Maneki Ramen Launches Crowdfunder to Bring Award-Winning Japanese Cuisine to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter
Maneki Ramen, the beloved Japanese and ramen restaurant from the acclaimed team behind Burger Shop and The Bookshop Hereford, is on the verge of an exciting new chapter. They’ve launched a Crowdfunder campaign to open their second site in Birmingham’s iconic Jewellery Quarter, bringing their award-winning dishes to a larger audience and creating a new neighbourhood hotspot for Japanese cuisine lovers.
The campaign, which launched last week, has already made waves, raising an impressive 30% of its target. Even legendary food critic Jay Rayner highlighted it in his column in The Guardian, boosting its momentum. The Crowdfunder is packed with enticing rewards, including exclusive experiences with world-renowned chefs and 150%-value gift cards that make for perfect Christmas presents for Maneki Ramen fans.
A Community-Centered Approach
Maneki Ramen’s co-owner Pete Dovaston shared his excitement about expanding to Birmingham:
“We’re thrilled to create a neighbourhood restaurant in the Jewellery Quarter. It’s a chance to bring our award-winning dishes to a bigger audience and immerse ourselves in Birmingham’s vibrant food scene. This new space will be a reflection of our passion for crafting incredible ramen and Japanese-inspired dishes while connecting with the local community.”
The team chose Crowdfunder as the platform to bring their vision to life, inspired by the success of their community-focused approach in Worcester. Co-owner Dorian Kirk explained:
“Crowdfunder felt like the perfect fit. We’ve embedded ourselves into the Worcester community and knew it was essential to replicate that connection in Birmingham. This platform allows us to engage with our customers directly, giving them a stake in building something truly special.”
A Taste of What’s to Come
Fans eager to get a preview of Maneki Ramen’s award-winning menu can head to Birmingham’s famous Digbeth Dining Club at Herbert’s Yard on Thursday, 5th December. In an innovative twist, visitors can pay for their food with a pledge to the Crowdfunder, offering a chance to enjoy Maneki Ramen’s signature flavours while supporting their new venture.
With some rewards already selling out, now is the time to visit the Crowdfunder page, snap up a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and help make this exciting new space a reality. Maneki Ramen is poised to bring something truly unique to Birmingham, and the community’s support will play a vital role in shaping its future.
Get involved and pledge your support today—together, we can make this new neighbourhood Japanese restaurant a staple in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
CHECK OUT THE CAMPAIGN HERE!
The Victorian Christmas Fayre comes to Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum
Christmas Craft Fair 29 November – 1 December
Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum is joining in with Worcester’s popular Victorian Fayre by hosting a Christmas Craft Fair at the Foregate Street gallery, showcasing a wide variety of crafts to purchase from some of the best craft makers in the region.
A sumptuous and colourful range of jewellery, ceramics, glassware, textiles and artisan foods will be on sale, with different makers exhibiting across the three days.
Art Gallery & Museum Events Officer Tracey Ayre says: "We are delighted to be joining in with the Victorian Christmas Fayre by hosting a celebration of craft with many different makers on show all so talented and producing beautiful wares. It is ideal if you are looking for unique Christmas gifts, and being situated just five minutes’ walk from the High Street we hope visitors to the Victorian Fayre will come and visit us and shop for that special something."
Visitors to the Craft Fair can also enjoy traditional festive music from choirs including local favourites GRVIII Men In Harmony, and Got 2 Sing. They can browse the fabulous Museum Shop which has an excellent range of Christmas cards and gifts to suit all pockets and enjoy seasonal treats in Little Al’s Kitchen at the Balcony Cafe. The annual colourful exhibition by Worcester Society of Artists is also open.
The Christmas Craft Fair is on at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November 10am – 4pm, and Sunday 1 December 10am – 3pm. Entry is free.
For more information including Christmas opening times please see www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk or call 01905 25371.
Worcester Christmas Window Art Is Back for 2024! #takethetrail
✨It’s time to get festive and take our free Window Trail! Download the map and follow the trail to discover magical art across the city ✨
WANT TO GO DIGITAL? PRESS HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WINDOW TRAIL MAP.
OR, PICK UP A MAP AT THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE (LOCATED AT THE GUILDHALL) FROM 29/11/24!
Please note: Location 26 will have completed artwork shortly. This location is currently undergoing work.
Be a Holiday Hero: Help Spread Joy Locally with the 'Under the Tree' Gift Drive
This Christmas, Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) and gift drive partner, Worcester Cathedral, invite businesses and residents to join the ‘Under the Tree’ Gift Drive—a heartwarming initiative designed to bring joy to local children and much-needed items to rough sleepers, collecting between the 23rd of November and 16th of December. With the support of Worcester’s vibrant business community and local charities ready to distribute donations, this campaign aims to spread smiles and share kindness throughout the festive season.
The ‘Under the Tree’ Gift Drive is a collaborative effort in partnership with Kinship and Maggs Day Centre, two remarkable, local charities dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and adults in Worcester. Every donation helps ensure that no one feels left out during the holiday season.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, emphasised that the goal of this campaign is to bring smiles and essential items to people in our local area who are in need this December. “Every year thousands come to view the sparkling trees within the Cathedral cloisters bringing delight to visitors, however for many Christmas isn’t full of joy with eyes lighting up on Christmas morning. This year think about how we as a community can change what’s under the tree for many this year. Instead of Secret Santa with your colleagues, why not be a Secret Santa for a child in need who would be over the moon to receive a gift this Christmas or to support someone who has found themselves in a troubled position of rough sleeping, bring them warmth and essentials to help their day to day lives.”
Support Children in Need Through Kinship:
Donations for children will be distributed to kids facing challenging circumstances, such as those in care or emergency housing. These gifts can bring a sense of normality and joy to children experiencing a difficult time, creating a special day no matter where.
Provide Essential Items to Rough Sleepers Through Maggs:
Rough sleepers often face harsh conditions during the winter. Maggs Day Centre will distribute donated items to help provide warmth, comfort, and dignity to those without a home this Christmas.
How Can Your Business Can Help?
Instead of traditional gift exchanges or office Secret Santa activities, businesses are encouraged to organise a donation drive. By reimagining workplace festive gifting traditions, you can make a meaningful local impact and show support for the Worcester community.
Convenient Donation Points Across Worcester:
Drop off your contributions at one of the designated locations, making it easy for businesses, employees, and residents to participate.
To Donate a children’s gift (Children’s Gifts will be distributed to Kinship):
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- Worcester Cathedral (8 College Yard: (Monday-Friday 10am-4pm at the welcome desk))
- Barclays Bank (54 High Street)
- The Studio (9 Trinity Street)
- Howden Insurance (gifts donated here will go to Cash for Kids)
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To give a gift to rough sleepers (Gifts are distributed to Maggs):
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- The Cardinal’s Hat (31 Friar Street)
- Maggs (59-60 The Tything)
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What to Donate:
- For children, consider toys, books, and games that can bring cheer.
- For rough sleepers, practical items like warm clothing, blankets, toiletries, and non-perishable food are ideal. Find a helpful list of Maggs much-needed items at https://bit.ly/MaggsGifting.
Learn More About the Charities:
Visit the links below to discover more about how Kinship and Maggs are making a difference in our community:
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- Learn More About Kinship at www.kinshipcarersuk.com.
- Learn More About Maggs at www.maggsdaycentre.co.uk.
With the combined efforts of Worcester’s businesses, charities, and residents, the ‘Under the Tree’ Gift Drive is set to make this Christmas unforgettable for many. Together, we can turn small gestures into big smiles and ensure that everyone feels the warmth of the festive season.
So, join us in spreading joy locally this Christmas and become a holiday hero by donating to one of the local drop-off points between the 23rd of November and the 16th of December.
Download the brand pack here to get started on social media and spread the word about your involvement with the gift drive!
Christmas is coming to Worcester early!
As the Christmas season approaches, it’s hard to believe that it is already November! Here is what you can look forward to in Worcester leading up to Christmas 2024, so you don’t miss out on any festive fun. Check out our handy Event Guide!
5 FREE Upcoming Festive Events:
1. Christmas Light Switch-On
Join us for the Christmas Light Switch-On in Cathedral Square on Saturday, 23rd November, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester, this event will feature a special visit from Santa Claus, who will help illuminate Worcester for the festive season!
2. The Hive Christmas Fayre
Discover unique gifts at The Hive Christmas Fayre on Saturday, 7th December, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Support local artisans and find the perfect holiday presents in Worcester's beautiful golden library.
3. Visits from Father Christmas
Look out for Father Christmas making appearances around Worcester as we count down to the big day! Don't miss the chance to meet Santa in Toytown at Crowngate Shopping Centre for fun selfies with your little ones. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/crowngateshopping.
4. Victorian Christmas Fayre
Experience Worcester’s annual Victorian Christmas Fayre, which runs from 28th November to 1st December. This cherished tradition features nearly 200 stallholders dressed in authentic Victorian attire. Browse a variety of handcrafted goods, local treats, and unique gifts while enjoying street performers, stilt walkers, and the charm of a traditional funfair. More details can be found at worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
5. Worcester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival
Visit the Christmas Tree Festival at Worcester Cathedral from 5th December to 6th January. Enjoy a stunning display of trees decorated by local charities, businesses, and organisations—a truly heartwarming sight. For opening hours, please check worcestercathedral.org.uk.
For full information on any of the events, please visit each venue's website to ensure you have the most up-to-date details before attending.
Make Worcester Your 2024 Christmas Destination!
For more festive inspiration, follow us at @worcesterbid.
The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre is back for 2024!
Worcester's annual Victorian Fayre is back for 2024
To learn more about trading during the Fayer, please read the October Business letter for Victorian Fayre from Worcester City Council by pressing the underlined text.
Independent surveys have shown that the Fayre benefits the whole county of Worcestershire in a variety of ways and contributes an additional boost to the economy of more than £7.3 million a year through additional visitors, overnight stays, and spend in local businesses.
We recognise that the Fayre is an important event to many people, and a key tradition in Worcester’s Christmas calendar, attracting over 125,000 visitors to the city over the four days.
Cotswold Markets Ltd will once again be managing the market, which will include festive wooden chalets, and have promised Victorian dress, local producers and Fayre favourites alongside new traders.
The Victorian Fayre is taking place this festive season between the 28th of November and 1st of December
Who's excited?!
Discover more at https://www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk/
BID and Lightbox Partner to Launch "The Base"
This summer, the Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) has teamed up with Lightbox to introduce an exciting new initiative called “The Base.” This program is designed to provide a dedicated space for local teenagers aged 11-17, managed by local volunteers.
Starting Thursday, July 25th, The Base will be open weekly, every Thursday, during the summer holidays from 1 pm to 5 pm at The Granary, Worcester. The initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment where young people can relax, have fun, and connect with their peers.
