Worcester Paint Festival is back for 2022!
Worcester Paint Festival (WPF) is an annual city festival bringing renowned names in the street art scene to the city to create a high quality, outdoor free public art trail. You may have seen the murals last September so be prepared for more!
Date: September 17th & 18th with artists starting to paint from Mon12th.
Please contact Kate on worcesterpaintfestival.co.uk if you have a wall that needs a brighten up or would like to sponsor the event in 2023!
FEEL GOOD FOOD IS COMING TO WORCESTER
Korean-inspired eatery Grounded Kitchen is set to open on 29th July on Foregate Street, in the heart of Worcester. This all-new taste sensation will revolutionise how people in the area eat, with its wide range of delicious and nutritious dishes that combine balanced, fresh ingredients with the rich, exciting flavours of Korea.
Grounded Kitchen’s passion for Korean-inspired food is bigger than punchy flavours, though. It’s about giving you a helping hand towards living a healthier, happier more balanced lifestyle. This all stems from Grounded Kitchen’s mantra of ‘Feel Good Food’.
The made-to-order Nourish Bowls make it easy for you to create a dish that suits your tastebuds – and dietary needs. They consist of fresh vegetables such as spinach, carrots, beetroot, peppers, avocado, edamame, sweet potato, spring onions, Korean Kimchi and fresh chillies, on a bed of brown or white rice infused with a range of intense and authentic marinades.
Choose from the aromatic Bulgogi or turn up the heat with the spicy Buldak Fire. You can tailor your bowl however you want with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, from spiced mushrooms, potato, tofu or tempeh, while meat and fish eaters are kept satisfied with sizzling king prawns, angus beef, wild salmon or chicken. Whatever bowl you go for, you can be certain you’ll experience mouthful after mouthful of pure joy.
Alongside the Nourish Bowls, you can choose from filling SsamBaps and Korean Bao, as well as a range of Quenchers that you can select from to suit your mood. Try the refreshing Acai, with strawberries, blueberries, mango and acai, or the Detox Quencher which includes spinach, avocado, lime, basil, apple and spirulina. All are topped with a delicious mix of desiccated coconut, granola, almonds, strawberries and blueberries.
The 960 square foot store will seat 20 diners and create up to 20 new jobs in the city. Like all the stores within the Grounded Kitchen family, everybody that uses the Worcester store will be made to feel comfortable and welcome. You can choose to eat in or take away, plus there’s a delivery service through partners Deliveroo. Store opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 10:00-22:00.
This is the company’s eighth store opening and is an important milestone for the brand as it continues its expansion. To celebrate, the Grounded Kitchen Worcester team are offering 20% off all collection and dine in orders for their first month after opening.
Ralph Llanwarne, Grounded Kitchen’s franchise director, comments: “We’re very excited about opening our first store in Worcester. We pride ourselves on delivering meals so tasty that people forget that our basic focus is on a healthy balance, and we are delighted that the local community will now be able to experience our Korean Nourish Bowls at Grounded Kitchen for themselves.”
So, if you're a fan of clean eating and want to enjoy delicious and nutritious dishes – or simply love sampling new flavours – make sure you try Grounded Kitchen’s feel good food!
For more information follow @getgroundeduk or head to www.groundedkitchen.com for our full menu.
Grounded Kitchen, 7 Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DB
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
Robin Walker explores the fantastic, varied and independent business offerings in Reindeer Court
Our fantastic, varied and independent business district, Reindeer Court, was visited today by local MP, Robin Walker, who toured the exciting and developing business offerings within the area. Reindeer Court is a must visit in any trip to Worcester. Take a walk through the arcade entrance, accessed from the Shambles, New Street or Mealcheapen Street to discover a hub of independents. Check out mid-century glass wear, earthenware and more at Ware, or discover a new favourite tipple at Bottles Wine Shop, or are plants more your thing? Make it Plantamamita and turn your house into a little Garden of Eden. Reindeer Court is also home to delicious donuts at Izzy's Ices and Donuts and you can even step into doggy heaven in the new Hugo and Ted, offering gorgeous dog items and matching human pieces for all those summer walks.
Justin Schiffmann, owner of Ware, said that "it was a pleasure to welcome Robin Walker to Ware and Reindeer Court -after an ‘eventful’ week. He was delighted to see so many new and unique businesses choosing Worcester and Reindeer Court as the home for their new businesses. He took the time to meet several owners and learn a bit about their journey to business owning."
We very much agree with Justin that “the future of Reindeer Court is brighter than it has been for a long time and now is an excellent time to add it to your shopping trip to the city.”
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.
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.
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.