MAYOR’S WEEK: 15 – 21 MARCH 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 15 – 21 MARCH 2026

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The Mayor with a group of Japanese students, in the Guildhall Parlour
The Mayor with students from Okinawa, Japan

This week at the Guildhall has been a wonderful reminder of the sheer variety of people and stories that pass through this historic building, each bringing something unique to the heart of our city.

On Monday, I had the pleasure of meeting Queen Victoria – or rather Polly Parsons, whose remarkable portrayal of the great monarch brings history vividly to life. It was a real joy to show her the magnificent portrait of Queen Victoria that hangs in the Assembly Room, a striking piece that always captures visitors’ attention. We also spent time in the Mayor’s Parlour with Queen Victoria’s throne, a fascinating artefact used by the monarch during her visit to Aston Manor in Birmingham in 1858 and later gifted to the city in 1870. This historic chair has even travelled internationally, forming part of an exhibition of 50 world thrones at the Palace of Versailles in 2011 – an extraordinary journey for a piece so closely tied to Worcester’s civic story.

Tuesday brought a very different but equally enriching experience, as I welcomed a group of students from Okinawa, Japan, who are spending two weeks in Worcester. It was a privilege to give them a tour of the Guildhall and to share something about our city’s history and traditions. We rounded off their visit with refreshments in the Parlour, where the students were fascinated by the mayoral regalia and kept me on my toes with some interesting questions! Encounters like this highlight the importance of international friendship and the role Worcester can play in fostering it.

On Wednesday, I was honoured to receive a group of women army veterans at the Guildhall. Their visit was both humbling and inspiring. After a tour of the building, we gathered for tea and cakes – kindly provided by Councillor Pat Agar, the Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, who joined us for the occasion. It was a valuable opportunity to listen, reflect, and recognise the contribution these women have made through their service. The Guildhall felt exactly as it should in that moment: a place of welcome, respect, and community.

Taken together, these visits reflect the Guildhall at its best – not simply as a historic building, but as a living space where history, culture, service, and international friendship come together.

Finally, I would encourage residents to support a fantastic upcoming concert: Beyond the Barricade, taking place at the Swan Theatre on Thursday 16 April at 7:30pm, in aid of Acorns Hospice. It promises to be a superb evening of music from the world of musical theatre, all while supporting a truly vital local charity. Tickets are available via the Swan Theatre website, and I hope to see many of you there supporting such an important cause.

The Mayor and a woman dressed as Queen Victoria standing next to a portrait of the real Queen Victoria in the Guidhall
The Mayor and Queen Victoria impersonator Polly Parsons with the Guildhall’s portrait of the real Queen Victoria
MAYOR’S WEEK: 8 – 14 MARCH 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 8 – 14 MARCH 2026

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The Mayor and Councillor Lynn Denham raising the Commonwealth Flag

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of beginning the day in Cathedral Square for Worcester’s annual celebration of Commonwealth Day with the raising of the Commonwealth of flag. It was a simple but meaningful ceremony, marking our city’s connection to a global community of nations bound together by shared history, co-operation and a commitment to mutual progress.

This year’s Commonwealth theme is “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” The theme focuses particularly on creating opportunities through education, skills and entrepreneurship, with a special emphasis on young people and women. It is a reminder that the strength of the Commonwealth lies not only in its shared past but in its ability to work together to build a better future.

The Commonwealth is an organisation that I personally feel remains hugely important, and one that we perhaps do not always celebrate as much as we should. It connects 56 counties and 2.7 billion people across every continent, representing an extraordinary diversity of cultures and peoples, yet united by common values such as democracy, partnership and opportunity. At a time when the world can often feel increasingly divided, those principles matter more than ever.

I was very pleased that the Leader of the Council, Lynn Denham, was able to join the ceremony. Moments like these remind us that Worcester is not only a historic city with a strong local identity, but also part of a much wider international family.

Later in the week I had the honour of attending another very special event in the magnificent surroundings of Worcester Guildhall. Together with Ian Smith, the High Sheriff for Worcestershire and Louis Stephen, Chair of Worcestershire County Council, we joined the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, for the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets Awards Ceremony.

This annual event recognises outstanding young people from cadet units across Worcestershire who have been nominated by their organisations to serve as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for the coming civic year. In this role they assist the Lord Lieutenant in carrying out official duties throughout the county, supporting civic and ceremonial occasions that bring our communities together.

One of the most inspiring parts of the evening was hearing reflections from last year’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets, who spoke warmly about their experiences over the past 12 months. Their contributions highlighted not only the pride they feel in representing their units and their county, but also the confidence, leadership and sense of service that the cadet forces nurture in young people.