The Base will feature a variety of activities to keep attendees entertained. Each week The Base will offer different activities, such as cage football, Xbox Series S gaming tournaments, nail art sessions, and graffiti workshops, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Additionally, table tennis, a pool table, a chill-out zone, and free Wi-Fi will be available each week.
Stephanie Boyd, a volunteer at Lightbox, emphasised the initiative’s goal: “As churches across Worcester, we want to create space and opportunity for young people to connect and know there is a place for them and people here for them. We do this through LIGHTBOX pop-ups in schools, colleges, after-school drop-ins, and collaborative youth events.”
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, shared her enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to partner with Lightbox to create a hub for young people at the heart of our city over the summer. This initiative will provide great opportunities for positive youth engagement and give teens a dedicated, free space during peak footfall times.”
In addition to The Base, BID is also providing activities for younger children at Crowngate Pod, offering arts and crafts sessions from Monday through Wednesday.
If The Base proves successful, the partnership aims to offer more holiday events like this in the future.
No booking is required to attend any sessions at The Base—just pop in with a friend or come and make new ones!
For more information about The Base and other activities, please visit Worcester BID’s social media channels, @worcesterbid, or follow The Base on TikTok @TheBaseWorcs.
The Commandery, Worcester welcomes new café operator
The Commandery is very pleased to announce a new operator for its café. Alex Daw, of Little Al’s Kitchen, is set to open a brand-new café on site on Tuesday 2 July.
Alex is very used to opening cafés in historic buildings as he already operates the successful Balcony Café at Worcester’s Art Gallery & Museum. The café will be known as Little Al’s Kitchen at The Commandery.
Set in the heart of historic Worcester, The Commandery is one of the city’s key visitor attractions. Most famous for being the Royalist Headquarters during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 it has also been a monastic hospital, family home, a college for the blind, and housed the Littlebury Printworks before becoming today’s museum revealing significant stories of Worcester’s history. The café occupies an idyllic and peaceful setting in its own gardens, overlooking the canal and just a short walk from the city’s bustling High Street.
Museums Worcestershire’s Audiences Manager, Helen Large says: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Little Al’s Kitchen to The Commandery. The café is a key part of the visitor experience and Alex understands what makes a successful café both for visitors to the museum and for his regular customers. Everyone wants excellent customer service with a good cup of coffee, home-made cake or lunch in a beautiful setting!”
Alex’s commitment to operating in an environmentally friendly way has already seen his business win the Visit Worcestershire Sustainable Tourism award.
Alex Daw of Little Al’s Kitchen says: “We are so excited to be building on our current partnership with Museums Worcestershire by taking on the café at The Commandery. We’ll be serving homemade cakes and treats and our fantastic locally roasted own-blend coffee, and we’ll also be developing a whole new menu based around local suppliers to bring the best of Worcestershire to the heart of the city. We can’t wait to welcome familiar faces and new customers.”
For opening times and further information, please visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk.
Worcester Unveils Largest City Installation with Vibrant Displays
Worcester BID is thrilled to announce the completion of their largest city installation to date!
Worcester is now ablaze with colour as the summer aerial displays have been installed throughout the city. The vibrant bunting, featuring the distinctive Worcester Colour Palette by Stacey Barnfield, celebrates the city’s rich heritage and has been prominently displayed across various locations.
The displays include giant palette board decorations, classic summer bunting, and giant mesh spheres suspended overhead. This exciting initiative by Worcester BID aims to create livelier and more engaging city streets, already enticing many to book long weekends in the city to enjoy the displays.
This year, Worcester BID has installed displays on 8 city centre streets, including The Shambles, The Hopmarket, Reindeer Court, Broad Street, New Street, Friar Street, Mealcheapen Street, and St. Swithin’s. The Worcester Colour Palette, inspired by Worcester’s landmarks and history, features colours such as Elgar Bronze, Saucy Orange, Hive Gold, Cathedral Stone, Diglis Deep Blue, and Pear Black, reflecting the city’s vibrancy and diversity.
Stacey Barnfield, designer of the Worcester Colour Palette, said: “It’s so wonderful to see how Worcester BID has creatively adopted the Colour Palette concept with the new displays and bunting. The colour palette is all about celebrating the local history, people and places that make our areas so special to us, and this latest installation by Worcester BID does it so well.”
The Colour Palette was first used by The Arts Society Worcester in collaboration with WCRP, Worcester BID, and local partners through a project aiming to enhance Worcester’s first impression for visitors arriving by train at Foregate Street Station and additionally promoting local artistic talent. This project also supports wayfinding with maps positioned by stairwells, guiding visitors to explore the vibrant city.
Local businesses have enthusiastically supported the initiative, with Justin, Owner of Ware, commenting, “The installation of aerial displays in Reindeer Court is wonderful, tying the Court in with the city colour palette. Small businesses benefit enormously from increased footfall brought about by Worcester BID initiatives such as this—giving another reason to visit Reindeer Court!”
Other businesses, like Bottles Wine Bar and Merchants, have praised the displays on New Street and Friar Street, saying, “The displays have brought a new lease of life to New Street and Friar Street, a lovely representation of the community and creativity that Worcester shines with! Summer has arrived!”
Jennifer from ArrangeMYescape added, “What a fantastic and different way for our city to really stand out! It’s not only colourful but educational. A real celebration of what Worcestershire is all about.”
Bill Simpson, Trustee at The Hopmarket Charity said: “We are delighted to be part of Worcester BID’s initiative to bring colour and vibrancy into The Hopmarket; not only does it look fabulous it also brings the city’s history and heritage to life. We hope it encourages more visitors to our courtyard space over the summer months.”
Looking ahead, Worcester BID will continue to enhance the cityscape with more projects, including revitalising areas like a patch of land on the junction between Lower Broad Street and Deansway, turning it into a haven for bugs and fauna, and further art enhancements to improve tagged areas of the city.
If you are a landlord or own an area in the city that needs some TLC, please contact us at info@worcesterbid.com.
The Euros are HERE! & Operation Hubble Downloads
The Euros start tonight!
It’s Coming to Worcester
With the excitement building for UEFA Euro 2024, Worcester’s city centre offers some great spots where fans can watch the matches and soak in the atmosphere with some great food and drink.
Venues to Watch Euro 2024 in Worcester
- Mode Sports Bar and Grill: Featuring LOTS of big screens and a spacious outdoor garden.
- O’Neill’s: Known for its lively atmosphere and HD screens, perfect for enjoying the Euros with food and drinks.
- Craft Inn: Offering a vast selection of craft beer, with online reservations providing drinks credit and free half-time food.
- The Horn and Trumpet: A traditional pub with live game screenings and food and drink specials.
- The Kings Head: Located on Sidbury, this venue offers courtyard screenings and a great pint of Guinness.
To ensure you don’t miss any of the action, check out our local pub guide tips below…
- Arrive Early: Popular big-screen venues can fill up quickly, especially for England games. Booking where possible and arriving early ensures you get a good seat. Maybe go for food first!
- Check Reservations: Most venues showing the games in the city accept table bookings, so it’s worth checking in advance to secure your spot!
- Special Promotions: Support your local venues and look out for special promotions on food and drinks during match days.
We hope you enjoy the Euros in Worcester’s City Centre pubs! But to keep you safe whilst you do so, West Mercia Police has launched “Operation Hubble,” a proactive initiative designed to ensure public safety and manage crowds during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. As football fever grips the nation, Operation Hubble is working to ensure that everyone can enjoy the matches in a safe environment. You will see increased patrols in busy areas, collaboration with local venues hosting match viewings, and a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol-related incidents.
Businesses interested in showcasing Operation Hubble on their social media or premises can access a variety of downloadable resources from West Mercia Police below.
Press the image to open up a downloadable copy.
The latest news: Exciting Summer Events Coming to Worcester!
Worcester is set for a vibrant and exciting summer with a multitude of fantastic events!
Worcester BID is thrilled to partner with the Waddle of Worcester as the Community and Education Partner. This unique event will bring creatively designed penguin sculptures to the city and aims to foster local pride and community engagement, enhancing the vibrancy of Worcester while boosting footfall, dwell time, and spending in the city. As part of the initiative, Worcester BID will place baby penguin sculptures in business windows, integrating the trail with the business community and highlighting its commitment to educational and cultural initiatives. This effort will also support vital fundraising for St. Richard’s Hospice.
Additionally, Worcester BID is organising a summer window art trail across 50 city centre business windows, themed on the penguin trail. This will bring extra vibrancy to the city, support local businesses, and paint the town penguin!
Another highlight of the summer is the return of the historic Three Choirs Festival from July 27 to August 3. Known as one of the world’s oldest classical choral music festivals, this year’s event will explore the theme of the natural world, celebrating compositions inspired by Earth’s landscapes and seascapes. With performances from renowned musicians and choirs, as well as premieres of contemporary works, the festival is a cultural gem for Worcester, enriching the city’s artistic scene and boosting local tourism.
In an exciting collaboration, Worcester BID and the Three Choirs Festival will be introducing a music trail this summer. This interactive experience allows participants to explore the works of historic and contemporary composers featured at the festival by scanning QR codes on shields displayed in business windows. Participants can listen to music instantly or access detailed information about the artists and the full trail through a comprehensive Linktree. With 15 boards to discover, including three special gold ones, this trail brings the festival further into the city, promoting footfall and adding a unique dimension to Worcester’s cultural festivities.
This summer, Worcester promises a season filled with creativity! Stay tuned for more details in this special edition of Worcester Sounds.
The latest news: Safe Space Action Week A Success
This week Worcester BID took to Broad Street daily from 10 am to 4 pm, offering insights into Safe Space from the Worcester BID and Safe Space medic team. Residents and visitors were encouraged to drop by and engage.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID, said “We were delighted to witness the community actively engaging, asking questions about our services, and leaving more informed during the action week. We trust they’ll spread the word that Safe Space is free and available to all, especially to friends and family visiting Worcester at night.”
Safe Space is a vehicle that typically operates in the nighttime economy on a Friday and Saturday night between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am. The dedicated team provide free, no judgment, medical and welfare support to all. Safe Space has now assisted with 451 cases, ranging from medical traumas to getting someone home safely and has received great feedback from those who have used it and their families.
On Monday Safe Space showcased alongside Neighbourhood Matters, a West Mercia Police initiative and knife collection points manned by West Mercia SNTs as part of the national police force programme, Operation Sceptre. Last year Operation Sceptre year removed 9,737 knives from our streets across England and Wales – something partners are hoping to emulate this year with intensified action and coordinated education on knife crime across forces.
This week of outreach aligned with national action weeks, Dementia Action Week & Mental Health Awareness Week. The presence of Safe Space in the daytime trade aimed to support the city’s day traders and visitors with any medical or welfare needs, but also to shine a light on work surrounding the city’s efforts in becoming more accessible to those with disabilities such as dementia.
A variety of events and activities were also hosted at The Hive this week to raise awareness and decrease the stigma around dementia.
More information regarding accessibility in the city can be found via Accessible (https://www.accessable.co.uk/worcester-city-council), a free online platform that details accessibility guides and venues in the area.
