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.
Museum of Royal Worcester celebrates 70 royal years in Porcelain with the help of Stanley Road Primary School
Museum of Royal Worcester celebrates 70 royal years in Porcelain with the help of Stanley Road Primary School
The Museum of Royal Worcester has been awarded a grant from the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Jubilee Fund, administered by Worcester Community Foundation, ensuring that creativity plays an important role in local community celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Sophie Heath, Museum Director said “Thanks to the grant adults and children can get creative all summer at the Museum of Royal Worcester. We’ll be celebrating with an exciting programme of royal-themed creative activities. From Saturday 28 May until Sunday 4 September, we have a special exhibition exploring 70 royal years in Worcester Porcelain and our connections to Queen Elizabeth II. You’ll see samples of things made for her use, royal commemoratives marking milestones in her life, and records of her two visits to the Royal Worcester factory.
Children from Stanley Road Primary School visited the Museum in May for a hands-on creative workshop with local artist, Fliss O’Neill. We are delighted to show you their wonderful array of Very Special Plate designs fit for the Queen and inspired by Royal Worcester, which will be on display too. Throughout the Summer you’ll be able to contribute to our creative artwork wall in the display where we’re asking what you’re celebrating in 2022. Our ceramic studio is offering Jubilee shapes so you can choose to paint-your-own royal-themed mug, princess carriage or crown as a commemorative souvenir.”
Wednesday 1 June is Jubilee Party Day at the Museum and everyone is invited to take part in creative arts activities inside and outside the Museum. You can get involved and help create our Big Tea Party Wall celebratory artwork with artist Fliss O’Neill on the day. Our Pop-Up Museum will be back in the courtyard, with royal-themed crafty activities. There will be tea-tasting and bite-sized gallery talks. Book at www.museumofroyalworcester.org/jubilee
Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England said “The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund is a wonderful example of our ambition to give everyone the opportunity to participate in and experience the arts, culture and creativity – made possible thanks to National Lottery players. This June, we’ll see communities across England coming together to celebrate a historic milestone for this country. I’m excited to see these projects brought to life in villages, towns and cities across the country as our wonderfully creative communities celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”
Rosemary Macdonald, CEO, UK Community Foundations, said: “For community foundations, people and places are the priority and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is a unique opportunity for people to get together and celebrate in their communities. We are proud to have connected Arts Council England with local organisations whose imaginative and exciting projects and collaborations with professional artists will bring communities together to enjoy marking this milestone moment in our history.”
HM The Queen Elizabeth II is the first monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, having overtaken Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning monarch in 2015. Her reign has been marked by a commitment to public service, reflected by her extensive programme of engagements at home and abroad, and support for over 600 cultural organisations, charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations.
Over 50 Jobs Created in Worcester Town Centre as The Botanist Gets Ready for Summer Opening!
Known for its lavish botanical themed interiors, award-winning bar and restaurant The Botanist has announced that it’s now hiring a full team to run operations at its new Cathedral Square venue, with 50-60 roles available.
Hopeful of a July opening, the brand is looking for front and back of house staff, from Chefs to Servers to Bartenders, and encourages creativity, individuality and personal flair from its employees.
Roles are also advertised for a Duty Manager and Sous Chef to join the growing team.
Rachel Guy, Openings Manager at New World Trading Company added, “Our stunning new opening brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals to join us. Joining us at the beginning of our journey means you’ll be bringing our unique brand to life with the help of award-winning training.
“Our in-house Management Academy & Future Managers programme offers transparent career pathways and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”
To find out more about the opportunities available and apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/opening-roles.
The brand is also on the hunt for talented local musicians, across a range of genres including rock, pop, soul and R&B, to join its roster of artists in delivering live entertainment at the new venue. To apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/music-recruitment.
Worcester’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s world-class cocktails, extensive craft beer offering and famed hanging kebabs. Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social venue, ideal for family meals, sophisticated evenings and celebrating special occasions.
