Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre – community. David Edmunds who is the Festivals Director at Severn Arts and the dynamic driving force behind the festivals programme for The Arches Worcester Project
Favourite day out in the city?
My favourite day out in the city would have to include some of the varied independent businesses. There are so many great places to eat and drink. You could start with breakfast at Waylands Yard, lunch at Be the Change, don’t skip an afternoon pick me up with a coffee at Method and if you are staying in the city in the evening drinks at Tonic.
Best thing about working in Worcester?
The best thing about working in Worcester is the civic pride. People are keen for things to happen, which is great when you are bringing a new cultural festivals programme to a city. The partners and organisations we are working with show such strong support for what we are doing as well.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement would have to be Light Night in January 2020 and the way the people of the city embraced it. It really set the tone for the festivals programme. We had a bit of a break from our normal programming over the pandemic but we are very much looking forward to bringing our events back into the city centre.
Favourite city landmark?
I can’t really highlight just one city landmark that is my favourite. I’m a big fan of the architecture of Worcester in general. There are just so many different canvases to play with and on. I remember being at the top of Crowngate car park and looking at the 360 panoramic view of the city. From there you can see the river, The Hive, older parts of city and the Cathedral.
What do you do to relax within the city?
My favourite way to relax is running and Worcester has some great running routes: along the river, around Pitchcroft out towards Diglis and more.
What is Worcester’s best kept secret?
Worcester’s best kept secret has to be the unusual hidden spaces you find in the city. We have happened upon some really distinctive unique surprising spaces, from alleyways and courtyards through to the vaults under Asda carpark and the crypt under the cathedral.
What’s the best part of your role?
The best part of my role is definitely bringing amazing world-class creativity from around the world to our audiences in Worcester and being able to provide opportunities for new graduates to receive their first commissions alongside this. There is a new cultural landscape being built for the city alongside the development of The Arches and its an exciting time to be part of that right now.
A recommendation now the City is reopening?
I think there is an exciting summer ahead, Worcester’s Big Parade is happening, and of course our own summer plans. I’m looking forward to bringing that colour back to the city.