Take the Worcester Sounds x Three Choirs Festival Trail
This Worcester Sounds Trail is developed in partnership between Worcester BID and Three Choirs Festival.
The Three Choirs Festival is a week-long programme of world-class music-making, featuring choral and orchestral concerts, solo and chamber music recitals, talks, cathedral services, theatre, exhibitions, and walks, rotating each summer between the beautiful English cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford, and Worcester. This year we are lucky to have the festival in Worcester.
To celebrate we are hosting a musical trail with musical highlights that you can hear at the Festival which will take place in the city between July 27 and August 3.
When you find a board, scan the code to listen to some great music that will transport you straight to the festival. You can find some interesting extra information by each trail shield, or catch up below.
1️⃣Gustav Holst / The Cloud Messenger
🎵You are now listening to Gustav Holst, The Cloud Messenger
Gustav Holst was born in Cheltenham in 1874. He enjoyed writing music from a young age and his first big success as a composer came when he was just 18 years old. Nowadays he is best known for his musical work, The Planets, inspired by his love of astrology and horoscopes.
Composer Gustav Holst was fascinated by Indian culture, stories and language, and his piece The Cloud Messenger tells the story of a nature spirit who asks a cloud to take a message to his wife in the Himalayan Mountains. It is full of rich, colourful music – does it make you imagine being in a different country?
2️⃣Charles Villiers Stanford / The Blue Bird
🎵You are now listening to Charles Villiers Stanford, The Blue Bird
Charles Villiers Stanford was born in Ireland in 1852. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but Stanford’s love of music made him determined to succeed as a musician and he became one of the most popular composers of his time. He made a lasting impact on British music by teaching and helping many young people who would become future great composers themselves.
The Blue Bird by Irish composer Charles Stanford is a beautiful song which sets the words of a poem by Mary Coleridge to music. It is written to be sung by a small group of singers using different voice parts. Listen out for the top voice part – the soprano – singing the word ‘blue’ over the top of the rest of the choir.
3️⃣Edward Elgar / Serenade for Strings
🎵You are now listening to Edward Elgar, Serenade for Strings
Edward Elgar was born in Lower Broadheath in 1857. He came from an ordinary family without much money, but by the end of his life he had been knighted, appointed Master of the King’s Musick, and is now thought of as one of the greatest ever English composers. His music is much loved and is often played at important events and featured in films.
Edward Elgar’s Serenade for Strings was written before he was famous, but it is often performed at concerts and is very popular. It was Elgar’s favourite piece from everything that he wrote. Listen out for the romantic violin tune singing out over the top of the gentle music from the other string instruments.
4️⃣Judith Weir / The Song Sung True
🎵You are now listening to Judith Weir, The Song Sung True
Judith Weir was born in Cambridge in 1954. She studied music and then went on to teach at several different universities, as well as writing music for many famous choirs and orchestras. She is Master of the King’s Music and wrote pieces for King Charles’ coronation in 2023, as well as for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
O Sweet Spontaneous Earth by Judith Weir sets the words of three poems to music, describing what it feels like to live on our planet, like the Earth bringing forth new life every spring and the stars shining in the sky above us while we sleep. There isn’t a recording, so here is one of Judith’s other pieces to give you an idea of what her music sounds like.
5️⃣Sarah Nicolls / Skim II
🎵 You are now listening to Sarah Nicolls, Skim II
Sarah Nicolls plays the piano and writes her own music. She invented her piano herself and it is very different to a normal piano. It is 2.5m tall and inside out! This means that Sarah can use the strings and the inside of the piano to make music, as well as pressing the keys.
This piece by Sarah Nicolls, Skim II, is played on Sarah’s inside-out piano! Listen out for what sounds different to a normal piano in her calming, peaceful music.
6️⃣Bob Chilcott / The Angry Planet
🎵You are now listening to Bob Chilcott, The Angry Planet
Bob Chilcott was born in Plymouth in 1955 and has loved music since he was a little boy when he sang in the famous choir of King’s College, Cambridge. He works as a full-time composer and conductor, writing music that has been performed worldwide. He is particularly good at writing great music for children to sing.
Bob Chilcott’s piece, The Angry Planet, uses animals’ voices to tell us how humans hurt our world and how we need to love and care for our environment. In this part of the piece, an otter sings about swimming in a river, rolling and rippling through the water. Listen to the joy and flashes of light shown in the music.
7️⃣Cameron Biles-Liddell / Yr Afon Yn Awyr
🎵You are now listening to Cameron Biles-Liddell, Yr Afon Yn Awyr
Cameron Biles-Liddell plays the piano and writes his own music. He was inspired to become a musician by his Grandad who used to be an opera singer in London. Cameron loves Wales, the place where he lives, and tries to paint pictures of nature and the Welsh countryside in much of the music that he writes.
Cameron Biles-Liddell’s piece Yr Afon Yn Awyr – The River in the Sky – is a musical picture of the water in the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales, where the canal flows over the top of the River Dee. Listen out for the splashing of the water as it flows over the aqueduct and on through Wales and beyond.
8️⃣Hans Zimmer / Interstellar
🎵You are now listening to Hans Zimmer, Interstellar
Hans Zimmer was born in Germany in 1957. He writes music for films and is one of Hollywood’s most successful composers, winning an Oscar for the music he wrote for Disney’s film, The Lion King. Hans never enjoyed music lessons when he was growing up so taught himself how to play, but says that he could always hear music in his head.
The incredible music for the hit film Interstellar was written by Hans Zimmer, who thinks of it as one of the best pieces he has ever written. In this thrilling clip, you can hear the organ playing. The intense, epic music builds suspense and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you listen.
9️⃣Paul Mealor / Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal
🎵You are now listening to Paul Mealor, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal
Paul Mealor was born in 1975 in Wales and now teaches young people at University how to write music. His music first became famous when he wrote a piece performed at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, and he has since written pieces performed at King Charles’ Coronation in 2023.
Ringed with the Azure World (Four Madrigals on Birds) is a piece which composer Paul Mealor has written for this year’s Three Choirs Festival and will be performed for the first time in Worcester Cathedral this summer. It sets the words of four poems describing an eagle, a swan, a nightingale and a bluebird. There isn’t a recording of this piece yet as it is brand new, but here is one of Paul’s other pieces to give you an idea of what his music sounds like, Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal.
🔟Nathan James Dearden / Moral and Interludes
🎵You are now listening to Nathan James Dearden, Moral and Interludes
Nathan James Dearden was born in 1992 in Wales, he composes his own music, as well as conducting choirs like the National Youth Choir of Wales. His music has been performed by many famous choirs and orchestras in this country and all over the world, in concerts and on the radio.
Messages is a piece which composer Nathan James Dearden has written for this year’s Three Choirs Festival. It sets the words of a series of messages from throughout history. There isn’t a recording of this piece yet as it is brand new, but here is one of Nathan’s other pieces to give you an idea of what his music sounds like.
1️⃣1️⃣Francesco Scarlatti / Kyrie
🎵You are now listening to Francesco Scarlatti, Kyrie
Composer Francesco Scarlatti was born in Sicily in 1666. Both his younger brother and his nephew also wrote music. He played the violin in the royal court in Naples and later travelled around Europe, living in both London and Dublin, where he probably worked in orchestras playing music in theatres.
Composer Francesco Scarlatti’s beautiful composition, Kyrie, is very unusual as it was written for 16 different voice parts to sing all at once, which is a lot more voices than most pieces are written for! How many of the different voice parts can you count as you listen?
1️⃣2️⃣Sarah Kirkland Snider / Mass For The Endangered
🎵You are now listening to Sarah Kirkland Snider, Mass for the Endangered
Sarah Kirkland Snider was born in America in 1973. Her family weren’t musical, and when she was little she used to knock on the doors of her neighbours’ houses and ask to play their pianos as she didn’t have one. She worked as a lawyer before deciding to write music full-time instead.
Sarah Kirkland Snider’s Mass for the Endangered is written as a prayer for endangered animals and their under-threat habitats. The beautiful music asks us to take care of the world we share with so many other animals. Listen out for the rippling sound of the harp underneath the voices singing.
1️⃣3️⃣Cecilia McDowall / Shipping Forecast
🎵You are now listening to Cecilia McDowall, Shipping Forecast
Cecilia McDowall was born in London in 1951. She writes her own music, performed by many famous choirs and orchestras in this country and all over the world in both concerts and on the radio. She has been asked to write special pieces of music by many different people and organisations, including the Scott Polar Research Institute.
Shipping Forecast by composer Cecilia McDowall is a piece of music all about the sea, setting the words of poems and also snippets from the shipping forecast itself. This clip from the piece is very energetic and lively – you can hear how the music is always moving on, constantly in motion like the sea.
1️⃣4️⃣Michael Tippett / String Quartet No 2
🎵You are now listening to Michael Tippett, String Quartet No 2
Michael Tippett was born in 1905 and his music became well-known after the Second World War – he was a pacifist and was imprisoned for two months because he wouldn’t fight. His music became popular both in this country and in America, and he was influenced by jazz and blues as well as other classical music.
This string quartet by composer Michael Tippett is known for its lively, dancing rhythms, as well as its spiky tunes. It was written for two violins, a viola and a cello – can you pick out the different instruments when you listen?
1️⃣5️⃣Ralph Vaughan Williams / Prelude ‘49th Parallel’
🎵You are now listening to Ralph Vaughan Williams, Prelude ‘49th Parallel’
Composer Ralph Vaughan Williams was born in Gloucestershire in 1872. When he was little he learned to play the piano and the violin and loved English folk songs, which he collected and wrote down. Many people think that his pieces have a very ‘English’ sound because of these traditional tunes shining through his music. He wrote many famous, well-loved works, such as The Lark Ascending.
Prelude ‘49th Parallel’ was written by composer Ralph Vaughan Williams as music for a wartime film, 49th Parallel, about a German U-boat crew stranded in Canada. This piece is performed by a brass band, it sounds sad, yet full and warm.
Worcester's 2023 Foot Traffic Soars Despite Regional Downturn
A recent release of an annual report by Place Informatics has cast a spotlight on the foot traffic trends across 12 UK regions in 2023. This comprehensive report analyses the yearly, quarterly, and monthly fluctuations in footfall, providing a comparative assessment against the previous year’s data.
Examining the year-on-year percentage change by region, the South-West and Wales emerge as the front-runners, experiencing the highest percentage increase at 4.57% and 4.45%, respectively. In contrast, London faces a notable decline with a -1.43% decrease, closely followed by the West Midlands at -1.38%. Despite Worcester’s geographic tie to the West Midlands, recent data challenges the notion of a decline in our city’s footfall.
Contrary to regional statistics, Worcester has exhibited remarkable growth. The 2023 footfall has surged by an average of 21,180 per month, translating to a substantial addition of 254,164 extra pedestrians on our streets in 2023.