To stay up to date with The Botanist Worcester’s opening, follow it’s Facebook page or sign up to its newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive invites and offers for the opening week.
Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce their new appointment Crystal Thompson as Business Engagement & Marketing Executive
Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) are delighted to announce their new appointment Crystal Thompson as Business Engagement & Marketing Executive.
Crystal joined the BID team in 2021. Since joining, Crystal has worked on creating a new social media presence across platforms Instagram and TikTok as well as including the BID district in journalistic work and magazines to target vast audiences. Crystal has also been developing key business relationships in the city centre and looks forward to expanding partnership and stakeholder engagement.
Crystal has a background in editorial work and business marketing. Having grown up in Worcester and returning to call it home once again following studies, Crystal has strong ties to the city and has a real passion for improving trading standards in the city.
Crystal said: “Worcester has a fantastic mix of independent and high street businesses that make a visit to the city centre feel unique. Worcester provides a local, friendly feel due to its size and its welcoming business owners – it truly offers a far more personable experience than larger cities”.
Contact Crystal if you would like to get your BID business involved with any promotional activities.
Crystal.thompson@worcesterbid.com
Exciting News from Bottles HQ!
A message from Bottles HQ to you!
Exciting News from Bottles HQ! After lots of lovely feedback and the growing success of our Wine Shop we will now be extending our opening times and utilising the gorgeous space within and above the shop for full ‘Drink In’ service. Customers will have access to our FULL range of wines to drink in the comfort of our beautiful and classic Wine Shop.
New opening times will be;
- Monday-Friday 10am-10pm
- Saturday 9am-10pm
- Sunday 10am-5pm
Not only will you have access to our incredibly versatile wine list, but we will also be stocking only the most premium spirits and a small selection of European bottled beers (for those that don’t fancy the vino!)
We will also be offering taster ‘Wine Flights’ accompanied with bites of perfectly paired cheese & meat, as well as full cheese or charcuterie boards. Kick back in the cosy comfort of our ‘Bordeaux Room.’ Think; old oak Barrels, warm glowing tapered candles and of course our trained sommeliers on hand to guide you through our unique and extensive collection of wine. This could be your new weekly (or multiple times weekly!) spot to kick back after a hard day at work.
We also offer outdoor seating as those summer nights are just on the horizon, our shop is situated in the heart of Worcester’s historic city Centre in Reindeer Court (WR1 2DS.)
So what are you waiting for? We’re just waiting for you!
What's new in Worcester? And how can your shopping support Ukraine?
What's New In Worcester?
Art is Ar't has its official opening!
Mayor Stephen Hodges with the ribbon
Having arrived in Worcester from Redditch in December 2021, Art is Ar't had its Official Opening day on Saturday just gone, 26th of March. The Mayor, Stephen Hodges, performed the duty of cutting the ribbon and announcing the gallery as officially open at 10.30 am. A small gathering was there for the ribbon-cutting, made up of the gallery staff and some local artists and their partners.
Dermot O’Connor, Owner
Gallery owner Dermot O’Connor said "visitors to the gallery were greeted with Prosecco and small bites to eat throughout the day, to help us to celebrate our arrival in the city centre, which was needed in order to expand our business operations. Based in Crowngate, opposite the House Of Fraser, the move here has proved very successful, with good footfall to the gallery from the shoppers in Worcester, resulting in a good level of art sales and wonderful feedback from locals and visitors to the city alike. As a Fine Art gallery, we exhibit and sell original works of art and exclusive Limited Edition prints by award-winning, world-renowned artists. We also give up wall space for local artists to show and sell their art too."
Some of the gathering for the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Throughout the day, local artists met with the public and talk about themselves and their art. There was also a crafting table set up for the children of the visitors. Being Mother’s Day on the Sunday, 27th, children were able to decorate wooden hearts and plaques with colouring pens and stick on shapes, for their mums, for a personalised Mother’s Day gift.
