The launch of the Worcester Festival saw a huge crowd gather outside the Guildhall to welcome the magnificent Gugge 2000, a brilliant feel good brass and percussion band in exuberant costumes who had travelled from Bournemouth to entertain us and create a wonderful buzz of excitement in the city.

It was a pleasure to visit all the stall holders at the Riverside Arts Fayre on South Quay. The stall holders and their wares captured the imagination with the breath-taking and elaborate art on display. Thank you to the organisers for making this happen.

Worcester went quackers when hundreds of people lined the bridge and riverside to witness the St Richard’s Hospice Duck Race. An amazing £2,800 was raised on the day for this brilliant charity. It was a sight to behold, my favourite decorated duck, El Quacko, led a good race before running out of quacks. I was ensured no ducks were harmed in the process!

The bells were calling on Sunday morning when I decided to tackle my vertigo and head for the dizzy heights of the Cathedral tower, where I was enthralled with the bell ringers and witnessed their mini peel. Worcester is a world leader in bell ringing and our training facilities and school are the envy of the bell-ringing world. Not only is this a skill that requires timing and rhythm, it also provides a good work out – so it may be time to hang up the cricket boots!

The Worcester Show was a big success, with thousands visiting Gheluvelt Park despite the rain. The sheer variety of activities and stalls on offer meant there was something to suit every taste or need. A huge logistical effort meant this was another smooth operation and successful event. Thank you to organisers and city council officers for a show that keeps growing in stature and prestige year-on-year.

I am as always proud and humbled to live in this wonderful city which has so much good will and love, and so much to offer.