What’s driving Worcester’s impressive foot traffic surge for 2023? The city has reaped the benefits of collaborative efforts, evident in the success of the Victorian Christmas market orchestrated by Worcester City Council and innovative events like the Starlight Lantern Parade, a collaborative project involving The Hive, Council, Worcester BID, and government funding support. Worcester BID’s strategic promotion of the city’s rich heritage through a Sky TV advert targeted at specific demographics has also played a pivotal role. Local businesses have actively contributed to this upswing with so many fantastic venues achieving awards, such as Maneki Ramen’s win of Japanese Restaurant of the Year 2023.
Venues have also worked hard to create a safer and more welcoming city offering for all via increased training. Worcester BID’s commitment to community development is evident in the 1205 delegates from businesses within its district attending free and heavily subsidised training courses, fostering confidence and skill development. The introduction of the BID Safer Streets Officer and Safe Space has further bolstered nighttime operations, providing crucial support in areas such as first aid and mental health.
Enhancements in lighting infrastructure and seasonal displays in aerial spaces have gained national attention, attracting more tourism and increased foot traffic on Worcester’s streets. Additionally, our arts and culture scene is booming, with the addition of the art spaces in the Arches and extended opening and popular late-night openings at our Museums!
As we look ahead, Worcester is poised for continued positive momentum, especially as the Official Education and Community Partner of the St Richards Hospice City Art Trail, The Waddle of Worcester, ensuring mass footfall into the city during summer.
Stay tuned by reading the Worcester BID column every Friday for the latest updates.
Martyn's Law: An Important Update for Business Owners
The public consultation on the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law is now open. The government consultation will run for 6 weeks
Martyn’s Law is a new legislation in the UK that will mandate those responsible for certain premises and events to consider the terrorist risk and how they would respond to an attack. It is named in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed in the Manchester bombing. The law will follow a tiered model linked to the type of activity taking place and the expected audience size and will seek to improve how prepared a venue is without putting an undue burden on business.
In summary, those responsible for Standard Tier premises must:
- Notify the Regulator that they are, or have become, responsible for premises within the scope of the Bill (and so subject to the relevant requirements). This remains broadly in line with previous requirements.
- Have in place procedural measures that could be expected to reduce, so far as reasonably practicable, the risk of physical harm to individuals at the premises in the event of an attack. These relate only to the procedures to be followed by people working at the premises in the event of an attack occurring or being suspected as about to occur. As the procedural measures are about procedures for responding to an attack or suspected attack, it is not expected or required that physical alterations be undertaken or additional equipment purchased for Standard Tier premises.
- In contrast to the published draft Bill, there is no requirement to complete a specified form (the ‘Standard Terrorism Evaluation’) for Standard Tier premises or ensure that people working at the premises are given any specific training. However, as part of putting in place the procedural measures, workers will need to be sufficiently instructed or trained to carry them out effectively.
The consultation is targeted at organisations, businesses, local and public authorities, and individuals who own or operate publicly accessible premises or events that the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will potentially affect.
It seeks views from those responsible for smaller premises which would fall within the standard tier. Standard tier venues are businesses with a capacity of 100-799 individuals.
The bill will impose requirements about certain premises and events to increase their preparedness for, and protection from, a terrorist attack by requiring them to take proportionate steps, depending on the size and nature of the activities that take place at the premises.
The proposed requirements would apply to those responsible for qualifying public premises and qualifying public events.
Take the consultation here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/martyns-law-standard-tier-consultation
We are going ‘nutcrackers’ over the Starlight Parade and Trail this Christmas
The Hive Library is thrilled to announce the return of the lantern parade, an event that has been much missed since the pandemic restrictions in 2020. This year, The Hive has partnered with Worcester City Council, Worcester BID, local Artist Catt Standen, and Crowngate Shopping Centre, to make the return of the event bigger and better than ever before. The Starlight Parade and Trail is set to be enlightening! The enchantment of a certain magical ballet is in the air, and we’ve sprinkled a dash of its brilliance throughout our lantern-lit evening.
The Starlight Parade will take place on Saturday 25th November at 4pm starting from The Hive and ending at Cathedral Square. Invited students from local schools as well as a team of volunteers and creatives will adorn the streets of Worcester with handmade lanterns.
Artists Anna Best and Catt Standen have been visiting the city’s schools this month, working with students to build willow lanterns and to tell them more about the parade. Lantern decorating workshops will also take place at The Hive throughout November and December, where families and children are encouraged to decorate their own lantern before lining the streets to welcome and watch the parade. The public is invited to watch the spectacle by lining the route of the Starlight Parade: a great place to watch is the High Street!
Local artist Catt Standen has also produced four amazing showstopper lanterns for the Starlight Parade around the theme of the famous ballet, The Nutcracker. The special showstoppers are funded by Worcester BID and will stand 6 feet tall upon puppeteers! If you attend, you will see a Storybook, the magical Mouse King, the Nutcracker and the sparkling Sugarplum Fairy Princess.
The parade will start at 4pm from The Hive, making its way down past the bus station and Mode Nightclub, across the market stalls at Angel Place, turning left onto Broad Street before making the final stretch down Worcester High Street finishing at Cathedral Square.
The Starlight Parade coincides with the exciting Christmas Lights switch-on, situated at Cathedral Square, where there will be lots of family entertainment from 4pm until 7pm and the parade will take you straight to the action! The event will mark the beginning of the Christmas celebrations in Worcester with live music performances from local schools, choirs and appearances from the cast of the Swan Theatre’s Pantomime, Jack and The Beanstalk.
A fantastic window art trail will accompany the starlit event during November and December, with local business windows decorated by local artists. A hidden word game dotted around the city will also spread some festive joy over the extended Christmas period.
Stephanie Jones, Library Manager at The Hive, said “We’re delighted to partner with Worcester BID, Worcester City Council, and Catt Standen to help convene the Starlight Parade and Trail this year. We’re extremely excited to see the fantastic lanterns and to celebrate the Christmas Lights switch-on as part of Worcester’s local community.”
The Hive Library and city partners Worcester BID and Worcester City Council are thrilled to bring back lanterns to Worcester in the form of the sparkling-new Starlight Parade and Trail.
After the parade, the showstopper lanterns will be exhibited at The Hive from Monday 27th December 2023 until Tuesday 2nd January 2024 with free admission to all and open daily (8:30am-10pm). There will also be multiple ‘Meet the Artist’ events during December giving the public the opportunity to meet artist Catt Standen as she talks about the creation of the lanterns.
To stay up to date with everything about The Starlight Parade and Trail, please follow @thestarlightparade on Instagram.
Please visit The Hive’s website for more information and to book your lantern-making workshop: Lantern Decorating Workshops – The Hive (thehiveworcester.org)
Worcester businesses are on their marks for new Worcester running challenge
The 2023 Worcester City Runs has teamed up with Worcester Business Improvement District (Worcester BID) to launch the Worcester BID Business Challenge and recruit runners to take part in the Worcester City 10K on Sunday 17 September.
The Worcester City Runs have always attracted participants from the city’s business community and the Worcester BID Business Challenge aims to boost that further by offering incentives to firms that get involved. To take part, at least three employees from a company need to sign up for the Worcester City 10K, but the more who take part, the better, with a special prize on offer for the business with the highest number of runners. On the day of the 10K, the times of the first three athletes across the finishing line who represent the same firm will be added together and the team that registers the lowest combined total will be crowned winners of the Worcester BID Business Challenge.
Worcester City Runs founder Steve Cram comments:
“We’re delighted to be working with Worcester BID on this initiative, which can help build team relationships and inspire people in the workplace to be more active.”
Samuel Meese, assistant manager at PureGym, Worcester, adds:
“The team at PureGym, which includes personal trainers and managers from around the region, is delighted to be getting involved with the Worcester City Runs. We have a team running in the 10k and taking part in the Worcester BID Business Challenge, but also, PureGym will be supporting all the runners with a warm up before the race, and then cool downs and stretching afterwards in the Runners Village.”
Zoe Atkinson, Head of IT Training and Resources IT at HCR Solicitors in Worcester who are entering a team into the Worcester BID Business Challenge says:
“We are so pleased to have an HCR team entering the Worcester BID Business Challenge. As part of this we are supporting HCR’s Worcester office’s chosen charity which is the Myriad Centre. In preparation for the Worcester Run, we have started weekly running club sessions which are well underway in preparation for the big day.”
Places are now available on the Worcester City Half Marathon, 10K and Young Athletes Run, at www.worcestercityrun.com. Places on the Worcester City 10K cost £26.50 for runners in affiliated clubs and £28.50 for unaffiliated runners. When entering the 10K, entrants will find the option of joining a Worcester BID Business Challenge team, or creating one from scratch, which they can invite other colleagues to join.
Bringing you the all new Taste Worcester and City Staff Card!
Be part of Taste Worcester!
NEW TO WORCESTER, OCTOBER 2023
Sign Me Up!
What is Taste Worcester?
Taste Worcester is a month-long celebration of food bought to you by Worcester BID and Visit Worcestershire. Registered venues across the city centre will be putting on £5, £10 and £15 menu items, as well as special menus during this period. To put that in perspective, your £5 item could be a starter or a pudding and your £15 item, a main. You can offer just one of these, or all 3! You could also offer a special menu made up of items available for Taste of Worcester! It is up to you.
Customers will be able to stamp a card each time they participate by eating at a venue during this time. A full stamp card will enter them into a prize draw for a city centre hamper!
When will it be?
October 1ST-31ST 2023
What are the perks?
Participating in the Taste of Worcester will link you to the event page as a partnering business of the event. You will also be promoted in PR and marketing in the lead up to the event and during the
event by Worcester BID and Visit Worcestershire. New people will likely try your venue and return after the event! It is a great way to grow your awareness.
T&Cs:
Participating venues must provide their chosen menu items for the entirety of October. Venues will be required to stamp visitors cards that purchase from your Taste of Worcester menu to allow prize draw entries.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the attached form via a desktop/laptop, save your filled out form and press the email button to email it back to us or send it via info@worcesterbid.com! Please ensure you attach the form to the email.
Sign Me Up!
What else can I get involved in as a foodie venue?
Be part of the City Staff Card and increase your footfall during the week!
Sign Me Up to be a City Staff Card Venue
What is City Staff Card?
The Taste of Worcester City Staff Card will be launched this summer and will run all year round. The aim of the card is to increase the number of people dining out in our city at lunchtime.
This card will entitle staff of city centre businesses to a 10% discount on the total food bill in participating venues, MONDAY-THURSDAY.
If you would like to be part, let us know and we will add you to the database ready for launch!
Why become a participating venue?
Improve your lunchtime uptake by offering a discount to people who are already in the city every day of the week for work! Increase your business’s awareness and contacts with the local business community. Your venue will be displayed on a list of participating venues that will link to your business website.
T&Cs:
All registered businesses must offer the blanket discount of 10% off all food, when shown the city staff card, on the total bill whilst registered as a Taste of Worcester, City Staff Card participating venue.