Some of the childrens’ decorated hearts
The event was a big success. Make sure to check out the new gallery when you are next visiting the City Centre.
How can your shopping support Ukraine?
The Entertainer is running a fundraising appeal to support the work of both the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army in their response work to the Ukraine crisis.
As of Thursday 31st March, 100% of proceeds (excluding VAT) from selected Mattel products sold in The Entertainer stores will be donated to the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army’s Ukraine Crisis Appeals. The programme features four of The Entertainer’s best-selling Mattel products; the Barbie You Can Be Anything Travel playset, Hot Wheels Infinity playset, Scrabble and Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn 123 Schoolbook Activity Toy. The Entertainer is providing the funds up-front to both the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army’s Ukraine Crisis Appeals ahead of the sales programme launch, to ensure families and those affected can receive urgent support.
These toys will be in a prominent location in-store to make them easy to find. So if you were considering buying a scrabble set, make it The Entertainer to provide support to Ukraine.
The Botanist Confirms It’s Coming to Worcester!
The Botanist – one of the UK’s most celebrated bar-and-restaurant brands – has today confirmed rumours that it has signed up to Cathedral Square, giving town centre visitors and workers even more to look forward to as we head into spring.
Set to open to the public later this year, the award-winning flagship brand of acclaimed bar, pub and restaurant operator New World Trading Company is renowned for its lavish botanical-themed interiors.
Worcester’s winers and diners can look forward to The Botanist’s world-class cocktails, extensive craft beer offering and famed hanging kebabs. Live music is another key ingredient in helping to create a relaxed and atmospheric experience-led social venue, ideal for family meals, sophisticated evenings and celebrating special occasions.
Samuel Pisani, Centre Manager at Cathedral Square Worcester said, “As the Centre Manager of Cathedral Square, I am thrilled and excited that we can now share the news that The Botanist will be joining our scheme in the heart of Worcester.
Not only will The Botanist be a great addition to the mix of retail and leisure that we currently have, but they will also add further employment opportunities to the local community.
The Botanist share the vision of our Owners and Centre Management Team in offering a diverse and exciting retail and leisure experience for our customers and we look forward to them opening their doors to the public this Spring.”
Natasha Waterfield, Chief Operating Officer at New World Trading Company said, “Bringing our unique concepts to new cities and towns for the first time is always an exciting moment for the business.
“Cathedral Square is an exciting new lifestyle destination which aligns with our brand vision. We can’t wait for the residents of Worcester to experience our truly immersive offer at The Botanist.”
Rachel Guy, Openings Manager at New World Trading Company added, “Our stunning new opening brings the opportunity for exceptional individuals to join us. We’re currently recruiting a management team to join us at The Botanist Worcester. Those interested in joining our team will receive award-winning training and the chance to progress across our nationwide brand family.”
Keep an eye out for job opportunities at https://nwtc.uk.com/careers.
The brand is also on the hunt for talented local musicians, across a range of genres including rock, pop, soul and R&B, to join its roster of artists in delivering live entertainment at the new venue. To apply, visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/music-recruitment.
Worcester stands with Ukraine & Downloadable Poster for your window
In Worcester, we have seen the Guildhall lit up in the Ukrainian yellow and blue and a Ukrainian flag flying at Worcester Cathedral. Shopfronts, such as Peplow Jewellers (find them @peplowjewellers on Facebook), have started displaying their solidarity with Ukraine by decorating their window displays. The fabulous Piston Distillery (@pistondistillery) has even been painting their vodka bottles with the flag, with all profits from painted bottles sold going straight to Unicef Ukraine. You can find their shop in the bio of their Facebook page.
If you would like to show your support for Ukraine you can download our A4 window sign HERE.
Printed copies will be available shortly. If you would like a printed copy for your businesses window, please message us and we will add you to our distribution list to bring printed posters to you.
