Mayor of Worcester

I continue to be blown away by the support shown to all members of our community here in Worcester.

On Monday evening I had the great pleasure of visiting the Monday Night Club at Henry Sandon Hall at the Royal Porcelain Works.

The club provides a fantastic opportunity for people with learning disabilities and autism to meet their friends, dance, and enjoy each other’s company in a safe and welcoming space.

Proudly run by its members, for its members, the Monday Night Club shows how much can be achieved when people come together.

This week was “Strictly Night,” with music, glitter, and plenty of enthusiasm on the dance floor!

I was delighted to present a cheque for £733 raised by Trustee Sam Wilkes through her recent birthday fundraiser, joined by Laura Gill, the club’s inspirational founder.

It is important to remember that as Mayor I continue to play an important role in the governance of our city.

On Tuesday I had the privilege of chairing a meeting of full council in the Guildhall.

We discussed a range of important issues for the city, including transport in Worcester, the value of maintaining our allotments, and the future shape of the council as part of wider Local Government Reorganisation.

These are weighty matters that affect the lives of many residents and the character of our city.

I have always been passionate that, whatever form reorganisation eventually takes, the role of the Mayor and the majesty of the Guildhall must be preserved.

They are symbols of Worcester’s civic identity and heritage, and it is vital they continue to play a central role in our city’s story.

That history and heritage was underlined on Wednesday when I was honoured to take part in the annual Drumhead Ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester, fought on 3rd September 1651.

I paraded with Civil War re-enactors from the Guildhall to Fort Royal Hill, where the ceremony took place.

The event was a moving reminder of the battle’s place in our city’s history and the many lives lost.

A minute of silence was held and its beginning and end was marked with musket fire that echoed across the hill.

After the service, I joined the re-enactors at the excellent Cardinal’s Hat Pub, where stories of the battle were shared with real passion and knowledge.

It was an inspiring way to remember Worcester’s past and those who preserve it.

I hope that everyone is having a great summer.

This week has been a real celebration of what Worcester does best- coming together to demonstrate all the talent our city has to offer, showcasing its diversity and celebrating its sense of community.

On Saturday it was an honour to open the Worcester Festival 2025 – one of the highlights of our city’s cultural calendar.

The festival kicked off in style with the fabulous “Someone at the door” Samba band who got residents and visitors alike dancing on the high street.

For 17 days, Worcester will come alive with over 1,100 events, from open-air theatre and poetry readings to live music, art trails, children’s activities, and comedy nights.

There truly is something for everyone, with many events free to attend, ensuring the festival remains open to all.

The Worcester Festival is more than a celebration of culture – it’s a celebration of community. It supports local talent, gives a platform to artists and performers, and brings people together through creativity, laughter, and shared experiences.

My thanks go to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, and all those taking part.

Appropriately sporting a bucket hat, it was also a pleasure to open the 2025 Worcester Show at Pitchcroft – a perfect setting for a day of colour, music, and community spirit which drew lots of visitors.

This year’s theme, “I Grew Up in the 90s”, celebrated Britpop, Cool Britannia, The Spice Girls, Tamagotchis, and all that decade’s feel-good nostalgia.

With over 170 competition classes, from flowers and vegetables to cakes, crafts, and 90s-themed children’s art I was joined by the Bearded Growers in awarding much deserved trophies.

The Community Marquee, supported by Platform Housing, showcased the talent of local groups and Worcester Mela once again celebrated the rich diversity of Worcester.

BBC Hereford & Worcester hosted an exciting main stage line-up, while the BBC Upload Stage spotlighted emerging artists.

Thanks to First Bus, sustainable travel was easier than ever, with extra cycle parking and a special Beryl bike bay. A huge thanks went to our sponsors, volunteers, performers, and competitors. The Show truly captured Worcester’s creativity, talent, and togetherness.