How do I sign up?
Fill out the attached form via a desktop/laptop, save your filled out form and press the email button to email it back to us or send it via info@worcesterbid.com.
Please ensure you attach the form to the email.
Sign Me Up to be a City Staff Card Venue
MEET THE ARTISTS
Worcester BID has been busy making over the city with artwork on electric boxes and signposts!
Want to know more about the artists? Visit their socials by pressing the link below.
PRESS HERE TO MEET THE ARTISTS
Innovative Solar Butterfly to Stop in Worcester as Part of World Tour
A butterfly-shaped trailer, powered entirely by the sun, will be making a stopover in Worcester this summer as part of a world tour promoting solutions to stop global warming.
The Solar Butterfly was developed by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland and is the world’s largest fully functioning ‘tiny’ house powered by solar energy and pulled by an electrical vehicle. Its creators are driving around the world, across 90 countries over four years, powered only by solar energy in the hope of raising awareness of the climate crisis.
It will be travelling through the UK this summer, stopping off in Worcester on June 1st, before continuing on to Canada, USA, Mexico and Central America.
The Solar Butterfly will be on display in Cathedral Square in the City before spending the night at the University of Worcester to re-charge before continuing its tour.
During the day there will be a chance to see the 80-square-metre solar panel covered trailer, which powers the Tesla vehicle towing it, and take part in a climate quiz while also learning about solutions to stop global warming.
Members of the University’s and Worcester City Council’s Sustainability teams will also be on hand to talk about their work.
Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability at the University of Worcester, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Solar Butterfly World Sustainability Tour here in Worcester. This fascinating concept will help to keep the climate crisis at the front of people’s minds and help them to learn about the things we can all do to stop global warming.”
The Solar Butterfly began its adventure amid dramatic alpine vistas at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. The first phase of the project – which has been largely crowdfunded, along with support from corporate sponsors – will take it on a six-month, 22,000-kilometer (13,670-mile) trip across 32 countries in Europe.
Louis Palmer, the brains behind the Solar Butterfly, who, in 2007 became the first person to drive around the world in a solar-powered car, says the purpose of the trip is to highlight climate crisis solutions that already exist – and inspire others to take action.
“The message is that it’s possible to save the planet,” he said.
Find out more about the Solar Butterfly project at www.solarbutterfly.org
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 Funding Updates
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 – 𝐔𝐊 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
𝗨𝗞 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁
For further information email the Economic Development team at Worcester City Council via economy@worcester.gov.uk.
Worcester BID is the official Community and Education Partner for Waddle of Worcester 2023!
We are proud to announce that Worcester BID is the official Community and Education Partner for Waddle of Worcester 2023!
Sam McCarthy, Chief Executive of Worcester BID, said: “Here at Worcester BID, we couldn’t be prouder to be the official Community and Education Partner for the summer 2024 art trail. Following in the footsteps of giraffes and elephants, we welcome penguins to our wonderful city and with them trail goers of all ages from near and far.
“We’ve seen already how being involved in the trail boosts morale across the city and county, including all the schools who get to showcase their artistic talent by designing and decorating a baby sculpture.”
The art trail begins on Monday, 22 July and runs for eight weeks until Sunday, 15 September. Forty large fibreglass penguin sculptures will bring Worcester’s streets and public spaces to life to form an interactive art trail. There will also be a collection of 40 penguin chick sculptures, decorated by schools and community groups, displayed through city shop windows and Crowngate Shopping Centre.
The great Waddle of Worcester is a Wild in Art event brought to the city by St Richard’s Hospice in its fortieth year caring for patients and loved ones.
Sara Matthews, Business Development Manager for St Richard’s Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Worcester BID on board, supporting our hospice huddle once again.
“Our previous two trails brought measurable benefits to the economy, tourist industry, arts scene and more locally and we look forward to bringing that same wow factor to Worcester once again.”
Once the trail has ended, the large penguin sculptures will be auctioned to raise money towards the free care that St Richard’s provide to patients with a serious progressive illness and their loved ones.
More on the trail’s Community and Education Programme will be released in the coming months. In the meantime, schools and community groups can register their interest in adopting a baby penguin: https://waddleofworcester.co.uk/schools/
You can also follow the great Waddle of Worcester at: https://www.facebook.com/WaddleOfWorcester/, https://twitter.com/WaddleOfWorc and https://www.Instagram.com/WaddleOfWorcester
Read more about BID's involvement in the Great Waddle of Worcester here!
Summer is served
Worcester’s food menu is looking tasty for this Summer. If eating out is a bit of you then read on for our recommendations.
Before you hit the ground running, check out the various food directories that are available. Pershore Patty and Worcestershire Foodies Guide are two good places for listings and Pershore Patty is a local blogger who posts regular, independent reviews.
https://pershorepatty.com/worcestershire/
http://www.worcestershirefoodiesguide.co.uk
https://www.visitworcestershire.org/business-directory/category/food-drink
Foodie events are popular in the city centre for some weekend entertainment
Worcester Dining Club
It’s taking place on Cathedral Square on 12 May, 16 and 23 June from 4-9pm, free entry and no tickets required.
https://www.visitworcester.co.uk/events-in-worcester/worcester-dining-club/?occurrence=2023-05-12
Bottles Spanish and Portuguese Wine Tasting
£30 per head, click the image to book.
https://www.bottleswineshop.co.uk/product/span-portuguese-wine-tasting/
Vegan Market
This is taking place on Saturday 17 June in Cathedral Square
Botanist Bingo – Wednesday 7 June
Always popular – heads down! Click the picture to reserve your place.
Worcester city restaurants offer a really wide choice all year round.
Locals love – try these for brunch
Hash, Chapel Walk, Crowngate Shopping Centre
Waylands, 6 Foregate, Worcester
https://www.waylandsyard.com/worcester
Locals Love – try these for coffee and cake
Papas Caffe, New Street, Worcester
G and Tea, Friar Street, Worcester
https://www.gandteabakery.co.uk
Locals love – try these for lunch
Food and Liquor, Sidbury, Worcester
Friar Street Kitchen, Friar Street, Worcester
https://friarstreetkitchen.co.uk
Locals love – try these for veggie/vegan
Botanist, Cathedral Square, Worcester
https://thebotanist.uk.com/locations/worcester
Boston Tea Party, Angel Place, Worcester
Locals love – try these for date night dining
Benedictos, Sidbury, Worcester
Hanbao, 4 Foregate Street, Worcester
Fuego, 35 Foregate Street, Worcester
Locals love – try these with kids and babies
Auntie Ems Tearoom, City Arcade, Worcester
https://www.facebook.com/auntieemstearoom/about
The Wildling Collective, Reindeer Court
https://www.thewildlingcollective.co.uk
Locals love – try these dog friendly eateries
GoodRoots, Severn Street, Worcester
Paw & Co, Reindeer Court
https://www.facebook.com/pawandco
NEW! Taste of Worcester
Coming to Worcester this October, Taste of Worcester, a Worcester BID partnership with Visit Worcester that will bring food venues around the city together to offer you something special...!
Let's get together this October and celebrate the best of Worcester's tasty food scene.
More information to come. Watch out for information on @makeitworc on Instagram and @worcesterbid on Facebook and Twitter.
WORCESTER TRAVEL AGENT NAMED BEST...
WORCESTER TRAVEL AGENT NAMED BEST IN CENTRAL ENGLAND
A Worcester travel agency has been named as the best in Central England.
arrangeMY Escape was named Central England’s Top Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.
It is the second year in a row that the agency has taken the crown for the region, and was last year also named UK & Ireland’s No.1 Travel Agency.
TTG editorial director Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its eighth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.”
“We were delighted to see the high street travel agency sector performing so strongly, with almost every finalist reporting a record year of sales in the last 12 months – reaping the rewards of the extraordinary service they offered to clients during the challenges of recent years. There is no doubting that the high street travel agent is here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever.”
About arrangeMY Escape’s win, judges said: “Last year's UK & Ireland No.1 has not rested on their laurels over the last 12 months, from working with a local producer to create a branded gin, to creating bespoke video content for display on the in-store TV. We loved the agency's commitment to taking apprentices and work experience placements, and a new scheme whereby arrangeMY Escape plants a tree for every wedding or honeymoon booking. This is an agency excelling in all areas, and going from strength to strength.”
Jennifer Lynch general manager said “What a wonderful 12 months the agency here in Worcester has had. Winning the UK & Ireland No.1 in 2022 propelled the agencies status and determination. With this we concentrated on our customers and focused on all the finer details as well as strongly introducing sustainability as a core part of our company and customers’ journey. The team are thrilled with this award for the second year running and cannot wait to see what the next 12 months ahead will bring.
The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 27 April, with more than 500 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier-partners in attendance, with entertainment from Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift and chart-topper Chesney Hawkes.
Find more about TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative, see ttgtop50.com and #ttgtop
WORCESTER AGENT NAMED BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
A Worcestershire travel agency has been named as the best weddings and honeymoons retailer in the British Isles.
arrangeMY Escape was named UK & Ireland’s Top Weddings & Honeymoons Agency as part of the TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023: an annual power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.
TTG editorial director Pippa Jacks said: “Now in its eighth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us tour the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to find those travel agents who have worked smartest, provided the best customer service, and done most to contribute to a fairer travel industry, in the last year.”
“We were delighted to see travel retailers performing so strongly, with almost every finalist reporting a record year of sales in the last 12 months – reaping the rewards of the extraordinary service they offered to clients during the challenges of recent years. There is no doubting that travel agents are here to stay – and that holidaymakers are valuing their expertise more than ever.”
About arrangeMY Escape’s win, judges said: “We had a lot of love for the wedding and honeymoon services of this Worcester-based agency, with their strong focus on LGBTQ+ customers and busy schedule of wedding fairs. Hand holding couples with a bespoke after-sales concierge service and showering them with sweet treats, keepsake luggage tags and the gift of a tree planted in a developing country are just some of the ways this agency woos its happy customers.”
Jennifer Lynch the agencies general Manager said “We take immense pride in this award; our wedding and honeymoon packages have really been refined with care and attention to detail. We really think about the journey our special couples experience with us right from the get-go. As a team we are really proud to achieve such a prestigious award and title and look forward to continuing our innovative wedding and honeymoon offering.
The TTG Top 50 ceremony took place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 27 April, with more than 500 of the UK and Ireland’s top travel agents and supplier-partners in attendance, with entertainment from Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift and chart-topper Chesney Hawkes.
Find more about TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative, see ttgtop50.com
Congratulations to arrangeMy escape!
CUPP CELEBRATES NATIONAL BOBA TEA DAY WITH FREE BOBA TEA GIVEAWAYS
Boba tea has become increasingly popular in the UK over the past few years, and CUPP is proud to be a leading boba tea brand in the country. National Boba Tea Day is the perfect opportunity for CUPP to celebrate their passion for boba tea and thank their loyal customers.
