echo in our politics today. Thanks to the Battle of Worcester Society and The Script Haven, this festival brought that history to life over two days through a series of expert talks including ‘Worcestershire during the Commonwealth’, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the life of James 1st who created the role of Mayor of Worcester!

I also reflected on the sacrifice of the past and the service in the present of our armed forces when I visited Crich in Derbyshire with the Mayoress, Councillor Dr Zoe Cookson.

We attended the annual Crich Pilgrimage to honour those who served in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and its successors.

Held at the Crich Memorial Tower, the event brings together veterans, families, and civic leaders in remembrance.

Worcester shares a proud bond with the Worcestershire Regiment, now part of the Mercian Regiment. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of our city—an emotional reminder of local sacrifice. Thank you to the organisers for preserving this important tradition and our shared military heritage.

As my mayoral theme is “learning,” reflecting my 28 years in education and my belief that learning is lifelong, I was honoured to join celebrations marking 40 years of Worcester University of the Third Age (U3A) at the Guildhall.

The U3A focusses on older members of our community and embodies that ideal: curiosity, connection, and personal growth well beyond school age. My late father, Tony Lamb, was a proud member—he loved the discussion, geology, and history groups. In an age of loneliness, U3A shows how community and learning can enrich lives. Congratulations on 40 fantastic years—Worcester is stronger, wiser, and more connected thanks to you.