It was wonderful to share the occasion with family, friends, members of the armed forces and the cadets themselves. Events like this remind us that the future of Worcestershire is in very good hands indeed. The dedication, discipline and enthusiasm shown by these young people is truly inspiring, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 1 – 7 MARCH 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 1 – 7 MARCH 2026

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Over the past week it has been a pleasure to take part in a number of engagements that highlight the very best of Worcester – our commitment to heritage, our support for those in need, and the importance we place on inspiring the next generation.

One of the most joyful engagements of the week was visiting Tudor Grange Primary Academy on World Book Day with the Mayoress, Cllr Zoe Cookson.

Zoe had been invited to read her own picture book, Odd Job Frog, to pupils in Reception, Year One and Year Two. The children were a fantastic audience and had clearly embraced the spirit of the day, with many arriving dressed as their favourite book characters.

Zoe read the story while I helped bring it to life using Frog and Mouse puppets, which proved very popular with the pupils.

World Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to encourage a love of reading from an early age. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm of the pupils and to spend time sharing the joy that stories can bring.

Cllr Matt Lamb and Cllr Zoe Cookson

Worcester Guildhall provided the setting for an important event marking 20 years of the work of Nightstop.

I had the privilege of opening “Nightstop in Action: Meet the Team – Working to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Worcestershire,” which brought together supporters, partners, volunteers and members of the community.

Nightstop provides emergency accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness through trained volunteer hosts, offering not only a safe place to stay but also practical and emotional support at a moment of crisis.

For two decades the organisation has offered safety, stability and dignity to young people who might otherwise face extremely difficult circumstances.

The event was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the impact of that work, to watch a short film about the organisation’s journey over the past 20 years, and to meet the dedicated team who make it possible.

Preventing youth homelessness requires compassion, collaboration and community support, and Worcestershire should be proud of what Nightstop has achieved.

The Guildhall also hosted the annual Mayor’s lecture with the Worcester Civic Society.

The Civic Society plays an important role in championing Worcester’s historic environment, promoting good design and encouraging a deeper appreciation of the city’s heritage.

More than 90 guests gathered in the Assembly Room for an evening focused on collaborative conservation. My thanks go to Stephen Hartland, who delivered a fascinating talk on Victorian and Edwardian architecture and the value of working together to protect our built heritage.

The event also supported my mayoral charity, Acorns Children’s Hospice, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 22 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

MAYOR’S WEEK: 22 – 28 FEBRUARY 2026

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This week has been one of extraordinary range – from stepping back two thousand years into the past, to celebrating the vibrancy of our present-day communities, and pausing together to reflect on a defining moment in modern European history.

First, I was delighted to attend the Living History event here in Worcester. It was a truly head-turning experience, bringing to life two millennia of history – from the Romans who once marched through our city, to the courage and endurance of explorers in the frozen wastes of the Antarctic.

What struck me most was the enthusiasm of the re-enactors and volunteers, whose passion made history tangible and immediate.

Events like this remind us that Worcester is not only a city with a rich heritage, but one that knows how to share it in engaging and imaginative ways. Seeing families, children and residents of all ages interacting with the displays demonstrated the power of history to inspire curiosity and civic pride.

Cllr Matt Lamb with at the Living History event

I then had the great pleasure of joining celebrations for Chinese New Year. This was a joyful and colourful occasion, marked by warmth, generosity and a strong sense of community.

Worcester is strengthened immeasurably by its diversity, and occasions like this give us an opportunity both to celebrate cultural traditions and to deepen understanding between communities.

The performances – particularly the traditional lion dance – were a real highlight, full of energy and symbolism. It was a privilege to welcome guests and to reflect on the contribution that our Chinese community makes to the social, cultural and economic life of our city. At a time when the world can often feel divided, these shared celebrations are powerful reminders of unity and friendship.

Finally, I attended an event marking four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia. This was a much more solemn occasion.

We gathered in reflection and solidarity – remembering lives lost, families separated, and communities devastated by war. It was deeply moving to hear members of Worcester’s Ukrainian community speak with such dignity and resilience.

While the conflict continues to cause immense suffering, the strength and determination shown by Ukrainians, both at home and abroad, remain extraordinary. As a city, Worcester has stood in support of Ukraine over these past four years, and it was important to reaffirm that commitment.

Taken together, these three events reflect the breadth of civic life in our city: honouring our past, celebrating our diversity, and standing in solidarity during times of hardship. It has been a week that encapsulates what public service is truly about – community, remembrance and hope.