"We're thrilled to celebrate National Boba Tea Day with our customers and give them a taste of our delicious boba tea," said Lee Peacock, CUPP's Founder. "We're grateful to Minor Figures for sponsoring our Oat Milk and helping us provide our customers with the best quality boba tea."
In addition to the free boba tea giveaways, there will be other fun activities and giveaways in all of the CUPP stores. Customers can participate in competitions and win exciting prizes.
"We invite everyone to come celebrate National Boba Tea Day with us at their nearest CUPP store," said Lee Peacock. "It's a great opportunity to try our boba tea and have some fun with our community."
For more information, please visit the CUPP website at www.cuppbubbletea.co.uk.
Summer bunting is on its way in Worcester!
Towards the end of April, colourful bunting will be installed across the city on the High Street, Pump St, Mealcheapen St, St Swithins St and Broad St!
Join in the fun and decorate your shop windows in the most colourful way you can! Sign ups for the Worcester BID summer window art are still open for all BID businesses until tomorrow at 4PM.
This is a joint installation bought to the city by Worcester BID and Worcester City Council.
Worcester Whitehouse Hotel enjoys visit from Robin Walker MP
Aspire - Contemporary art exhibition by artist Wayne Warren The Commandery, Worcester
Aspire arrives at The Commandery, Worcester on 1 April until 3 September 2023
8 works on the themes of aspiration, dreams and ambition placed at significant points
Free family workshops with artist Wayne Warren on Easter Monday 10 April
Butterflies and angels are taking over The Commandery in an exhibition filled with hope and aspiration. Aspire opens at The Commandery on Saturday 1 April and runs until Sunday 3 September 2023.
The artworks have been created by contemporary artist Wayne Warren in response to the beautiful Commandery building and it’s amazing one-thousand-year history. The artworks represent aspirations, dreams and ambitions.
Visitors can follow the trail of artworks around The Commandery, take a selfie in front of huge angel wings in the historic Great Hall and enjoy a programme of wing-inspired family activities over the Easter holidays, including a workshop with the artist himself on Monday 10 April.
Situated in the heart of Worcester, The Commandery has been a medieval monastic hospital, a Tudor home and a 1950s print works, but is most well-known for being the headquarters of the Royalist army during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 – the deciding battle of the English Civil War.
The artworks include Golden Wings, situated in the building’s beautiful Great Hall; and Growth, a new artwork commissioned especially for the exhibition at The Commandery, featuring gold leaf on oak leaves and acorns, situated upon a stool made of wood from the Boscobel Oak, purported to be the tree King Charles II hid in when fleeing from the Battle of Worcester.
Wayne Warren’s work has been exhibited at Worcester Cathedral and internationally in Hong Kong, Beijing, New York and Venice. Wayne says of his show at The Commandery: “My work reflects my thoughts and feelings about the 1,000 years of history contained within the fabulous building.”
Commandery Manager Rachel Robinson says: “It is fascinating to have The Commandery’s history interpreted in new ways and to shed light on its many layers of history. We hope visitors will enjoy finding the artworks around the building, taking their angel wing selfies, and having fun with the family activities.”
The Commandery is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 3pm. It is also open Bank Holiday Monday 10 April 10am – 5pm and there are workshops at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Normal admission applies, no extra fee for the exhibition. Small fee for the family activities. For more information, please visit www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱!
KEEP UP TO DATE ON OUR SOCIALS AND FIND THE ORIGIONAL NEWS HERE
The new exhibition From the Cornish Coast to the Malvern Hills arrives at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Saturday 4 March – Saturday 1 July 2023 | Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
Monday to Saturday 10.30am – 4.30pm
FREE entry
The new exhibition, From the Cornish Coast to the Malvern Hills, arrives Saturday 4th March until 1st July 2023, celebrating Worcestershire’s influence on British Impressionism Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum and the links between Worcestershire and the Newlyn School of artists who were pivotal in this magical moment of British art in the nineteenth and twentieth century. Including paintings by Stanhope Forbes, Dame Laura Knight and Elizabeth Forbes. Camille and Lucian Pissarro represent the influence of French Impressionists. As well as, two works by Dame Laura Knight recently acquired for the Worcester City Collection. The artworks were purchased with support from Art Fund, the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Worcestershire Heritage, Art & Museums Charity and kind donations from Art Gallery & Museum Members. Dame Laura Knight lived and painted in Malvern and the town and hills become very dear to her, influencing her work.
For more information visit
www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
Worcester is ready to light up for Christmas
Christmas is coming to Worcester – with the festive lights being switch on in a fun-packed family event on Saturday 26 November.
This year there will be more streets lit up in the city than ever before, including – for the first time – seasonal illuminations on New Road to create a closer link between the festive offers in both the city centre and St John’s.
This year’s Christmas lights are a joint effort between Worcester City Council and Worcester BID – and with low energy LED bulbs being used, this festive season will also be better for the planet.
Free and fun for all the family, the big switch-on event begins at 4pm on Saturday 26 November in Cathedral Square, with Radio Wyvern hosting live music performances from local band Split Second, school choirs, and characters from the Swan Theatre’s pantomime cast of Cinderella. The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, will help to switch on the lights.
If Worcester residents have all been good boys and girls this year, Father Christmas might also make a special appearance.
This year’s colourful festive lights will, for the first time, extend into New Road, and Worcester BID will be supporting lights in Reindeer Court, Lower Broad Street, New Street, Friar Street, The Hopmarket and The Shambles. The latter location will have overhead festive lights for the first time, while the New Street and Friar Street lights will feature purple colours to reflect Worcester recently securing the purple flag in recognition of it being a safe night-time destination.
There will also be a trail of 12 ‘light boxes’ to be explored around the city centre, each hiding an image of one of the 12 days of Christmas. Visitors will be able to use the torch on their mobile phone to reveal the image inside each box.
Councillor Robyn Norfolk, Vice Chair of Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee, said: “At a time when many cities are scaling back their Christmas plans, I’m very pleased to announce that Worcester’s festive lights will be better than ever. And, for the first time, the illuminations will take in New Road, creating a colourful seasonal link between our two busiest shopping areas in the city centre and St John’s.
“Despite the pressures that people are under at the moment, we hope the Christmas lights will encourage shoppers and visitors into our city and help our local businesses to enjoy a successful festive season.
“The family-friendly switch-on event on 26 November in Cathedral Square will be packed full of great free entertainment and will kick-off a fantastic programme of seasonal fun – with more to be announced very soon!”
All of Worcester’s Christmas illuminations this year will be low-energy LED lights – with over 80,000 individual LEDs in use around the city. These are kinder to the environment and are also around 85% cheaper to run.
Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Worcester BID’s focus this year for the Christmas lights has been around the sustainability and running costs of the scheme. We have focused on ensuring that whist the lights capture the spirit of the season and help visitors and shoppers to enjoy the city centre, everything – including the LED bulbs, use of phone torches that are already charged, and quantities of lighting – has been chosen to be more sustainable this year than ever before, across many busy and popular city zones.”
This year’s extensive programme will bring Christmas lights to the main shopping streets in the city centre and St John’s, and include the traditional brightly-lit tree on the New Road roundabout.
A brand new Escape Room experience opens at The Commandery, Worcester
- New Escape Room opens at The Commandery, Worcester, Saturday 5 November
- Booking live now on commandery-quest.co.uk
- Commandery Quest has been created by 12Volt: Games Studio who have created escape rooms for the award winning Shepton Mallet and Shrewsbury Prisons, as well as props and interactives for Escape Live's Horrible Histories experience.
There will be an exciting new way to experience history at Worcester’s Commandery from November when The Commmandery’s brand new Escape Rooms are launched.
Commandery Quest, created by 12Volt: Games Studio, is based on the traditional escape room experience which invites participants to complete a challenge by tackling a series of puzzles against the clock.
The Commandery is in the heart of historic Worcester, just minutes from the High Street, riverside and many pubs and restaurants, with convenient parking opposite in King Street.
Commandery Quest invites teams to explore The Commandery like never before. The Escape Room is based in the Commandery attics which are off the normal visitor route.
The Escape Room story is based around the Commandery’s role as the Royalist Headquarters in the English Civil War. Teams of 2 – 6 players will become museum curators, battling against the clock they will solve a series of puzzles to find Charles II’s lost treasure before infamous thief Arty Snitch catches up with them.
Commandery Events Officer Helen Manning says: “We are so excited to present this Escape Room with a difference – actually set in one of Worcester’s most historic buildings. We look forward to seeing if teams can rise to the challenge and beat Arty Snitch to the treasure.”
The Commandery has recruited special Games Masters to greet teams and help them with their search.
Booking is open now at www.commandery-quest.co.uk, or for more information please call The Commandery on 01905 361821.
Get to know your city employers
The Worcester News Jobs Fair is an ideal event for those looking for work, to find out more about vacancies that are currently available and to speak to local employer's face to face.
If you missed our October Fair, don't despair! A new date will be released for 2023 which will see big names returning to the Guildhall.
If you are looking for work, here is a selection of Worcester's powerhouse employers which cover a broad number of sectors.
Simply click the photos to go through to the employer's website.
Armed Forces Careers
THE ARMY IS ITS PEOPLE
What makes the British Army? It’s not the weaponry or the vehicles – it’s the people.
Our vision is a competitive, adaptable and inclusive Army imbued with an unwavering will to win; where people feel they belong; where their talent is nurtured, where health is positively promoted, and opportunity maximised.
Does this sound like you? Find out more on their website.
Step by Step
At Step by Step, we offer a completely free service to our applicants, and all information you provide will be treated with respect and kept confidential. What sets us apart from other agencies is our willingness to not simply work for you, but to work with you to get you the right job.
Our honest, friendly and professional consultants are here to help with your search for employment, and we pride ourselves as treating each and every one of our applicants as an individual, taking the time to get to know you and your exact requirements.
A-Plan
A-Plan is different – it’s what our clients love about us. As an advice-providing broker, we’re here to lend our expertise to help our clients find an insurance policy that’s right for them. We’ve built our business on this personalised service, and we’re proud to offer it to over 500,000 clients.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to work in an environment where you’ll be central to what we do, A-Plan is for you. And if you’re willing to develop your insurance expertise to help your career progression, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re waiting for you to get in touch so that we can explore what’s right for you.
West Mercia Police
We’ll provide the training and variety you need to let you make a real difference, plus a host of benefits from flexible hours, generous annual leave and pension contributions across job roles, from officers, to contact handlers.
Worcester City Council
We play a vital part in keeping the beautiful City of Worcester a great place to be. We work hard to build a successful future on 2000 years of history. Why not be someone who gets involved and makes a difference. Be part of our amazing and diverse team of dedicated people to help sustain the amazing history and heritage of an increasingly modern and contemporary City.
Help us to build a better society.
Sanctuary
Looking for a new job? We want to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where our people thrive. If you share our values and are talented and ambitious, we want to hear from you. We employ more than 12,500 staff throughout the UK and maintain Investors in People status.
