At Worcester City Council, we are committed to ensuring that our city remains a welcoming place for everyone to live, work and visit.
We take pride in celebrating the strength and diversity of our communities and the city’s community centres, cultural venues and sports centres serve as vibrant hubs where people from all backgrounds can meet, learn and connect.
Community celebrations are central to our work, with the City Council hosting events such as the Worcester Show, Eurofest, and the upcoming Black History Month event at the Guildhall on Saturday 18 October.
The St George’s Flag and Union Flag are flown at the Guildhall as symbols of unity, and we are proud of our civic events calendar, including remembrance events.
The flags are a symbol of unity and should bring people together in moments of national celebration and more solemn occasions.
Recently, we have seen more flags displayed on lampposts across the city and have received a range of feedback from residents.
Some residents have voiced support for the St George’s Flag being widely displayed, while others think that having so many flags is divisive and feel intimidated.
For clarification, Worcestershire County Council is responsible for lampposts and street furniture on the highway and public footpaths in Worcester. Flags that pose a potential highway safety risk should be reported to them.
Graffiti or flyposting on City Council property can be reported directly to Worcester City Council.
Anybody who believes a criminal offence has been committed should contact West Mercia Police on their website, or by telephoning 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Worcester City Council is committed to creating a city where everyone can prosper—through secure livelihoods, inclusive growth, good health and wellbeing, access to education, and a strong sense of belonging.
Fostering strong, connected communities, built on shared pride, kindness and mutual respect is a priority
Community safety is based on having strong and engaged communities. This helps make Worcester a city where people share a sense of ownership and pride, grounded in kindness and mutual respect.
The City Council and our partners are here to support residents through challenging times and periods of raised community tension.
We also support the work of Worcestershire Interfaith forum and promote the greater understanding of all religious groups across Worcester.
Councillor Lynn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council said: “I want to reassure all residents that our city remains a safe and happy place to live, where everyone should feel they belong.
“Worcester has been named one of the happiest places to live, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to be so for everybody of all backgrounds.
“It is through partnership working across our communities that Worcester is a place for us all to call home.
“The City Council is united in this approach, and I thank my fellow councillors from across political parties for their support.”
Councillor Alex Mace, Co-Leader of the Green Group on Worcester City Council said: “Everyone in Worcester has much in common with their neighbours and everyone who calls the faithful city home.
“Those shared experiences, passions and goals are what make us the proud people of Worcester; any differences we have are part of the rich tapestry that binds us together.
“We cheer together at the return of Worcester Warriors to Sixways. We come together to enjoy the Worcester Show in the summer, or the Victorian Fayre at Christmas.
“We enjoy our beautiful Cathedral and green spaces. We have much to look forward to, together.
“Together we are Worcester and Worcester is all of us. Everyone is welcome here.”
Councillor Jessie Jagger, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Worcester City Council said: “People in our city show kindness, respect and a genuine sense of neighbourliness every day.
“We believe freedom matters most when it is mindful of the rights of others, bringing people together rather than driving them apart.
“By listening to one another and acting with understanding, we can keep Worcester the welcoming and inclusive city we are all proud to call home.”