We would love to see what you or your business has been doing to support Ukraine. Tag Worcester BID (@WorcesterBID on Facebook) in your photos (@makeitworc on Instagram) to be shared.
NEW April and May Tuesday Training courses are now available for booking
Are you a BID Business? Join Worcester BID for Tuesday Training and let’s make Worcester safer together.
Tuesday Training is a 2022 initiative aiming to bring useful and free training courses to Worcester BID members. We want Worcester to feel safe for everyone in both the day and night. We believe it is imperative that health-based training is offered to create a safer community, a safer city and to make your staff feel trained and ready.
We will be running training throughout 2022 for you and your staff to utilise. You may now sign up to the new following free training programmes for April/May:
- [AED] Defibrillator Training
- First Aid
- Food Hygiene (Please register interest - dates to be released soon)
- Conflict Management Training and Physical Intervention
- Health and Safety With Risk Assessment
To find out more about how we can support your BID business press here to open the interactive .pdf and explore what we have on offer and what each course entails. Dates and times for each course may also be found in the document attached.
To book, please forward your chosen courses and dates to gloria.hawthorn@worcesterbid.com.
FREE Digital Marketing Training - Book Now!
Join Worcester BID and the Worcester City Council for FREE digital marketing training for all businesses
As part of the Welcome Back funding to support the recovery of the High Street and to future proof our businesses Worcester BID and Worcester City Council are pleased to announce a series of digital marketing training. Supporting businesses to develop skills, strengthen SEO, raise awareness and engage with larger audiences.
Training is available to any business member within the City Council district. This training is open to all businesses as part of the Welcome Back Fund.
What courses are available to your business?
All training will run 9.30 AM - 12.30 PM (variations may occur depending on the course taken).
7th March - Social media that works for you / 1-2 hours
Social media, the importance and how to make it work for you. Creating content, building communities and making a plan.
8th March - Benchmarking your analysis / 1-2 hours
Why analytics are important, how to analyse them and why you need to understand your importance to improve your overall profile.
14th March - Digital advertising made easy. / 1-2 hours
Pay per click advertising, display advertising, social media advertising and paying to reach new audiences.
15th March - Creating a digital strategy / 2-3 hours
Digital marketing strategy involves an assessment of specific goals that are achievable through online channels, we will use the time to create one for your business.
21st March - Content planning and scheduling / 1-2 hours
How to plan your content, create calendars, using local events to your advantage and prepare for it.
22nd March - SEO and why websites work / 2-3 hours
Getting started with on-page SEO, application of technical SEO, keyword research and using Google business listing to be seen more.
28th March - How to rank for the web and secrets of growth / 1-2 hours
How to write for the web, understanding landing pages, keyword application and the power of blogging, beating Google.. or at least getting close.
29th March - SEO strategies made easy / 1-2 hours
SEO strategy is a detailed plan to improve a website's search engine rankings in order to capture more organic traffic, we will use the course time to create one.
4th April - Practical Marketing / 1-2 hours
Marketing strategies, trending techniques, measuring success and applying immediate marketing actions.
5th April - Everything web and your digital storefront / 2-3 hours
SEO content strategies, how to improve your digital storefront, optimisation for small businesses and creating a stronger website.
11th April - Digital marketing and PR let's break it down / 2-3 hours
Raising your overall PR perspective, utilising local channels, local events and utilising the community to raise your profile.
12th April - Tik Tok, new audiences and you / 1-2 hours
Why TikTok is one of the most powerful social media platforms, how to utilise it and what the next steps are to reach new audiences.
18th April - Top-ups and deeper learning based on what people found difficult / 1-2 hours
We will use this time for extra learning, anything that course attendees struggled with or want more detail.
19th April - Wrap up questions and how to manage it / 1-2 hours
Within this course we will wrap up the entire course, what has been learnt and follow up questions and getting ready to keep growing your business.