Worcester County Council
Find a new career with Worcestershire County Council.
The Council is committed to promoting equality and diversity, and ensuring that all appointments are made based on the suitability of a candidate to the role only.
We are a 'Disability Confident Employer', which means we will guarantee an interview to any candidate with a disability who shows that they meet the essential criteria for the advertised role.
Jobseekers and employers alike were delighted to see the Worcester News Jobs Fair making a welcome return in partnership with Worcester BID.
The fair took place at Worcester's Guildhall in the heart of the city centre's High Street. A second fair date is in the diary for 2023 with more information coming in the new year. Keep an eye out on our socials to find out the next date to meet the employers face to face.
Join us for our October Jobs Fair
Jobseekers and employers alike will be delighted to hear that the Worcester News Jobs Fair is making a welcome return in partnership with Worcester BID.
The fair will take place at Worcester's Guildhall in the heart of the city centre's High Street. Two events are being planned with the first taking place on Thursday, October 13.
Both events are being sponsored by Worcester BID.
The aim of Worcester BIDs involvement is to support businesses to exhibit, and as part of both job fairs, the BID is introducing a new public facing section for advice and support: The Support Hub.
Worcester BID have supported the following businesses who will appear at the October Jobs Fair (click on the photo to find out more):
Armed Forces Careers
Step by Step
A-Plan
West Mercia Police
Worcester City Council
Sanctuary
Worcester County Council
Regional editor for Worcester News, Stephanie Preece said: "We know that finding the right candidates for your business can be difficult and trawling through CVs online isn’t always the best way to find potential employees. For this reason, the fair will be a great opportunity for employers to meet job seekers in the local area. Whether you are looking to recruit seasonal staff for the festive period, full-time or part-time workers, apprentices or volunteers – the fair will be an ideal place for you to connect with the right people."
Worcester BID Chief Executive Sam McCarthy said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Worcester News Jobs Fair. Supporting the businesses that make our city great. With over 67% independent businesses Worcester City is a fantastic place to work. Over the last 24 months businesses have faced more challenges then ever with Covid and now the cost of living rise. As the Businesses Improvement District, our aims are to support the city ensuring Worcester businesses still thrive. We will be organising a support hub as part of the event offering CV writing advice, interview support, apprenticeships packages, training courses and perks to working within the city centre. We look forward to welcoming you in October and supporting your business.”
The Support Hub consists of a central section to the fair that provides support and advice. This support will be provided by the following businesses: Worcestershire LEP, Careers Worc Youth Hub (based in The Hive), Heart of Worcestershire College who will have information on adult learning and apprenticeships and Worcester University providing information on training courses at the university.
The October fair is an ideal place for local employers to talk to job seekers - whether they are looking for skilled full-time workers, seasonal staff or casual employees.
A wide variety of sectors will be represented from healthcare providers to retailers, manufacturing to administration and lots more in between!
Make sure to come on down to The Guildhall, Worcester to meet the recruiters on Thursday 13TH of October if you are looking for work or a career change.
There’s still time to get your entries in for this year’s Worcester Show
Whether you’re a great gardener, a brilliant baker or a creative crafter – there’s still time to showcase your talents at this year’s Worcester Show.
With 140 competition classes, there’s something to suit entrants of all ages – and even the family dog can join in the fun. But don’t leave it too late - entries close on August 8! All entries need to be submitted online at worcestershow.org.uk. Those without internet access can visit the Tourist Information Office for a paper copy.
Classes range from floral displays, fruit and vegetables, jams, cakes, art, photography and handicrafts – and you don’t need to be an expert – novice classes are available, plus classes just for children. Entries for the dog show can be made on the day. All judging will take place on Saturday 13 August, excluding Cacti & Succulents which will be judged on Sunday 14 August.
This year’s Worcester Show will be held on Sunday August 14 in the spacious surroundings of Pitchcroft Racecourse, and it promises to be a great day out for all the family.
Children can enjoy a whole host of activities from bouncy castles and a traditional merry-go-round and the ever-popular bungee rides. Free activities include face-painting with Doorstep Princesses, crafting with Arts & Wonder & Wotahoot and the brilliant Music bus from Severn Arts. A sports zone will offer taster sessions of a variety of different sports and an array of market stalls and independent stalls will offer bargains and gifts galore.
To add to the festival atmosphere, there will be musical entertainment throughout the day spread across two stages, with bands taking to the Tom Jones main stage and other acts appearing on the community stage. For the first time the show will also feature an Asian Mela Marquee showcasing food, art, music, dance and craft from across South Asia. This will include cooking demonstrations and henna and creative craft activities for all the family to enjoy.
The show is delivered by Worcester City Council, supported by the Friends of Worcester Show, and for 2022, in partnership with Worcester BID and Chin Badger Media.
Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson said: “Worcester Show is always a fantastic day out for all the family and I’m very much looking forward to the event – there is so much to see and do. It’s also a great opportunity to show off your talents, whether they be cookery, gardening or art; it’s well worth entering one – or many - of the competition classes.”
Entries for the show are open until August 8. To enter a class or to find out more about the event, go to www.worcestershow.org.uk
Worcester BID are proud to sponsor the Queen’s Baton Relay
The timings and full line-up for The Queen’s Baton Relay’s route through Worcester have been revealed – with many exciting events taking place across the city.
The Relay – part of the build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games – will arrive on Friday afternoon, with local Batonbearers carrying the Baton around the city, encountering a packed programme of fun and activities along the way.
The main programme of events has been organised by Worcester City Council, working with partners across the city, and with sponsorship form Worcester BID (Business Improvement District). Fiesta, an evening programme of street celebrations at The Arches and the University of Worcester’s City Centre campus, has been programmed by Severn Arts.
The full schedule runs as follows:
- 5:38pm – The first Batonbearer sets off from The Cross
- 5:40pm – High Street
- 5:41pm – The Mayor greets Batonbearer at the Guildhall
- 5:44pm – Cathedral Square
- 5:45pm – Worcester Cathedral: Civil War re-enactors will form a guard of honour at the main entrance; inside, an invited audience will enjoy a DanceFest performance at the tomb of King John
- 5:50pm – College Green (outside Worcester Cathedral south door): open air performance by DanceFest
- 5:54pm – King’s Boathouse: Baton is transported across the Severn by a Dragonboat, with Batonbearer Rebecca Redfern, Paralympics silver medallist; a flotilla of other boats will escort the dragon boat, which will do several loops on the river, heading south and then returning north
- 6:09pm – Dragonboat returns to shore at the Swan Sanctuary Steps, Bromwich Parade, on the opposite bank of the Severn
- 6:11pm - Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road: children form a guard of honour to welcome the Baton; invited audience watch Baton received at a schools’ cricket competition
- 6:18pm - Cripplegate Park (entrance from New Road, by Tennis Courts): the Relay will be greeted by sports demonstrations (organised by freedom Leisure) and a further DanceFest performance
- 6:24pm – Outside University of Worcester Arena, Hylton Road: the road will be closed, allowing for the creation of an open air wheelchair basketball court and the staging of an exhibition match, at which the Baton will be greeted
- 6:28pm – Sabrina Bridge (with flotilla of boats below)
- 6:32pm – Worcester Racecourse: 2014 Grand National winner Pieau De Re will escort his rider and Batonbearer Lizzie Brunt around the southern perimeter of the course, with Worcester Athletics Club running ahead of them. The Army will also be staging free family activities at the racecourse.
- 6:42pm – Castle Street
- 6:45pm – University of Worcester City Campus: Reception for the Baton, including speech from the Mayor. Following this, the final Batonbearer will take the Baton to The Arches, where Fiesta will begin.
All timings will be subject to change on the day. The main event times are shown on the attached map.
Among the best places for visitors and residents to stand to watch the Baton travel through the city are High Street, the Riverside, Hylton Road and Worcester Racecourse.
The evening’s Fiesta, organised by Severn Arts, will start at 7pm, with the Heavy Beat Brass Band parading from the City Campus, to The Arches. There will then be street performances in the area until 9pm, including music, colourful stilt-walkers, Mexican Day of the Dead figures and dragons.
The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Adrian Gregson, said: “The arrival of The Queen’s Baton Relay in Worcester is a true moment for celebration, allowing all of us to cheer on some amazing local people who will be carrying the Baton. It’s very exciting to see such a great programme of fun events being laid on for everyone in our city to enjoy.
“I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to welcome the Relay to our city and to give our residents a chance to share the excitement of the Commonwealth Games. Special thanks are due to Worcester BID for their sponsorship of the big day.”
Road closures orders will be in place along the route before and during the route, with most closed for varying periods of time between 4.30pm and 7pm. Hylton Road, from the retail park to Henwick Road, will be closed from 5.30pm to 8pm, while Cherry Tree Walk, Infirmary Walk and Netherton Court will be closed from midday to 10pm, to allow for the setting up of the baton reception and the Fiesta evening street celebrations.
Full details of the road closures are at www.worcester.gov.uk/advice-benefits/road-closures-for-approved-events.
Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build-up to the Games. The Relay provides the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for Birmingham 2022.
The Queen’s Baton Relay is travelling the length and breadth of England, before arriving at the Opening Ceremony for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on 28 July.
Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community. The Birmingham 2022 website at www.birmingham2022.com/qbr gives more detail on the events and where to line the route.
Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, have been given the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers are carrying the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.
Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games.
The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.
Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Americas and the Caribbean.
For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.
A-Plan Insurance collect trophy for Insurance Broker of the Year
A-Plan Insurance (a Howden company) collected the trophy for Insurance Broker of the Year at the prestigious British Insurance Awards on Wednesday 6 July 2022. They were shortlisted alongside strong competition from five other brokers, and were selected not just because of their excellent, highly personalised advised service they provide their clients, but how they immerse themselves in the communities in which they operate, supporting local clubs, charities, schools and businesses.
The event took place at the Royal Albert Hall with over a thousand people from across the insurance industry in attendance. A-Plan CEO Kelly Ogley collected the award and commented;
“I am absolutely delighted and over the moon that we won Broker of the Year at the British Insurance Awards - one of the insurance industry’s more prestigious awards. It’s reflective of our unwavering commitment to caring for our clients, consistently providing top-quality service in everything we do, whether that be to our clients, in the local community or to each other.
We have a great team of people who are passionate about continually going the extra mile for clients, and this is for them. Whilst I had the privilege and honour of collecting the award, it is for the team, for whom it means everything to receive such an accolade. They make me very proud to be their CEO.”
Worcester Branch Manager, James Parker comments “Winning this award means so much to us all, and highlights that being local, utilising data and tech, and providing our clients with a truly personalised advised service is what we are all about. Because we don’t sell insurance online and only offer an advised service, in branch or over the phone, this award celebrates all of those things! We couldn’t be prouder, and look forward to sharing the wonderful news with our clients.”
It was also great that we got to celebrate with colleagues from Howden, Aston Lark, Dual and KGM, who were at the event.”
Congratulations A-Plan!!
Find out more about A-Plan Insurance at www.aplan.co.uk
Feeling Hungry at the Royal Garden Party?!
Welcome to The Royal Garden Party
You have arrived at the royalist of street parties… we hope you have a fantastic time celebrating the Platinum Jubilee in Worcester and enjoy the food and drink on offer at our local businesses.
Here you can find the special Jubilee menus on offer near to the party! Some of them might even deliver to you… especially if you show them your best curtsey or princely bow.
When ordering from a business that offers delivery to one of the royal picnic benches on New Street and Friar Street, please state your location at the time of ordering by letting them know your picnic benches What3Words. What3Words generates 3 random words (for example, ‘Cat. Potato. Fence’) that mark your exact location down to the square meter. Please stay in this spot once you order to await your food so that you can be located by the business.
PRESS HERE TO FIND OUT YOUR WHAT3WORDS
Businesses that are offering delivery are marked with What3Words next to their business name and menu below!
Where this is not available or you’d rather collect, please feel free to go in and order at the till like normal and bring your takeaway boxes out to the benches to enjoy the party!
There is plenty on offer… check out the menus below!
Food Glorious Food
[What3Words] Be The Change - Vegan and delicious, both savoury and sweet food can be found here!
To order at Be The Change come and order in person OR place an order through their website https://www.bethechangefoods.co.uk/order-hot-food/ with your what 3 words reference!
OPEN THE MENU HERE!
OPEN THE WEBSITE ORDERING SYSTEM HERE! - Make sure to supply your What3Words when ordering!
[What3Words] Izzy's Ices and Donuts - Heaven on earth, no matter what your preference, they will have a donut for you...!
Izzy’s Ices & Donuts sell Ice Creams and Donuts and you can find us in our permanent shop in Reindeer Court at the top end of New Street and The Shambles.
JUBILEE STREET PARTY DONUTS
RING OR TEXT 07949 761904 with your order and What3Words and they will bring the donuts straight to your table.
PRICE LIST
CARD OR CASH (EXACT CHANGE PLEASE)
- SINGLE DONUT £3.75
- TWO DONUTS £7.00
- THREE DONUTS £10.25
- FOUR DONUTS £13.00
All donuts are hand dressed with the tastiest of ingredients.
RING OR TEXT 07949 761904 WITH YOUR ORDER AND WE WILL DELIVER TO YOU WITHIN 10 MINUTES (OR WE WILL REPLY IF WE ARE OUT OF STOCK OF YOUR CHOICE).
OPEN THE MENU HERE!
Eagle Vaults - Music and good Mediterranean food can be found here!
Go inside to order. Open for food from midday.
Check out the menu here!
Tudor House - Open both Saturday and Sunday to takeaway to benches or to sit in!
Find the menu and order inside the cafe!
Greyfriars National Trust - Please find their cafe in the free to enter hidden garden!
Pop into their secret garden to discover a cafe full of tasty delights! Eat-in the garden or take it straight to the street party! Perfect for a royal afternoon tea.
The Chocolate Deli - The home of sweet treats and British teatime eats!
Pop in to order and takeaway to benches on Saturday 4th until 4 PM to bag some tasty treats to take out to the party.
- Cakes
- Sandwiches
- Waffles
- Paninis
- High Tea
- Afternoon Tea
- Children's Lunchboxes
- Coffees, teas
- Frappes
- Milkshakes
- Smoothies
- Children's drinks
- And more....!
Check out what's on their menus here! Or just have a look at their window for an in-person menu before you pop in!
Please feel free to order from anywhere in the city and eat at these benches, or alternatively bring a picnic and enjoy the day. It's up to you!
We hope you have a fantastic time celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee at this giant Royal Garden Party!!!
Please do not take alcohol onto the benches. Please consume any alcohol within the licenced venues. Thank you.
Cheers your Majesty - The Royal Garden Party is nearly here!
Cheers your Majesty
After months of anticipation, the Royal Platinum Jubilee is here! As the nation eagerly awaits 2 extra Bank Holidays to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne, Worcester’s food and drink venues look forward to the city’s celebrations.
Worcester BID, alongside partners Worcester City Council, is organising a Royal Garden Party in New Street and Friar Street from 11-5 on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, allowing the community and visitors to sit out and relax in this glorious setting. So, if there’s no party planned in your area, get involved in the city centre giant street party. Come along to the Royal Garden Party and enjoy a free family day out in the historical surroundings of one of our city’s beautiful Tudor streets whilst celebrating the 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
At the Royal Garden Party there’s something for all the family: children’s games, live music, food, competitions and much more… you could even win lunch with a princess or superhero! Order food directly to your street table from participating cafes and restaurants, or bring a picnic (or both!) – let’s celebrate!
Elsewhere in Worcester, bars, cafes and restaurants are also toasting her Majesty throughout the Jubilee celebrations – book in one of the city venues for brunch, lunch or an evening meal to share the party vibe. It’s a lovely long weekend so take full advantage of what your favourite city eateries and bars can serve up.
Follow @MakeItWorc on Instagram for further event teasers and up to date details.
Love Local Business: Enjoy Halloween half term fun in Worcester
This half term Worcester has got you covered for fun activities, from Where’s Wally to spooks, scares and ghost stories.
One of Worcester’s oldest buildings is the place to go for Halloween activities. The Commandery, Worcester has over 800 years of history, making it one of the best places to go for spooky activities this October. From Tuesday 27 October through to Friday 30 there will be safe spooktacular events for all the family to enjoy during the half term break.
Children of all ages can enjoy the Ghoulish Ghost Trail and Creepy Craft Bags.
Read more... https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18813466.love-local-business-enjoy-halloween-half-term-fun-worcester/
The Worc Social: A weekend spent in Worcester
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Letter for Businesses and Local Residents
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre 2019 – Useful information from the City Council
| · Thursday 28 November, 12pm-9pm | · Saturday 30 November, 10am-8pm |
| · Friday 29 November, 11am-9pm | · Sunday 1 December, 11am-5pm |
This newsletter is for local residents and businesses to update you on plans for the 2019 Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre. We appreciate your patience during the build-up and staging of the event, and would like to provide information on the local traffic and access arrangements that will be in place.
Your needs are considered at every stage of the planning for the event but we understand there will necessarily be an impact on a number of people affected by the road closures and additional visitors to the city. The entire event team will work to keep any disruptions to a minimum and appreciate your support at this time. Our contact details are at the end of this letter if you have any queries not covered.
The Fayre Area
Stalls will be located in New Street, Friar Street, Pump Street, High Street, the Cornmarket and Cathedral Square. Stalls are selected and managed by our market operator LSD Promotions who have promised Victorian dress, local producers and Fayre favourites with quality products.
As in previous years, we would encourage businesses across the city to get involved with the Fayre as much as possible. You are able to sell goods outside of your premises as long as they are the same as the goods for sale inside your shop (though, as always, please be confident that you trade within your agreed licenses and have the necessary insurance and documentation). Worcestershire Regulatory Services have provided more information on licensing guidance. Please note that the last day for submitting a TEN application for alcohol sales is 13th November 2019.
Entertainment
A full programme of entertainment has been planned for the weekend, with a number of traditional Victorian entertainers lined up to amuse the crowd and plenty of Christmas music as carol singers fill the streets. Programmes will be distributed in the week before the event, please take a copy to see details and timings of entertainment or visit our website: www.worcesterchristmasfayre.co.uk.
Stages will be located in Cathedral Square, Bell Square and at the Cardinals Hat, with additional activities taking place on New Street, the Shambles, The Hopmarket and around the city centre.
Access during the event
The Victorian Christmas Fayre takes place in Worcester city centre and access to this area will be restricted through the opening hours of the event and during stallholder set up and breakdown.
We recommend that deliveries are re-scheduled to times outside of the Fayre where possible. Vehicles will not be allowed access once the road closures are in place so deliveries during this time will need to be brought in by foot.
Please be aware that Cornmarket Car Park will be closed from the afternoon of Wednesday 27 November until the morning of Monday 2 December. Signage will be in place, but businesses are advised to recommend alternate parking to customers where possible. A full list of car parks can be found at www.worcester.gov/parking.
Businesses and residents who normally have access to private off road parking spaces which are inaccessible during the event may be eligible for a FREE parking permit at St Martin’s Gate car park to cover the period of the event. For more information, please contact the team on 01905 722501 or email christmas@worcester.gov.uk.
Road Closures
Full details of the times and locations for the road closures and traffic restrictions are as follows:
| Road Closures 2019 | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| 27th November | 28th November | 29th November | 30th November | 1st December | |
| Angel Place | 09:00 - 23:00 | 09:00 - 23:00 | 09:00 - 22:00 | 09:00 - 20:00 | |
| Broad Street | 09:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Carden Street | Bay suspension only | ||||
| Cathedral Square | Wednesday 27th November 18:00 to Sunday 1st December 23:00 | ||||
| Charles Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Copenhagen Street (High Street to Deansway) |
18:00 to 21:00 |
07:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
| Cornmarket | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Friar Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| High Street (Pump Street to
Elgar Statue) |
04:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
|
| High Street (Pump Street to The Cross) |
07:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
|
| Mealcheapen Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| New Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| Pump Street (Charles Street to The Shambles) |
04:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
|
| Pump Street (The Shambles to High Street) |
09:00 - 23:00 |
08:00 – 22:00 |
07:00 - 21:00 |
08:00 - 23:00 |
|
| Queen Street (St Nicholas St - The Trinity) |
Wednesday 27th November 18:00 to Sunday 1st December 23:00 |
||||
| The Shambles | 07:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22.00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
| The Trinity & Queen Street | Thursday 28th November 04:00 to Sunday 1st December 23:00 | ||||
| Union Street | 04:00 - 23:00 | 08:00 – 22.00 | 07:00 - 21:00 | 08:00 - 23:00 | |
Dedicated stewards will work with West Mercia Police to try and help anyone with legitimate access needs in the areas covered by road closures.
To try to minimise the impact on traffic, a Park and Ride service will be in operation from County Hall on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December. All visitors will be encouraged to use these where possible. In addition, Fayre stallholders have been offered car parking outside of the city centre to alleviate the impact on local residents and visitors.
Community Carol Service and Opening Ceremony
We would like to invite you to attend the Community Carol service taking place at Worcester Cathedral from 4.45pm to 5.15pm on Thursday 28 November. This will be followed by a procession to the Victorian carousel in the Cornmarket.
Thank you from us
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre benefits the whole county of Worcestershire in a variety of ways and contributes an additional boost to the economy of more than £7.3 million a year. However, we are aware that not everyone enjoys or gets a direct benefit from the event and we could not run this event without the support and understanding of locals who we know can be inconvenienced.
If you would like to speak to somebody before the event or during the trading hours of the Fayre, please contact the Fayre team on 01905 722501 or email christmas@worcester.gov.uk.
We hope that you will join us at the Fayre and enjoy the event!
